Tae Kwon Do -
A Biomechanical Analysis of the Roundhouse Kick
Anatomical Analysis
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean, unarmed martial art and is best known for its kicks
(Park, 2001). The roundhouse kick is a turning kick and happens to be the most
commonly used kick during competition (Lee, 1996). For this reason, the
roundhouse kick will be analyzed in reference to sparring competition.
The roundhouse kick, a multiplanar skill, starts with
the kicking leg traveling in an arc towards the front with the knee in a chambered
position (Pearson, 1997). The knee is extended in a snapping movement, striking
the opponent with the top of the foot. One’s goal would be to make front torso
contact with the kick, while avoiding leaving one’s self open to a counter
strike.
