A Front Kick (also called a Front Snap Kick, Flash Kick, or 앞 차기 ap chagi) is performed by first raising the knee of the kicking leg so that the knee is aimed at the target. The ankle held straight in-line with the rest of the leg. The leg is then straightended to kick.
In poomsae, the toes are bent upward during the kick, the idea being that you strike with the bottom of the balls of your feet (somewhat like a Push Kick). For all other applications, the toes are pointed straight in line with the rest of the foot, the idea being that you strike with the topside of the foot.
The Non-Kicking Leg
For all taekwondo kicks, what you do with the off-leg is as important as what you do with the kicking leg. For the Front Kick, the off-leg should be bent slightly at the knee during the kick. Your body's weight should be on the ball of the foot rather than the flat of the foot; the heel may even be lifted a bit from the ground. The off-leg foot is usually turned slightly to the side.
Torso and Arms
The torso is normally tilted back somewhat during the kick, with the fist brought to the chest as if blocking.
Variations / Related Kicks
See Also
- Front Kick on Taekwondo Preschool