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.

    Combining foam rolling techniques and dynamic stretches before practicing kicks is also recommended.  

    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.

    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.  


    Sergio Pedemonte

    Sergio Pedemonte is the founder of Your House Fitness, is a certified personal trainer with over a decade of experience. Sergio holds a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber College in Ontario, Canada. He established YHF to provide flexible and comfortable training services in homes and residential areas. He is also renowned as a celebrity trainer, having worked with notable clients such as Dina Shihabi, OT Fagbenle, and Gina Rodriguez.

    https://www.yourhousefitness.com/about-the-owner
    Next
    Next

    The Difference Between Jogging, Running and Sprinting