Tang Soo Do Jumping Kick Techniques
Their Uses, Benefits and Limitations

By Mr M Loades. (3rd Dan Thesis - March 2010)

Submitted for consideration prior to grading in accordance with 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan grading requirements of the TTSDA.

Introduction

I am a 2nd Dan Tang Soo Do practitioner and I have been training since I was fifteen years old with the Traditional Tang Soo Do Association. However, my interest in martial arts began much earlier than this, primarily in films portraying the more exotic, showy side of martial arts. As a big fan of martial arts movies the likes of Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Jackie Chan and Donnie Yen provided hours of entertainment.

When I began training in Tang Soo Do I was lucky enough to find that I was able to learn some of the same martial arts techniques, and gain an understanding of how they can be executed along with their effects. I was thrilled at being able to try out the jumping kicks and combinations, some that were included in the Tang Soo Do syllabus and some that were not. In my opinion that will always be the best part of Tang Soo Do; the open mindedness of its practitioners to have the ability to practice and incorporate skills, techniques and ideas from many other martial arts, whether they are closely associated with Tang Soo Do or not.

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"Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it" - Bruce Lee (Tao of Jeet Kune Do, 1971)

Within this thesis I hope to describe some of my favourite jumping kick techniques, what is required to perform them safely and effectively, their uses, benefits, and limitations.

Many times over the years a student has come to train at the Dojang (training hall) expecting to copy and mirror what they have seen on TV. They believe that after a few lessons they would be invincible martial artists, with the skills of Bruce Lee. Sadly they are mistaken. Instead they find that what looks so spectacular onscreen takes years of practice, dedication, strong will, and hard physical and mental training.

The phrase "we must learn to walk before we can run" is relevant here. Although there is no harm in practicing basic jumping techniques in class, the student must first learn the basic kicking techniques and develop power, athleticism, and control. They must also learn to jump and land correctly without causing injury to themselves or to others.

Knowledge of how the kicking techniques work, how the power is generated, which part of the foot will make the impact on the target, and probably most importantly, the damage it may cause if it does is equally significant.

Once an understanding of these principles has been achieved the practitioner can then learn to put the separate concepts of kicking with good technique and control together with jumping and landing correctly to form a proficient jumping, kicking technique.

For instance if you know how to jump properly, but your kick is of poor technique then the jumping kick will fail and vice versa.

Warming up and preparation

As with all physical pursuits, a good, thorough warm-up is essential. The entire body must be warmed-up, not just the legs. Although it's the legs and feet that perform the obvious part of the technique, the arms, neck, hips, and the rest of the body are equally important.

The arms are used to gain height during the jump and help you to gain forward momentum and balance. The hips produce the all-important power and thrust for the kicks. The neck is also used to adjust the head for balance and to make sure that the target is always visible.

Twenty to thirty minutes running or jogging as well as star jumps, sit-ups, half squats, and press-ups for the arms are good exercises for a basic warm-up. Once the muscles are warm, ten to fifteen minutes of gradual stretching is advisable to avoid muscle injury and you're ready to go.

Note: Having good flexibility is a good advantage for jumping kicks, but not essential. Remember all Tang Soo Do techniques can be adjusted for each individual practitioner. It is just a case of finding what works for you and then practice, practice, practice.

Basic jumping kicks

There are many types and variations of jumping kicks. There are straight kicks, round kicks and spinning kicks: As well as various and multiple combinations of each.

The first and most simple jumping kick to learn is E Dan Ap Chagi or Jumping front kick.

This technique is a straight jumping kick performed by propelling the body forward in to a high leap and executing a basic front kick (Ap Chagi) towards the target.

Fighting Stance		Chamber Position

Ap Chagi		E Dan Ap Chagi

Landing is as equally important as the jump and kick. A bad landing can cause injury, particularly to the knees and ankles. Also bad landings can cause you to become off balance. In a sparring, competition, or real self defence situation this can leave you unguarded and vulnerable to counter attacks.

Always try to land lightly with knees slightly bent and with your guard up. Be ready to move immediately after landing if need be.

Eden Ap Chagi can be used and adjusted in many ways. For example in competition, it can be shortened and used to score quick points from fighting stance, kicking at head height, or at the solar plexus, below the opponents' guard.

Of course it may not always be necessary to jump a great distance, instead height may be required. If you wish to demonstrate a break with this kick, the target or board can be held at head height. Instead of a great deal of forward momentum that can be gained by a run up, you would merely require more upward spring from only a step or two away, helping you to execute a higher, more effective jump.

This kick is extremely powerful and in a real life confrontation it can be used to knock down an adversary or to strike the solar plexus or jaw. It can be used in sparring to finish a combination of moves.

One of my favourite jumping kicks is E Dan Yop Chagi or jumping side kick. This is sometimes known as a flying kick.

Again there are several variations of this technique. The first is with a simple hop, side on to the target, from one foot to the other and executing a Yop Chagi from chamber position with the front foot positioned with the blade of the foot outwards towards the target, with full expansion of the hips and an outstretched arm for balance, pulling back with the other arm to help generate the thrust. This variation is faster to execute.

Chamber		Yop Chagi

A more powerful flying variation can be executed from a fighting stance or a run up. This is executed by bending the front knee, taking off with a jump from the front foot, switching sides in the air and pushing out a fully extended side kick with the hips. This time the back foot makes the impact on the target.

E Dan Yop Chagi

As mentioned before this is far more powerful and extremely hard to avoid if executed quickly. It can be hard on the knees, so make sure you have warmed up and stretched before practising. Also a good landing with bent knees and a guard for this kick is essential.

This kick is great for demonstration and breaking techniques. If the technique can be executed without telegraphing the intent then the kick could be used in competition. This can be difficult to do and not recommended. Should the technique fail it could leave you off balance and in danger of being countered.

Advanced jumping kicks

There are many other basic jumping kicks included E Dan Dull Ryo Chagi (jumping round house,) E Dan Dwee Chagi (Jumping Back Kick,) E Dan Ahneso Phakero Chagi and E Dan Phahkeso Ahnero Chagi (jumping axe kicks.)

There also many more advanced, more complicated jumping kicks. One of the hardest jumping kicks and also one of my favourites is E Dan Dwee Dull Ryo Chagi: Jumping back spinning kick.

This kick starts from a short front stance and a turn to the rear. Keeping your eyes on your target and then dipping slightly with your knees bent jump upwards, executing a full or short spinning back kick in the air using the hips to pull the extended leg around. The target will be struck by the heel of the foot.

E Dan Dwee Dull Ryo Chagi

This is a very forceful and dangerous kick, both for the practitioner and for the opponent. It is not recommended to use this kick in competitions or in self defence situations. It is not practical and can take too long to execute. There is also a danger of injury to oneself if you are not properly warmed up to use this technique. There is also a high probability of landing awkwardly, leaving you open to attack. It is a great technique for demonstrations and breaking.

As I mentioned before these techniques can be used and adapted in many different ways. They can be made longer or shorter, to hook round rather than travel straight or even be modified to strike different types of targets.

Other complicated kicks such as wheel kick, split kick and jumping back kick can also be practiced in the training hall.

Split Kick

Combinations

Jumping kicks are not just for single techniques but can be used in many different combinations. These can include either the same technique multiple times or several different techniques in single attack. They can be executed off of the same leg or more commonly off of both legs in succession.

For instance a jumping front kick, roundhouse or side kick can be added on to the end of a standard kicking combination. This is most useful during a flurry attack of three or more techniques when an opponent is on the retreat. In sparring or competition this can help to gain the advantage with the standard kicks setting up the opponent for the jumping kick finisher.

Jumping front kick can be made in to a double jumping technique by executing a higher jump and using the same front kick technique using each foot in turn. A jumping side kick can be followed by a turning jumping back kick in one leap with a fast, sharp turn of the body in the air, and thrust of the hips.

Jumping Back kick or Edan Dwi Chagi is executed by turning to the rear, dipping and jumping backwards while at the same time thrusting the front foot back to strike a target with the heel.

Dwi Chagi		Edan Dwi Chagi

This technique can be further advanced by adding steps before the kick to disorientate your opponent, faking a kick from one foot, then kicking with the opposite. For example: With a Edan Dwi Chagi; as you move towards the target, first taking a step before turning in to the kick, will bring you closer to the target. See Example 1.

Edan Dwi Chagi		Example 1

You can also add a step after the turn but before the kick. This will allow you to change kicking legs, thus confusing your opponent. See Example 2.

Example 2

These stepping techniques can be used for straight and turning kicks, and can be extremely effective. They can be used with jumping and standing techniques and this can be particularly advantageous in competition. It should be reminded however, that a number of jumping kicks are not good practice for a competitive environment.

Whatever and however these kicks are used, jumping or otherwise, they must always be executed with care, control, and understanding of their results and effects.

Use of Jumping Kicks in real-life situations

It is not recommended that jumping kicks be used in real-life confrontations. They can be slow, inaccurate and leave you open to counter attacks. Also over execution without first warming up could cause you injury and leave you vulnerable during the remainder of the fight, an experienced fighter will exploit this weakness to their advantage. In addition the impact of most jumping kicks can be extremely powerful and could injure your opponent more than you intend to. As a martial artist you are not outside of the law and should be able to judge the appropriate force required to deal with an aggressive situation. In any case it is advisable for you to withdraw from the confrontation as soon as possible.

One possible use for a jumping kick technique in a real-life situation is designed for this very purpose: Escape.

For example if you are surrounded by multiple opponents (see Diagram A below) a modified jumping front kick could help you to break away and make your exit.

Diagram A

Before the opponents can attack, use your speed and forward momentum together with a loud Ki-Hap (shout) to execute an E Dan Ap Chagi aiming for the solar plexus of one of the outer opponents blocking your escape route. If you are able to knock this attacker down or push past them, it could earn you enough time to make an escape

Even here there is risk of loss of balance and even interception, and counter by the attackers.

Remember, the martial arts are not always about who is strongest or toughest, it is about knowledge and how you use that knowledge to your advantage.

"You can call it the art of fighting without fighting" - Bruce Lee (Enter the Dragon, 1973)

Tips for all jumping techniques

When performing any jumping technique, knees must be bent to take off in to the jump. The back must be kept straight and the head up and facing the target. As the technique is executed a good, loud Ki-Hap (shout) will help you to keep focused, emphasize the kick, and help to maximize power and speed. In competition this is a good way to intimidate your opponent.

Upon landing, knees must also be bent to absorb the impact; this is as much to avoid injury to the knees as well as to help you balance. Good balance on landing with a close protective guard will have you ready for further techniques or counters from an opponent. Executing a good jumping technique then landing badly can leave you open for your opponent to capitalise, especially if you're technique had been unsuccessful in striking its target.

Remember the higher you jump, the more time you will have in the air and the more time you will have to execute the technique or techniques and make a proper, safe landing.

Conclusion

Although not typically found in Hyungs (forms ("Chinto" and "Bong Hyung Sam Bu" being two of the exceptions)) jumping kicks are a good way to develop flexibility, balance and control. They help to develop further understanding of techniques and are fun for younger practitioners to learn, and work well when used in demonstrations combined with breaking techniques and/or choreographed sparring.

Full jumping kicks would be of little use in a self defence situation and are inadvisable in competition unless confident of the effectiveness of your technique, they remain an important aspect of Tang Soo Do and all martial arts. They can be adapted for use in many situations, and particularly useful with flurry attacks.

Care for one self and others should always be the main priority before executing these techniques. For instance the motion of jumping can lead to excessive strain being put on the joints in the ankles and knees as well as the muscles that run up and down the legs such as the hamstrings and quadriceps.

Jumping injuries come in a variety of forms: Patellar tendinitis is known as 'jumper's knee' and is a classic injury that can be caused by bad and excessive execution. The patellar tendon is a structure that attaches the quadriceps muscle group to the tibia (shin bone.) When a martial artist constantly has to jump, they put strain on the patellar tendon which causes damage over time, leading to pain and serious injury.

Jumping injuries can also stem from trauma to the knee when landing at an awkward angle, or twisting the ankle when planting the foot down preparing to jump. The hip can also be damaged in a case of a bad landing, excessive practice and lack of stretching during warm up. In later years these injuries could lead to rheumatism and arthritis.

To avoid jumping injuries you need to be reasonably fit with no current injuries. You need to stretch & strengthen the different leg muscles, thus improving flexibility in the knee, ankle and hip joints. Warming up prior to training and competition is essential, as is stretching thoroughly.

Remember never to overestimate you reach. If you find a target is too high, do not risk injury by attempting to strike it. Begin at a lower level and gradually build up the height as you become more confident of the technique. The more you practice the more you will build up "muscle memory" this will allow you jump at roughly the same height every time.

One other concern should always be your environment. Where are you going to execute this technique? Do you have enough room? Is there enough space? Is the ceiling high enough to accommodate the technique? Is anyone else in danger of injury? All of these questions must be answered before executing any kind of martial arts practice.

This being said, jumping kicks can be a lot fun to practice, they look good and when executed to the best of your ability can be extremely satisfying. Once you begin to practice you will find you will want to get better and better; and you will with patience, practice and dedication

All in all, enjoy your training, be safe in whatever you practice and never give up.

Tang Soo!