Overview and Target Application

The turning kick is an effective technique for attacking an opponent positioned to the side-front. The kick can target high (eye level), middle (shoulder level), or low (umbilicus level) on the opponent's body.

Striking Tools and Variations

The primary striking tool is the ball of the foot, requiring the toes to be pulled back to expose this surface. Alternative striking tools include the instep, toes (when wearing shoes), or the knee at close range.

Rear Leg vs. Front Leg Execution

The rear leg kick generates greater power due to increased pivoting range and weight transfer capability. The front leg kick sacrifices raw power but offers superior speed and practical utility when fighting at close range.

Mechanics and Two-Stage Progression

The turning kick follows an arcing path consisting of two sequential phases: rotation and chamber, followed by leg extension. Beginners should practice these phases separately before integrating them into continuous motion.

Impact Position and Foot Alignment

At the moment of contact, the knee remains bent rather than fully extended, and the foot must be perpendicular to the target with neither toes pointing upward nor the strike angled. Improper foot angle or insufficient pivoting results in upward trajectory and power loss.

Body Positioning and Stance Setup

To execute a turning kick against a front-facing opponent, the striker must first reposition to a side-front angle. The stationary foot should point approximately 45 degrees outward, and the shoulders finish parallel to the opponent when the kick completes.

Directional Approaches and Footwork

Three foundational approaches exist: stepping to the side-front position before kicking, executing from an already-established side-front position, or kicking off the front leg. The path to the side-front angle can be achieved through stepping across with a pivot or by jerking the hip for faster execution.

Power Generation Variables

Power derives from multiple factors including rotational force from hip movement, weight transfer through forward motion, and quick hip jerking. The practitioner must balance these variables depending on distance and positional context to optimize force delivery.

Target Orientation Principle

The striker should face a point behind the opponent rather than directly at the opponent to maintain the target in the side-front position. This orientation enables both forward motion and rotational force to contribute to the kick simultaneously.

Turning Kick - Taekwon-Do Lesson #47

Donato Nardizzi

Spinning-Turning Kick

2 min read·9 key moments·PT13M26S video

Key Takeaways

•Overview and Target Application
•Striking Tools and Variations
•Rear Leg vs. Front Leg Execution
•Mechanics and Two-Stage Progression

In this video I show you how to perform a Turning Kick (Dollyo Chagi) I explain the application of the technique and show you 3 ways to practice this kick. I also show explain how to perform a Side Turning Kick (Yop Dollyo Chagi), a variation of the turning kick. Intro by Miren Patel http://mirenpatel.com Want to see more videos on Taekwon-Do theory? Subscribe to my channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMc95Uvuz52fG1hx4hAQ__g?sub_confirmation=1 Website: http://donatonardizzi.com _________________________________________________________________ Disclaimer : I recognise Grand Master General Choi Hong Hi as the true authority on Taekwon-Do. The information in my tutorial is based on my interpretation of Taekwon-Do as taught to me by the Founder General Choi Hong Hi and as referred to in his book ‘TAEKWON-DO’ (5th Edition 1999) Published by ITF and printed in Canada. Other Taekwon-Do Masters and Grand Masters may have a different interpretation of Taekwon-Do theory and practice, so if you are a Taekwon-Do student, it is important to check with your instructor if you are not sure about which interpretation you should be following.

Related Techniques

360 Spin-Back Roundhouse Kick Bent-Body Long Roundhouse Kick Bituro Chagi Downward Roundhouse Kick Drop Roundhouse Kick

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about spinning-turning kick?

This video covers overview and target application, striking tools and variations, rear leg vs. front leg execution. It provides detailed instruction from Donato Nardizzi.

How long does it take to learn spinning-turning kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.