Unleashing the Tae Kwon Do Snap Kick

While the roundhouse kick is probably the most commonly used kick in Tae Kwon Do, the common front snap kick is a vital weapon in the art's arsenal. Also known as the A-Chaki, this is traditional the first kick taught to students as it appears in the beginner forms. This kick has great potential for the street where it can be used to attack the groin and it has excellent tournament value since it can be easily modified to hit sport safe targets. Of course, in order to deliver the front snap kick properly, one needs to understand its basic mechanical principles.

Unlike some other martial arts, the front kick in TKD generally does not use the instep. Instead, the toes are curled back to expose the ball of the foot. This is done because the ball of the foot becomes a striking surface. Also, with a slight modification of the foot's position, the heel can be used as the striking surface. In both variations, the front kick can be used as a impact blow or a pushing technique both of which are effective although they each serve a different purpose.

The process in which the kick is performed is relatively simple. (This is why it is introduced as the first basic kick beginners learn) The steps for performance are as follows:

Bring the rear leg forward into the chambered position which is when the knee is directly in front of the hips.
Curl the toes backwards to expose the ball of the foot.
Snap the knee from the chambered position in order to kick the target.
Return the kick to the chambered position and then back to its rear placement on the ground as you return to your stance.

Some may wonder if this is too many steps to perform to effective deliver the kick. Actually, it is possible to perform several steps simultaneously. For example, you could curl your toes as your reach the chambered position. Also, you could eliminate the posing of the knee in the chambered position. The reason the steps are presented in such a deliberate manner is so beginners can get a handle on the proper way to perform the kick.

If the kick was introduced as a several steps coordinated simultaneously, a beginner could miss a number of important points. This would lead to a sloppy, ineffective kick that would not be very helpful. Instead, learning the front snap kick in the previously described progression is a much better starting point. Advanced practitioners are advised to combine the steps into one fluid motion as well as combine the front snap kick with other kicks such as front snap kick to sidekick or front snap to roundhouse. But, beginners are advised to keep it simple at the early stages.

Tony Mills is the Chief Editor of online Content for The MMA Zone. Tony is an expert in the field of martial arts training and conditioning. To see more article and information on Taekwondo Uniform and Martial Arts Supplies please go to The MMA Zone.