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Everything You Want to Know About Tae Kwon Do Kicks

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A tae kwon do kick, or more specifically the various kicking techniques in this martial art, is one of the main things that attract students to training. As someone who has practiced tae kwon do for over 10 years now, let me try to answer all the questions a newcomer might have about kicks from my experience.

The Different Kicking Styles

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  1. Front Kick – This is basically one of the first kicks taught and a good one to learn the form for. You swing the leg straight out while keeping it parallel to the ground. Great for beginners.
  2. Roundhouse Kick – Now this one looks cool but can be tricky to master. You swing the leg in an arc and kick with the top of the foot or shin. Takes some practice to get the motion clean.
  3. Side Kick – For this one you swing the leg out sideways and kick with the heel or side of the foot. Sort of like a baseball swing motion with the leg. Not as showy as the roundhouse but very powerful.
  4. Back Kick – Probably one of the more advanced ones where you kick straight backwards over your head without looking. Takes serious flexibility and control. I’m still working on this one myself!

As you can see, different kicking styles employ different techniques. The grandmaster will probably start you out with basic front and side kicks to build coordination before progressing. But don’t get discouraged – it takes time to develop the muscle memory.

Building Kick Strength and Flexibility

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A common concern for new students is whether they have the flexibility or kicking power. But the awesome thing about tae kwon do is that it trains both over time. Some stretches I recommend at home include calf raises, hamstring stretches, and fire hydrants to open the hips. For building strength, try kicking a bag or doing squats with added weight. You’d be surprised – within a few months you’ll feel a big difference. I’ve seen some stiff guys totally transform their technique. Flexibility just comes with regular practice so don’t give up!

Common Kick Injuries to Watch Out For

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While kicking is fun and effective for self-defense, it does carry injury risks if not done properly. From my experience, some ouchies to look out for include: pulled groin muscles from improper hip engagement, shin splints from repetitive impacts without padding, and strained calves or hamstrings from aggressive stretches too fast. The key is to listen to your body and ease into higher kicks over time. Wearing safety gear like shin pads is also wise especially when practicing kicks on bags. And of course, perfecting technique under a certified instructor’s watch helps avoid many common kick boo-boos. Pain is temporary, but a black belt is forever – so protect yourself!

The Cool Factor of Learning Kicks

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If we’re being totally honest, another huge motivator to learn tae kwon do kicks is how awesome they look on demo day! I mean, nothing feels quite as epic as perfectly executing a spinning back kick or jumping roundhouse on stage. The applause and cheers are absolutely addicting. Not to mention how kick-butt it feels to proudly wear your uniform in public. Something about the karate kid vibes really pumps you up. And don’t even get me started on the look of respect people give when they find out you’re a martial artist. It’s basically like becoming a real-life superhero! The tricky kicks are hard work for sure, but the confidence and cool points you earn totally make it worth it in the end.

Putting Kicks to Practical Self-Defense Use

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While showmanship has its perks, the primary purpose of tae kwon do training is self-defense. And as someone who, knock on wood, has thankfully never had to use martial arts skills in a real altercation, I can confidently say the kicking techniques do translate effectively for protection. For example, a well-aimed side kick to create distance in a confrontation, or a rear wheel kick to ward off an attacker grabbing from behind. Striking with the heel or shin bones aims to stun without serious injury too. The form also just builds an instinctive reflex to kick out defensively if grabbed that could surprise an assailant long enough to escape. Sure, de-escalating a fight is always best – but it feels nice knowing I have these physical skills just in case, you know? Staying safe out there is goal number one.

Joining a School – Things to Consider

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By now I’m guessing you’re pumped to sign up for classes! Before settling on a dojang, here are a few tips from my experience:
• Make sure the head instructor has high ranks themselves (4th degree black belt minimum)
• Check reviews and ask around about the school’s reputation
• Visit a class to see teaching style and vibe
• Inquire about class schedules to fit your availability
• Consider any extra tournament coaching if competing interests you
• Ensure the contract terms fit your budget long-term
With quality instruction, finding a dojang that meshes with your lifestyle will ensure lasting enjoyment and skill growth in tae kwon do. It might take some school shopping but is totally worth it!

In summary, as you can see there are lots of benefits and cool factors with tae kwon do beyond just looking to the kicks. From self-confidence boosts to self-defense skill building, it’s a worthy martial art to consider. And those high kicks do look pretty sick not gonna lie! If you’re itching to channel your inner Bruce Lee, I totally recommend giving it a try. The deep learning process is long, but the journey is worthwhile my friends. Now go follow your kicks and dreams – fighting!

Tae Kwon Do Kick Techniques

Kick Muscles Used Target Area Aim
Front Kick Thigh, hip flexors Stomach, chest Ideal for beginners, distance attacks
Roundhouse Kick Glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps Side of torso or head Powerful kick, sweeps opponent’s legs
Side Kick Glutes, quadriceps Ribs or head Thrusting kick, natural from fighting stance
Back Kick Hamstrings, glutes Back of legs or back Counterattack, disables opponent from behind
Jump Kick Whole leg, core Any area above waist level Adds power from jumping, element of surprise

FAQ

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  1. What are the different types of tae kwon do kicks?

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    There are various kinds of kicks used in tae kwon do. Some main ones are the front kick, roundhouse kick, side kick and back kick. Each kick has a different way to perform it and target a different part of the opponent.

  2. How can I improve my kicking technique?

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    To get better at kicking, it’s important to practice the form repeatedly. Focus on getting good extension and stretching out your leg fully. You should also work on balance and managing your full weight with each kick. Kicking a bag is a great way to develop power and control. Drilling kicks slowly at first helps you perfect the motions.

  3. What are some advanced kicks in tae kwon do?

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    While the main kicks are the building blocks, there are some more intricate kicks for higher levels. Jump kicks are quite stunning when done right. Spinning back kicks involve quick spins and perfect timing. Flying side kicks go very high and take a ton of practice. You can also try combining kicks like a roundhouse into a back kick. These higher difficulty kicks demand a lot of skill.

  4. How do I protect myself when practicing kicks?

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    Safety is key when practicing such powerful moves. Wear good padding like shin guards, insteps, and hand shells. Start kicks slowly and pull them if you lose control. Don’t kick at full power until you’ve mastered the techniques. Use a punching bag or kicking shield, not a partner, until the instructor says so. Letting your kicking leg recover between reps stops strains. Listen to instructors and symbolically “tap out” if you feel hurt. Your health matters more than toughing kicks out.

  5. Is kicking only useful for competitions?

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    Not at all – kicking is important for self defense situations too. Being able to deliver forceful kicks to target areas can ward off attackers. The Side kick can create distance, while the spinning back kick provides a swift response behind you. Conditioning your legs through tae kwon do makes them powerful weapons if needed. Kicking skills are not just for the rings – they build confidence and ability to protect yourself if required.

  6. How do I kick higher and achieve more flexibility?

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    Reaching new heights with kicks requires focus on stretching. Do routine leg stretches both static and dynamic. Hang your kicks to open hips. Grab your ankle to pull it toward your bum. You can use a strap. visualize yourself kicking as tall as a doorframe or higher each session. Over time, your muscle memory and range will kinda amaze you. Be patient – true flexibility develops gradually with diligent stretching. Don’t just wing it before a belt test!

  7. What are some dangers of kicking incorrectly?

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    If form breaks down, injuries can happen. Kicking without proper warm up can strain muscles. Forcing your leg too high without preparation stretches the ligaments awkwardly. Not pulling kicks in time risks losing balance and falling over. Kicking a partner without control invites accidents. Your plant foot placement sets your base – offsetting it shifts weight wrongly. Wrong body alignment puts weird stress on joints. Constantly drilling right technique prevents those pitfalls. Safety first always – is that fair?