Taekwondo Fundamentals: Double Front Kick
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Double Front Kick·TaekwondoShawn
Double Front Kick 이단 앞차기 Ei Dan Ap Chagi Double front kick can be found in Taegeuk 8 Jang, and is spectacular to watch i…
Double Front Kick
SubFamily二段前蹴り(Nidan Mae Geri)
descriptiveTranslation: double front kick
Overview
The Double Front Kick is a technique where the fighter delivers two successive front kicks without the kicking foot returning to the ground between strikes. [1] Typically, the first kick targets the midsection to lower the opponent's guard, and the second kick targets the face or neck. The technique requires excellent balance, hip flexibility, and timing to execute both kicks with speed and accuracy while maintaining combat effectiveness. [1] In Taekwon-Do, it is classified as a flying front-back kick (Twimyo Apdwi Chagi). [1]
Twimyo Apdwi ChagiKRFlying Front-Back KickDouble Snap KickSuccessive Front Kicks
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The first kick forces a defensive reaction, and the second kick exploits the opening. [1] Most effective when the first kick targets the body (drawing the guard down) and the second targets the head. In competition, the speed of the double kick often catches defenders mid-reaction.
Lineage
Practiced in karate (nidan mae geri) and Taekwondo. Japanese karate lineage: Okinawan te → Shotokan/Kyokushin systems. [1]
Competition Record
Commonly used in WT Taekwondo Olympic competition and ITF tournament sparring. Also appears in WKF karate kumite and kickboxing. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Two successive front kicks — first mid-level, second high-level — without landing between
Joints Involved — Hip flexion (rapid double chamber), knee extension (double snap)
Force Vector — Forward for both kicks — first at midsection height, second at head height
Striking Surface — Ball of foot for both kicks
Position & Entry
From fighting stance — Launch first front kick to midsection, immediately chamber and launch second kick to face without landing
In combination — First kick draws guard low, second kick targets exposed head
Variants
Same leg double — both kicks from the same leg
Alternating legs — left then right (requires a hop-switch)
Same target double — both kicks to the same target for maximum damage
Split level — first low, second high
Videos
Jumping Double Front Snap Kicks Tutorial by Master Paul Rana
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Double Front Kick·Prana Master's Academy - Martial Arts & Yoga
Tutorial by Master Paul Rana of Prana Martial Arts on how to properly perform a Jumping Double Front Snap Kick in 3 form…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The double front kick, known in Taekwondo as Idan Ap Chagi, is executed by driving both knees upward during a jump and then snapping both legs out explosively at the peak of the jump. Both TaekwondoShawn and Prana Master's Academy emphasize that despite its name, the technique involves simultaneous kicking motions rather than sequential strikes. TaekwondoShawn stresses the importance of knee chamber before extension, explaining that bringing a smaller package (bent knees) upward and then unloading is faster than swinging straight legs. Prana Master's Academy reinforces this point, noting that common mistakes include failing to chamber knees properly and instead performing rising kicks without power. Both instructors agree on fundamental prerequisites: practitioners must first master the stationary front snap kick, then practice jumping mechanics independently before combining them. TaekwondoShawn provides detailed progression using chair assistance, while Prana Master's Academy outlines three leg configurations: 45-degree angles, feet together, and full 180-degree splits. Both emphasize pulling toes back and driving the ball of the foot straight during the snap. Upper body mechanics differ slightly: TaekwondoShawn compares arm motion to Mario's jumping technique for counterbalance and power generation, while Prana Master's Academy prescribes bringing both hands downward toward the center to prevent backward rotation and maintain forward weight distribution. Both recommend maintaining vertical positioning without traveling forward significantly.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- TaekwondoShawn — Taekwondo Fundamentals: Double Front Kick: Provided progressive breakdown from ground-level practice to standing execution with chair assistance; emphasized knee-drive mechanics over straight-leg extension; detailed upper body arm mechanics for counterbalance and leg-switching speed; included warm-up exercises (knee-shoulder taps, butt kicks), stretches (quad and hamstring), and conditioning exercises (lunges, squat jumps).
- Prana Master's Academy - Martial Arts & Yoga — Jumping Double Front Snap Kicks Tutorial by Master Paul Rana: Outlined three distinct leg spread variations (45-degree, feet together, 180-degree split); specified hand positioning to center for weight balance and prevent backward flipping; identified common mistakes regarding knee chamber versus rising-kick mechanics; emphasized the importance of the snap motion for generating power.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Individual kicks are standard front kick power. The surprise of the second kick is the weapon.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Unified MMA— standard striking technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWKF Karate— controlled contact required
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDFWT Taekwondo— kicks are primary scoring technique
WT Competition Rules 2026PDFWAKO Kickboxing— full contact permitted
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDFIFMA Muay Thai— all strikes permitted
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The first kick MUST land or at least threaten — a weak first kick doesn't draw the guard
✓Chamber the second kick immediately after retracting the first — speed is everything
✓The second kick is typically weaker — compensate with accuracy to the head
✓Practice against a heavy bag at two heights to build the double-kick rhythm
Common Mistakes
!Telegraphing the second kick by pausing after the first
!Not retracting the first kick fast enough — delays the second
!Losing balance after the first kick — base leg must be solid
!Aiming both kicks at the same height — no tactical advantage
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Jab to face → double front kick (body then head)
2First kick blocked → second kick goes around the block
3Feint the first kick → opponent doesn't react → commit both kicks
Sources & References
Primary Source
Choi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. International Taekwon-Do Federation.
1BookChoi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. International Taekwon-Do Federation.
[1] Choi, Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (1999), Combination Kicks section
2CitationChoi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. International Taekwon-Do Federation.
[1] Choi, Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (1999), Combination Kicks section
Community
Athletics
Requires
excellent hip flexibility for rapid re-chambering, balance on one leg, cardio for sustained kicking
Key muscles
hip flexors (rapid chamber), quadriceps, core (balance between kicks)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key to executing a double front kick without losing balance?
TaekwondoShawn emphasizes driving your knee up first before extending the kick, keeping your hands up for balance assistance, and staying in the same spot—you're only allowed to move forward about one body length. Focus on landing soft to reduce impact and protect your joints.
How should my arms move during a double front kick?
TaekwondoShawn recommends emulating the video game character Mario: swing your arms up powerfully as you jump, similar to how Mario uses his arms to propel himself upward. This arm motion is very important for generating momentum and control.
What's the proper foot and leg alignment for a front kick?
Make sure your toes are down and your foot is straight all the way from your knee to your toes when executing the kick. Master Paul Rana advises pulling your knees up tight and shooting both feet out together in the jumping double front snap kick variation.
How does the Double Front Kick work?
The Double Front Kick is a technique where the fighter delivers two successive front kicks without the kicking foot returning to the ground between strikes. Typically, the first kick targets the midsection to lower the opponent's guard, and the second kick targets the face or neck.
Where does the Double Front Kick come from?
The Double Front Kick is documented in Taekwon-Do as Twimyo Apdwi Chagi (flying front-back kick) and in karate as nidan mae geri (two-level front kick). It represents the martial arts principle of using combination attacks to overcome static defenses.
Is the Double Front Kick legal in competition?
Unified MMA: Legal: legal — standard striking technique; WKF Karate: Legal: legal — controlled contact required; WT Taekwondo: Legal: legal — kicks are primary scoring technique; WAKO Kickboxing: Legal: legal — full contact permitted; IFMA Muay Thai: Legal: legal — all strikes permitted
How dangerous is the Double Front Kick?
Danger rating 5/10. Moderate — individual kicks are standard front kick power. The surprise of the second kick is the weapon.
How do I set up the Double Front Kick?
The standard setup chain: Jab to face → double front kick (body then head) → First kick blocked → second kick goes around the block → Feint the first kick → opponent doesn't react → commit both kicks.
How do I defend against the Double Front Kick?
Standard counters include: Step back after the first kick — creates distance for both kicks to miss / Clinch after the first kick — prevents the second / Side step — exit the kicking line entirely.
What are the variants of the Double Front Kick?
Common variants: Same leg double (both kicks from the same leg); Alternating legs (left then right (requires a hop-switch)); Same target double (both kicks to the same target for maximum damage); Split level (first low, second high).
How effective is the Double Front Kick in competition?
Commonly used in WT Taekwondo Olympic competition and ITF tournament sparring. Also appears in WKF karate kumite and kickboxing.
What are common mistakes when doing the Double Front Kick?
Top errors to watch for: Telegraphing the second kick by pausing after the first / Not retracting the first kick fast enough — delays the second / Losing balance after the first kick — base leg must be solid / Aiming both kicks at the same height — no tactical advantage.
What are other names for the Double Front Kick?
The Double Front Kick is also known as Nidan Mae Geri, Twimyo Apdwi Chagi, Flying Front-Back Kick, Double Snap Kick, Successive Front Kicks.