Basic Taekwondo Moves: Part 1

The art of Taekwondo has many moves that all stem from a small handful of fundamental moves. The next 3 installments of this blog will take you through these rudimentary moves. Each one has a specific purpose and mastery of these pivotal moves allows them to move on to more advanced techniques.

Fundamental Taekwondo Moves

Basic Ready Stance (Kibon Joonbi Sogi)

This is a move you may already be familiar with. The basic ready stance is at the beginning and end of every practice. To perform this move. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and bring your hands into two fists in front of your body around the waist.

This move acts as a ready stance and also as a mini breathing and concentration stance to get you centered and focused on the task at hand.

Horse riding stance middle punch (Juchumseo Momtong-jireugi)

The horse riding stance middle punch is an extension of the basic ready stance. These two paired together are a fundamental movement for many other moves. To complete this movement, move your feet farther apart and punch straight forward with your dominant hand. As you punch, bring your other fist toward your body to release more power.

This movement teaches you to harness power from your hips and with very little help from the rest of your body.

Low Block (Arae Makki)

The low block is a basic maneuver in which you can block attacks below the waist. To perform a low block start in the ready stance, move your dominant foot and fist forward at the same time. With your other fist, bring it into your body much like in the middle punch detailed above. Your other foot is planted firmly to help absorb the blow you are about to block.

Trunk opposite side punch (Momtong Bandae-Jireugi)

This move is performed much like the low block, but you are punching instead. To perform this move, bring your dominant foot forward while punching with the same hand. Harness the power from your shifting weight and hips to deliver a devastating punch. As well the other moves, when you go to punch, bring your opposite fist towards your body.

Front Kick (Ap Chagi)

The Front kick is at the foundation of every kick you will learn from here on out. To perform a front kick, start with your kicking foot behind your other leg. You will be able to generate more power this way. Then, raise the knee of your kicking foot forward to be 90 degrees. Follow through below the knee and you have completed a front kick!
Stay tuned for more of the basics!