Taekwondo Axe Kick (Naeryo Chagi)

Purpose. Attack downwards through a guard using a high leg raise followed by a downward heel strike.

‌

How it fits the system. The downward-angle kick of the taekwondo material in the Combat Sports section, and the kick most dependent on hamstring flexibility. Related work in the library: Taekwondo Roundhouse Kick and Active Hamstring Mobility.

‌

Primary muscles

Hip Flexors, Quadriceps

‌

Secondary muscles

Gluteals, Hamstrings, Rectus Abdominis

‌

Movement pattern

Downward Kick

‌

Equipment

None, Kicking Paddle

‌

Difficulty

Advanced

‌

1. From the fighting stance, raise the kicking leg as high as possible with a relatively straight knee.
2. Bring it up either straight in front, or slightly across the body then out, depending on the variation.
3. Drop the heel sharply downwards onto the target using hip extension.
4. Set the foot down in front and recover to the fighting stance.

• “Lift it high before you think about dropping it.”
• “Drop the heel, not the toes.”
• “Keep the hands up; the leg is not a shield.”

• Attempting it without the hamstring flexibility to raise the leg above the target.
• Leaning far back to gain height, which removes power and balance.