This page teaches you how to do a Taekwondo front kick.
This basic Taekwondo kick is useful for hitting your opponent in
the groin or a snap kick to the chin.
English language instruction starts about a minute into the
first video. To learn other kicking techniques, please visit
our Taekwondo kicks
page.
Video Instructions - How to do a Taekwondo Front Kick
Written Instructions - How to Perform a Taekwondo Front Kick
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Taekwondo is well known for its superior foot techniques. The front kick is one of the most basic kicks in the martial arts. Proficiency in this kick can translate into a better technique when it comes to other kicks.
Steps
Assume a natural feeling fighting/guarding stance.
This type of stance generally has one foot back, with your torso turned partially to the side and your hands up to guard.
Your rear leg should be slightly out to the side.
Lift the kicking foot by bending the knee and placing it in front of the supporting foot.
Position your knee so that it is slightly higher than your target.
Extend your leg with your ankle relaxed and allow your instep to strike the target.
Kick! When you kick, make sure to direct your power either outward and forward as if to pierce your target. You can also aim your foot upward, almost like an uppercut. Moving your foot in an upward direction tends to be more powerful.
Pull your foot back keeping your knee bent and place your foot back on the ground back. You may place it behind you or to the front depending on your next move. Resume your fighting/guarding stance.
Tips
These instructions suggest kicking with the instep, but the ball of the foot may also be used (or the tip of the toes if shoes are worn).
To kick with the ball of the foot, when striking the ankle should be strait (like when you point your toes) with your toes pulled back.
A front kick can be performed with a snapping motion with the instep or a pushing motion with the ball of the foot. Other variations include jumping and multiple kicks.
Targets for this kick include: the knee, groin, solar plexus, chin, and face area.
When targeting the groin, strike with your toes. This creates a larger surface area, which means that you are more likely to hit dead on. Also, the groin is a soft target; there is no danger of doing damage to your foot.
Warnings
A proper warm-up and stretching routine is necessary to perform at your peak level. This preparation also prevents injuries.
If you feel discomfort during this exercise, discontinue.
Consult with a health care professional before beginning any new exercise regimen.
