Practicing kicks is a powerful way to defend yourself because your legs are three times stronger than your arms.

In the first picture, the opponent is approaching from the front. In this case, bend and unfold your leg in a snapping motion to hit the opponent’s head or torso with the ball of your foot. This kick is called a front kick. It is an easy and quick kick for beginners to use.

Make sure that the toes of your foot are unbent and point upwards to avoid hurting yourself at contact. In cases where an opponent approaches from the front, the front kick is an appropriate technique to hit the opponent’s stomach, chest, chin, face and also between the legs.

Use a pillow or kicking pad to balance yourself while focusing on the target when practicing this kick. Also, keep both hands in front of your chest and face to protect it from any attack.

By Seo Gyo-sun (selfdefense777@gmail.com)

Seo Gyo-sun, an internationally certified Taekwondo Grand Master, judge and coach, holds a B.A. in taekwondo from Kyung Hee University. ― Ed.