Video Clip Series: A Variety of Taekwondo Kicks

A VARIETY OF TAEKWONDO KICKS

Such a high kick is impressive to watch but not so useful for combat

Many martial artists are weary of kicks because they find them long reaching and powerful. But actually it is easy to handle kicks — if you know how and have the required skills. Taekwondo is famous for kicks. A variety of Taekwondo kicks are shown in this series. Muay Thai kicks are quite different, and will be dealt with later.

When we know how Taekwondo exponents typically attack with their kicks, it becomes easier for us to handle them. “Know yourself, and know your enemy, and you will win a hundred battles out of a hundred,” the great strategist, Sun Tzu, advises.

Please click the pictures below to view the videos

Low Kicks followed by High Kicks

Andy demonstrates a short sequence of attacks that many martial artists use. He initiates with low kicks, followed by high kicks. If the opponent moves back, Andy would jump in to bridge the gap. Training ourselves to meet such sequences of attacks is a useful way to prepare for free sparring.

Advantages of Using Stances

Most martial artists today bounce about, instead of using stances. Using stances gives us many advantages. Obviously, using stances make us stable and enables us to apply internal force more effectively. Paradoxically and surprising it may be to many people, moving in stances is faster and more agile than bouncing about.

Low, Middle and High Kicks

Andy shows another sequence of common attacks using kicks. He starts with a low kick, followed with a high kick and moves in with a middle kick. Many people would be at a loss in meeting a series of kicks. How would you counter against such attacks?

Round-House, Reverse Round-House and Thrust Punch

Here is another sequence of kicking attacks. Andy initiates with a round-house kick, continues with a reverse round-house, and follows up with a thrust punch. Although many people are weary of round-house and reverse round-house as they are powerful, it is actually easy to counter them — if you know how. Do you know how?

Continuous Round-House Kicks

Andy executes three continuous round-house kicks, which are called “hanging kicks” in kungfu terminology. In kungfu, “hanging kicks” are seldom used as they expose the exponent dangerously. They are used only when the combat situation is suitable. How would you counter these three round-house kicks.

Three Consecutive Kicks

Now Andy executes three consecutive kicks. He starts with a low kick, followed by two high kicks. Some martial artists think that kicks are superior to hand strikes because they have longer reach and are generally more powerful. This view is incorrect. Actually it is easier to counter kicks than strikes.

It is Easy to Strike the Attacker's Groin

Andy executes three side kicks, followed by a hook kick. Do you realize that it is quite easy to strike the attacker's groin while kicking? These Taekwondo kicks are different from Shaolin kicks. Shaolin kicks are seldom high, and are inconspicuous. Most importantly the Shaolin exponent is not dangerously exposed while he kicks.

Don't Block or Retreat When Facing Kicks

Andy reviews the different series of kicks he would use in attack. Many people find that kicks are usually too powerful for them to block. So they retreat when being kicked at, which is a gross mistake because this will give the attacker many advantages. They are many ways to handle kicks besides blocking and retreating. Do you know them?

You can view all the videos above by clicking the picture or the caption below

A Variety of Taekwondo Kicks from Wong Kiew Kit on Vimeo.

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Special Shaolin Kungfu Course -- Part 103

16-22 April 2007