Successfully Counter Any Kick in Tae Kwon Do

Can you never get the upper hand in a sparring match? Tire of getting beaten with more sophisticated tactics? Read this guide to learn the guidelines of countering kicks in Tae Kwon Do in a four step process.

Steps

  1. Practice blocking, then attacking over and over. When you practice, do it in front of a mirror and imagine an enemy, do it slowly till you do it at full power. Remember to do blocks that are most compatible with the kick that is following and keep the opponent open in the strike zone of the counter kick or punch.
  2. Practice step one until you have mastered it. When you have, practice on decreasing the time in between the block and counter until both are simultaneous.
  3. Do not try to block kicks, dodge them and attack. Dodging does not mean moving back, but sidestepping to avoid a kick. This is very hard to learn, and even harder to do it quickly. Sparring or practicing with a partner is the easiest way to learn this technique. Dodge the push, cut, or side kick by moving to the side the supporting/pivot leg is on. e.g. if your sparring partner attacks with a right leg side kick (from your view), move slightly to the left(DO NOT MOVE BACK!!!), dodging the kick, and attack with a left leg roundhouse to the person's body. Dodge a back kick by moving to the supporting/ pivot leg. You cannot counter this immediately so position yourself to attack when the person fully turns back to face you.(Again, do not move back to dodge the kick). The axe kick can be dodged by sidestepping quickly to either side. It is possible to dodge the roundhouse by moving back slightly opposite to the direction of your 'open' side, but i recommend simply using your palm to push away the kick , because dodging this kick could put you too far away to counter. IMPORTANT - do not try to dodge 'spinning' kicks (360, turn back hook kick) unless they are aimed at your head, in which case you can duck to dodge.
  4. Plan counter attacks to be used in sparring matches based on preference. Remember it is easier to block a turning or spin kick than dodge it and it easier to dodge a forward momentum kick than to block it.

Avoiding Blocks And Dodges Section

  1. Make good kick combinations that complement your momentum.
  2. Attack your opponent furiously for a short time then retreat backward, then repeat.
  3. Use fake kick combos. For example do a front kick or push kick then turn sideways without putting your foot down and do a sidekick.
  4. Counter attacking a counter is usually a lot easier than countering an attack.



Tips

  • Have a good balance and kick control...
  • Counter a back leg turning kick by doing a back kick. Counter a side kick by doing a reverse turning kick. Know when to dodge because if you dodge too early, a side kick can follow your direction. Have a good reaction time by playing fast paced videos game. When dodging look into your opponent's eyes.
  • Practicing kicks by kicking air can be boring, buying a kicking bag is a good investment.
  • Ask your master for good counter and attack combinations.
  • When your are getting side kicked you can (and really fast) grab their ankle and twist in the direction they are kicking (this will cause the body to give out because of not enough support and to much opposite direction force.
  • If you find dodging too hard do not try, there is nothing wrong with blocking.

Warnings

  • Do not try any techniques of Tae Kwon Do unless you are being taught by a master. This guide is a supplement only.
  • Make sure to wear full sparring gear and exercise caution during sparring.
  • Know your limits

Things You'll Need

  • Education, or background in Tae Kwon Do
  • Spare time

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