Jump Front Kick

[joesteph]

I was introduced to the jumping front kick the same way that you were, joesteph. However, adding the step would be a simple addition. One of the difficulties I have seen early on it training this kick is that most people are more coordinated on one side than the other, and getting that leg-switching motion down is the hard part. After that, the kick seems to fall into place. . . .

[Regarding] the jumping front kick, in the style of TKD I do now, this kick is taught as part of the basics for each class. . . . None of the forms have a jumping kick until Choong Moo, which has a flying side kick. As for other black belt forms, in my research I have noticed that some of ours have been modified so that the jumping kicks are done either as hopping forward kicks, or more like skipping . . .

I do enjoy jumping kicks, as they are fun and challenging to do.

Thanks for your insights, Bushido Man. I did notice that difference between the sides regarding coordination; as a matter of fact, when it comes to kicking, I've found that, in sparring, some students will be kicking with only, say, the right leg, despite all the practice with both left and right.

Truestar mentioned hopping kicks for distance in his posting, and I had been experimenting with that hop/skip movement since seeing it on videos online at Expert Village. I wonder if the modification had been introduced because so many people have or can develop bad knees. While my instructor has no problem with jump kicks herself, she makes accommodations for others if their knees will bother them.

As for the fun of doing jumping kicks, the younger set in the dojang loves to do them. I have to admit, when I was on that jogging track doing the jumping front kick to just a shin-high level, I felt like one of the kids.

[bushido_man96]

Truestar mentioned hopping kicks for distance in his posting, and I had been experimenting with that hop/skip movement since seeing it on videos online at Expert Village. I wonder if the modification had been introduced because so many people have or can develop bad knees.

I think that this could very well be the case. Makes sense to me, anyways.

[marksmarkou]

Many say that jump kicks will never work in practical situations. ALthough I must agree that they have there weaknesses its never a garuntee that you will not be able to use them.

Also by practising them they can be used as a great polymetric builder wich will aid in all your standing kicks and explosiveness for grappling. its is definitly worth practising them sometimes.

[bushido_man96]

I agree that kicking exercises, done the right way, can help to build plyometric power. The drills are fun, too. Nothing better than wanting to puke after doing 20 consecutive jump spin side kicks on the Wavemaster.