Lesson Overview
This lesson covers two related but distinct Taekwondo kicks: the Downward Kick (Naeryo Chagi) and the Pick Shape Kick (Gokaeng-I Chagi). The instructor will demonstrate proper execution, target areas, practical applications, and training drills for both techniques. Historical context and differentiation from the axe kick will also be provided.
Downward Kick Fundamentals
The Downward Kick uses the heel as the striking tool and employs an arcing path to clear obstacles such as the opponent's arms or shoulders. The arc may curve outward or inward depending on the tactical situation. Primary targets are the solar plexus and above, with the skull and clavicle being optimal strike zones.
Power Generation and Target Height
While traditional teaching restricts the Downward Kick to solar plexus level and above, physics principles allow effective power generation down to hip level through gravity assistance. Maximum acceleration occurs through hamstring contraction at solar plexus height; below this point, gravity becomes the primary power source rather than muscular acceleration.
Downward Kick Applications and Practice
Common applications include controlling the opponent's arm to pull them forward while arcing the leg over their body to strike the head, or arching the leg over the opponent's shoulder to target the skull or clavicle. Practitioners should train from a walking stance, arching the leg inward or outward and striking with the heel at head level, optionally using an obstacle to encourage proper height clearance.
Pick Shape Kick Mechanics
The Pick Shape Kick is a vertical variation of the Downward Kick that moves straight up and down without arcing inward or outward. Unlike the Downward Kick, it can employ either the heel or the ball of the foot as the striking surface. The supporting foot may be lifted during the leg raise to gain additional height.
Pick Shape Kick Targets and Striking Surface
When striking with the heel, target the skull and clavicle with a straight leg. When striking with the ball of the foot, target the face, jaw, and temple with a slightly bent knee at impact for enhanced contact and acceleration. The bent knee position with ball-of-foot strikes allows for sharper deceleration and better power transfer.
Correcting Encyclopedia Discrepancies
The Taekwondo Encyclopedia incorrectly prescribes a 45-degree knee bend for heel strikes and slight knee bend for ball-of-foot strikes. However, historical footage and instruction from General Choi Hong Hi confirm that heel strikes should be performed with a straight leg, while only ball-of-foot strikes require knee flexion. When authoritative sources provide clarification, their instruction supersedes published references.
Pick Shape Kick Training Drills
Practitioners should practice from the rear leg, lifting vertically with pure up-and-down motion rather than curved paths. The pad should move toward the attacker as the kick is delivered. When training with the ball of the foot, use a target pad or heavy bag while focusing on slight knee flexion at the moment of impact.
Comparative Summary and Historical Context
The Downward Kick employs an arcing trajectory and exclusively uses the heel, while the Pick Shape Kick moves vertically and can utilize either heel or ball-of-foot. Introduced in the early-to-mid 1980s as part of the Juche pattern under Master Park Jun Te's design, the Pick Shape Kick was developed as an ITF alternative to the WTF axe kick. This distinction remains the formal terminology in ITF Taekwondo.
Downward Kick (Naeryo Chagi) and Pick Shape Kick (Gokaeng-I Chagi)
Key Takeaways
- •Lesson Overview
- •Downward Kick Fundamentals
- •Power Generation and Target Height
- •Downward Kick Applications and Practice
This video teaches the Downward Kick and the Pick Shape Kick. You’ll see clear explanations of each kick’s mechanics, the tools to use (heel or ball of the foot), and the primary and secondary targets to aim for. I demonstrate practical applications, show how to train both kicks with simple rear-leg pad drills, and highlight important coaching cues and common mistakes to avoid. The video also includes a short clip from a General Choi seminar that addresses a common misconception about the pick-shaped kick, specifically, whether the leg must be bent when using the heel. The seminar audio is poor, so the subtitles from that clip are included below: “Pick Shape Kick”. “You understand. That is no problem”. “Here” (Pointing to the skull) “or here” (pointing to the clavicle). “Straight!” “Heel!” “If you want to attack here?” ( pointing to the face) “Or here?” (pointing to the chest)….. “Have to do this” (showing the leg bent and the ball of the foot formed). Want to see more videos on Taekwon-Do? Subscribe to my channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMc95... 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about downward roundhouse kick?
This video covers lesson overview, downward kick fundamentals, power generation and target height. It provides detailed instruction from Donato Nardizzi.
How long does it take to learn downward roundhouse 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.
What are the key details for finishing downward roundhouse kick?
Practitioners should practice from the rear leg, lifting vertically with pure up-and-down motion rather than curved paths. The pad should move toward the attacker as the kick is delivered. When training with the ball of the foot, use a target pad or heavy bag while focusing on slight knee flexion at the moment of impact.
