What are all the TKD Kicks?

[Johnlogic121]

Hello, I'm interested in compiling a list of all the kicks offerred in Tae Kwon Do. I have heard that there are eleven to fourteen depending on where you study. The style of Karate I do emphasizes kicking below the waist, so I am unfamiliar with the descripions of some of the types of kicks that go above the waist. Also, I only speak English, so Korean names or Japanese names impair my understanding without an English description of the move. Could someone help me out and list these for me? I have an impression that the TKD kicking syllabus is one of the most comprehensive kicking sets around, so I think a good list of all the classic TKD kicks ought to cover just about everything. Thanks in advance, and good luck in your training!

[bushido_man96]

Front kick

Side kick

Round kick

Back kick

Twist kick

Axe kick

Outer crescent kick

Inner crescent kick

Hook kick

Heel kick (or wheel kick)

Now, that is about as bare-bones as it gets. You can add a spinning motion to some of these kicks:

Spin side kick

Spin outer crescent kick

Spin inner crescent kick

Spin round kick

Spin hook kick

Spin heel kick

Just to name a few. Next, you can add jumping, if you so desire:

Jump front kick

Jump side kick

Jump round kick

You get the idea. Now, you can add together the jumping and spinning:

Jump spin round kick (usually a 360 degree kick)

Jump spin hook kick

Jump spin side kick

Etc, etc. Basically, I just count all of the above as variations of the basic kicks listed first. The basics will get you to the rest of the kicks.

[yingampyang]

Yea thats pritty good, that sums it all up. But there is also an other axe kick.

[gamedweeb]

First think of the configuration of the kick:

1. Front

2. Side

3. Back

4. Round

5. Hatchet/Axe

6. Hook/Heel

7. Inward Crescent

8. Outward Crescent

(This is by no means a complete list)

Then think of the method of execution:

1. Snapping

2. Thrusting/Pushing

3. Spinning

4. Hopping

5. Jumping

6. Single Switch

7. Double Switch

8. Lifting

9. Step Through

(Yet again not a complete list)

Certain methods of execution may be combined such as Jump Spinning, or a Double Switch Thrusting.

Certain methods of execution may not be practical with different foot configurations.

Then there are always specialized methods of execution, the Runt kick (a combination round, front kick), the Shovel/Scoop.

Really just let your imagination run wild!

[wingedMonkey]

1. There is also the straight kick, which is actually a pretty advanced maneuver against a reverse side kick. The person starts doing a reverse, you step towards the side they are turning away from, take another step to get behind them and quickly do a straight(or stretch) kick up to their face from behind.

2. oh and almost forgot, the push kick, it came from the influence of Taekkyun so no one really uses it because it's kind of like a front kick except you push them back, and when executing it your knee is brought up towards your chest and then you push out.

[bushido_man96]

Yea thats pritty good, that sums it all up. But there is also an other axe kick.

Are you saying that there is another axe kick other than the axe kick that I listed?

[NightOwl]

The inward/outward crescent kicks are kind of variations on the axe kick, but they are classified as being unique. Many kicks like the 'Tornado' kick are just a different method of execution on one of the basics as Bushido_Man mentioned.

[bushido_man96]

The inward/outward crescent kicks are kind of variations on the axe kick, but they are classified as being unique.

This depends on how you use the muscles when you kick. If you pull your leg down from the top of the arc of the crescent kick, then it does become an axe kick, with the downward force. If the target you are aiming for is the head, at the apex of the arc, then it really isn't an axe kick at all.

[yingampyang]

Yea thats pritty good, that sums it all up. But there is also an other axe kick.

Are you saying that there is another axe kick other than the axe kick that I listed?

Well sort of i kinda invented it lol , It has a lower and more forcfull aproach.

[ninjanurse]

I teach 2 different axe kicks to my students. One is traditional with a straight leg delivery-either inside or outside; and the other has a bent leg delivery (similar to push kick) for use close in or at sharp angles. When I learned it it was called a semi-axe kick.