Taekwondo Kick Evolution | LG Martial Arts

Hey everyone! So thrilled to share a bit more about my Taekwondo journey, especially as I delve into the exciting world of advanced kicks. It’s truly a Taekwondo Kick Evolution, and pushing my limits to learn these moves has been incredibly rewarding. Starting with the basics, mastering a strong Roundhouse Kick is absolutely essential. It’s the foundation for so many dynamic techniques. I remember spending countless hours perfecting my pivot, hip rotation, and snap. If your roundhouse isn’t solid, trying to jump straight to a 720 kick will just lead to frustration (trust me on this!). Focus on that core power and flexibility first. Then comes the incredible 720 Kick, often known as the 720 Tornado Kick. This one feels like flying! My first attempts were wobbly, to say the least, but the key I found was really committing to the initial spin. You need to generate powerful momentum with your body, almost like you're winding up a spring, before you even leave the ground. Think about looking over your shoulder to spot your target as early as possible during the spin. Keeping your core tight and arms tucked in helps with balance and speed. I practiced the spin on the ground first, then added a small hop, gradually increasing my height and rotation. It takes a lot of spatial awareness! And now, for the ultimate showstopper: the 900 Kick, specifically the Cheat 900 Kick. This kick is pure dynamism! What makes it a "cheat" kick is that instead of a traditional Taekwondo setup, you use a continuous motion, often involving a stepping or running start, to build incredible momentum for the spin. It’s less about a static chamber and more about a fluid, explosive movement. For me, the biggest hurdle was overcoming the fear of over-rotating or landing awkwardly. Breaking it down into components helped immensely: The Approach: A smooth, controlled step or two to build speed. The Setup: A quick, powerful twist of the hips and shoulders, driving your lead leg up. The Jump & Spin: Explode upwards, tucking your non-kicking leg to accelerate the spin, keeping your eyes on the target throughout. The Kick: Extend your leg for the actual kick as you complete the rotation. The Landing: Absorb the impact smoothly, ideally returning to a ready stance. I found that practicing my aerials and gymnastic flips helped a lot with the body control needed for the 900. It's a full-body workout! Beyond the specific mechanics, consistent training is non-negotiable. I make sure to always include dynamic stretching, core strengthening exercises, and balance drills in my routine. Things like single-leg squats, plank variations, and plyometric jumps have been game-changers for my kick height and stability. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Some days I feel like I'm making huge progress, others it feels like I'm stuck. But the satisfaction of finally nailing a new kick? Absolutely priceless. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the journey of becoming a more powerful and agile martial artist!