The Tornado Kick in Taekwondo

The Tornado Kick in Taekwondo

The tornado kick is a powerful and devastating move highly used in sparring but requires flexibility, speed, and timing. You are required to stretch properly to achieve a full range of motion to accurately make contact and get your point in a competition. You will not see this kick in a form or Poomsae but you will surely find it in sparring.

Here you will learn how to properly do an execute this Tornado Kick, kick targets, how to increase power on this kick, tips, and recommendations.

• For this kick to be effective you need to have speed and precision. You have to mix and match the jump with the turn to be able to connect at the right moment.

Tornado Kick Targets

The most common target would be the stomach, but it can also be the head. Because this move creates a lot of power it can KO the opponent, that is why you must be careful with it. This kick is powerful even if you try to block it or absorb it, because it can break your arm or forearm.

• The best way to train this kick is with a partner holding a pad. This will help you correct mistakes, improve your ability to jump and turn at the same time; also improve your timing when you kick.
• Rotate training partners, because you need to adjust yourself to train with different training partners, so when you face someone new in sparring you don’t feel unsure on how to proceed.

Tornado Kick Step by Step

Before working on your Tornado kick you need to warm up and stretch from your lower back all the way down. A warm-up session of 10 minutes and 10 minutes stretching would be perfect.

• On your fighting stance turn backward by pivoting your front leg. This is the most important part of the kicking technique because if it is done properly the rest will follow. Keep your arms close to your body to ease the turn.
• Keep turning and lifting your back knee at the same time. As you turn you must lean back a little bit allowing your hip to move forward, this will increase the power on the kick and allow you to reach your target.
• Now switch to your other leg and kick stepping forward with your roundhouse kick and connect. When you land keep your hands up and be ready for a second kick if necessary. When you finish the kick be ready with your fighting stance and always keep your hands up.

How can I add power to my Tornado Kick?

To add power to this kick it is necessary to use the strength of the lower back plus the strength of the hips. Push your hips inwards, when you do this the lower back adds to the movement increasing the force of the movement. In addition, the hip always adds a few centimeters or extra inches that can help you reach your target.

Lastly, you can add your “kiai” or martial art scream to add more power to the kick.

 

Recommendations

• Put one foot behind your body to float into the air, and as you are in the air halfway, step forward, then turn backward and kick with the other foot.
• The important point in this movement is the movement of your core.
• While in the air, you must keep your balance until the kick is finished.
• To attack effectively, you should sustain your kick as long as you can.
• Consider having a second kicking technique right after the tornado kick, because most competitors deliver 1 kick and then retreat.

Common questions about the Tornado Kick

Is the Tornado Kick available in other Martial Arts?

Yes, it can also be available in Tang Soo Do which is a Korean Martial Art, but not all schools might have it on the system. You can also find the tornado kick in other martial art styles like Karate, but it would depend on the instructor.

Keep in mind that many martial art practitioners like this kicking technique and might add it to their current training even if they do not have it in their current martial art training program.

How can I improve my Tornado Kick?

A good way to improve your Tornado Kick would be by doing the turn first, then step by step add the next move. Then practice everything in long-distance and then in a short distance, set the desired target and go from there. Remember to work on quality over quantity, and set your own goals.

Do I need to do the splits to do this Kick?

You do not need to do the split for this kick. It is highly recommended to stretch your hip, lower back, and legs for this kick because they all work together. Your hips will add power to this kick.

• If you would like to increase your flexibility, then you would love a step by step article with proven exercises that I have been doing that really work, because yes I can do the splits and you can do it too, here they are: How to Do the Splits in Two Weeks or Less

How can I block the Tornado Kick?

If you are sparring and your opponent is a really good kicker the best option is not to give him room to kick. Remember to execute a kick you need to have enough room to lift your knee then to extend your leg.

Move around your opponent and get closer when you notice he will try to kick, this will stop him on the spot because he will need room to do it.

The Tornado Kick is one the most effective available in Taekwondo, it can provide lots of damage if used properly and it should be part of the arsenal of every Taekwondo student. Make sure you review each step to master it and share it with anyone who might need it.

 

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