Taekwon-Do Kicks - Volume 1

1 THE ESSENCE OF TAEKWON-DO POWER

In martial arts, power is not simply about brute force or physical strength. It's an intricate blend of power, technique, focus and understanding. Underpinning International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) Taekwon-Do, a Korean martial art renowned for its powerful kicks, lies the concept of the theory of power. This theory, elucidated by the founder, General Choi Hong Hi, is essential for practitioners to comprehend, as it forms the cornerstone of their training and practice.

A textbook front kick, lifted with control, extended with purpose and executed using the ball of the foot. This technique showcases clean mechanics, sharp intent and solid posture. Whether used for sparring or self-defence, good form ensures speed, precision and impact exactly where it counts.

Origins of the Theory

To grasp the essence of Taekwon-Do power, we must delve into its origins. General Choi, drawing from his extensive knowledge of various martial arts, military strategy and scientific principles, formulated a comprehensive theory that encompasses both the physical and mental aspects of combat.

In ITF Taekwon-Do, the power behind Taekwon-Do techniques is achieved by utilising an individual's full potential through the precise application of techniques. Most people use only 10 - 20 per cent of their potential, but with proper training, anyone, regardless of size, age or gender, can reach their full capacity and execute powerful techniques. While training enhances physical fitness, true power comes from mastering reaction force, concentration, balance, breath control and speed rather than from extraordinary strength or stamina.

Elements of the Theory of Power

The theory of power in Taekwon-Do revolves around six fundamental elements:

Mass

Speed

Reaction force

Concentration

Equilibrium

Breath control

Applying the theory of power in Taekwon-Do through a turning kick board break. Reaction force, equilibrium, breath control and mass rotation are used to maximise speed and impact while maintaining precise foot positioning and hip rotation for optimal striking surface contact.

Mass

Mass, or the body's weight, is the first essential element of power in Taekwon-Do. By understanding how to effectively utilise mass in motion, practitioners can greatly enhance the impact of their techniques. Proper weight distribution, balance and alignment are crucial to this process. When delivering a kick, such as a powerful turning or roundhouse kick, the practitioner must pivot on the supporting foot and transfer their body's mass into the striking leg. This transfer of weight significantly increases the force of the kick upon impact.

One key way to increase the body's mass in a kick is by turning the hip. Engaging the large abdominal muscles and rotating the hip in the same direction as the kicking leg adds momentum and effectively channels the body's weight into the strike. This hip rotation is critical for maximising impact.

Another method to increase power is the springing action of the knee joint. By slightly raising the hip at the start of the kick and lowering it at the moment of impact, body weight is dropped into the motion, further amplifying the force behind the kick. This combination of hip rotation and the springing action ensures that the body's full mass is directed into the kick, producing a powerful strike.

The principles of mass in Taekwon-Do are scientifically grounded, allowing practitioners to generate substantial power through the effective use of body weight. By mastering the techniques of weight transfer, balance and hip rotation, practitioners can deliver kicks that carry immense power and precision, maximising their effectiveness in combat.

Speed

For effective kicking, speed is the most essential factor in generating power, especially when it comes to kicking techniques. Scientifically, force is a product of mass and acceleration, meaning that the faster a kick is executed, the more forceful and impactful it becomes. Speed transforms potential energy into kinetic energy, allowing practitioners to deliver powerful kicks that can break through an opponent's defences swiftly and efficiently.

Consider the example of a small stone thrown at high speed against glass - the glass shatters, demonstrating that even a small object can generate great force if accelerated rapidly. Similarly, in Taekwon-Do, the effectiveness of a kick relies not just on strength but on the speed at which it is delivered. A slow kick, no matter how strong, lacks the power to be effective. However, a fast, well-aimed kick can penetrate an opponent's defences and deliver a decisive blow.

Kicks such as a turning kick or side kick gain even more force when executed with speed and the correct trajectory. The principle of kinetic energy applies here as well; for example, a downward kick, like an axe kick, increases both weight and momentum during its descent, making it particularly destructive when the foot lands lower than the hip at the moment of impact.

Speed alone, however, is not enough. A fast kick must also be precise and controlled. A sloppy, rushed kick can leave the practitioner off-balance or vulnerable to counter-attacks. For instance, while a slow pass through a flame leaves it undisturbed, a controlled, fast kick can extinguish it.

Other elements, such as reaction force, breath control, balance and muscle relaxation, also play crucial roles in enhancing speed. These components, along with flexible and rhythmic movements, contribute to generating maximum power in kicking techniques. Through disciplined training and practice, Taekwon-Do practitioners can harness speed to deliver fast, powerful kicks that are both efficient and highly effective in combat.

Reaction Force

Reaction force is a principle rooted in physics and essential to Taekwon-Do. According to Newton's Third Law, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In Taekwon-Do, practitioners use this concept to increase the power of their techniques. By applying force against a surface - whether the ground during a kick or an opponent during a strike - an equal force is generated in the opposite direction, adding momentum and power to the technique. For example, when executing a punch, the practitioner not only drives the fist forwards but also pulls the opposite hand back to the hip, creating a reaction force that boosts the punch's impact.

Executing a reverse turning kick with a focus on counter-rotation as a reaction force. The kick demonstrates effective use of the theory of power through rotational mass, equilibrium and precise striking surface alignment, maximising both speed and impact through controlled hip and upper body movement.

Similarly, in kicking, the use of reaction force is crucial to generating power. For instance, when delivering a roundhouse or side kick, the practitioner can counter-rotate the arms, pulling them in the opposite direction of the kicking leg to increase the momentum and force of the kick. Additionally, the force exerted against the ground by the supporting leg during a kick generates a reaction force that transfers through the body, magnifying the power of the strike. The proper use of balance and body rotation, combined with this reaction force, allows practitioners to deliver kicks with greater velocity and impact.

In combat, reaction force becomes even more evident. As per Newton's Law, if an opponent rushes towards you with speed, the force of their momentum adds to the force of your kick. Even a well-placed kick with moderate power can become much more effective when it combines with the opponent's forward movement. This principle allows practitioners to strategically use their opponent's energy to enhance the effectiveness of their own kicks, creating a significant and sometimes unexpected impact.

This reaction force is not limited to the physical action of the limbs. The entire body contributes to the process, especially through the rotation of the hips and the stabilisation of the core. By engaging the large muscles in the abdomen and hips, the body channels additional momentum into the kick, making the strike more powerful. For example, during a spinning kick, the rotation of the body acts as a lever, increasing the velocity of the kicking leg and delivering a more powerful strike upon impact.

The principle of reaction force in Taekwon-Do is not just about generating power in punches but is equally essential for kicks. By using both the body's natural movements and the opponent's momentum, practitioners can deliver explosive, efficient, and highly effective kicks that maximise the force of each technique.

Concentration

Power is maximised by focusing the impact force onto the smallest possible target area, increasing its effectiveness. Strikes are often concentrated on specific areas, such as the edge of the palm or the foot sword, to enhance impact. It is crucial not to unleash all your strength at once but to build it up gradually, concentrating the force at the moment of impact with the opponent's body. The shorter the time of concentration, the more powerful the strike, as maximum effort is directed onto the smallest target area at the exact moment of contact.

Concentration, or focus, is a critical element of power in Taekwon-Do. It not only involves physical precision but also mental clarity, visualisation and intent. Without concentration, physical strength alone is insufficient for effective techniques. By channelling...