A Guide to Taekwondo: Techniques, Kicks, and Fitness Essentials
Table of Contents
What is Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a popular martial art known for its dynamic kicking techniques and agile footwork, originating in Korea. It features a belt system designed for everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners, incorporating sparring, forms (with each belt level having its own), and breaking techniques. Taekwondo is featured in the Olympics, and many UFC fighters have incorporated its techniques, including Anthony Pettis, Daron Cruickshank, Bas Rutten, Edson Barboza, Benson Henderson, Yair Rodriguez, and many more.
List of Taekwondo Kicks
You will find a video tutorial for each of the Taekwondo kicks here.
How to Do a Roundhouse Kick
The roundhouse kick requires you to swing your hips and pivot your lead foot, bringing your knee up before executing the kick.
How to Do a Tornado Kick (Spinning Roundhouse Kick)
For the tornado kick, turn in the opposite direction and step forward, then twist your hips and pivot your foot as you deliver the kick.
How to Do a Back Kick
Turn your body so that your opponent is behind you, lift your knee, push with your hips, and extend your leg. Remember to keep your eyes on the target.
How to Do an Axe Kick
Raise your knee high and lift your leg toward the head area, then forcefully bring it down, striking with your heel.
How to Do a Switch Kick
Quickly switch your feet and immediately deliver the kick.
Explaining Taekwondo Moves
In addition to a variety of kicks and punches, this combat sport requires agile bouncing and footwork. The more explosive the practitioner, the more dangerous their kicks become—though the only drawback of such an explosive style is that it demands a significant amount of energy.
Fitness Recommendations for Taekwondo
Classes are very cardio-based, with plenty of conditioning and sparring practice. To enhance performance, practitioners can incorporate strength exercises such as lunges and Bulgarian Split Squats, while more advanced adults may add deadlifts, barbell squats, and hip thrusts to their routine. Flexibility—especially in the hips and hamstrings—and strong core stability are also essential components.
Combining foam rolling techniques and dynamic stretches before practicing kicks is also recommended.
Memorable Taekwondo Kicks in UFC History Was Delivered by Fighter Edson Barboza
One of the most highlighted Taekwondo kicks showcased in the UFC. At UFC 142 in 2012, Edson Barboza knocked out Terry Etim with a spinning heel kick—also known as the reversal hook kick—which earned him KO of the Year honors. It's one of the most devastating kicks ever seen in a martial arts match.
