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Learn how to execute a spinning/turning kick like a pro
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The tornado kick, also known as the 540 kick, is used in taekwondo and MMA to confuse or distract opponents. When executing this effective and powerful kick, you jump, kick, and land all on the same leg. This whirling kick is divided into three parts: a guard stance, spin kick, and crescent kick. Mastering this kick requires lots of practice and patience. [1] X Research source
Steps
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Prepare to enter the guard stance. Stand with your feet approximately shoulder width apart. Transfer your weight to the balls of your feet. Bend your knees slightly.- The guard stance is extremely versatile. It allows you to execute defensive or offensive moves without raising your opponent's suspicions.
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Raise your guards. Bend your elbows and raise your forearms towards your chest. Bring your hands below your chin. Keep your hands open and relaxed. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Step forward with your lead foot. As you step forward with your kicking foot, turn your hips away from your opponent. Continue to stand on the balls of your feet. Keep your shoulders facing forwards.
- Your lead foot begins and completes the move. Your non-lead foot executes the spin kick (detailed in step 2.3).
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Turn and step with your lead foot. The first step of the tornado kick is taken with your lead foot (kicking foot). Rotate your hips so that you can step your lead foot towards your non-lead foot. Allow your shoulders to follow your hips 180° from your opponent. Plant the ball of your lead foot next to the inner arch of your non-lead foot so that your feet form a “T.” [3] X Research source
- Instead of stepping in with your lead foot, you can pivot or spin on the ball of your lead foot so that you are facing away from your opponent. [4] X Research source
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Look over your back shoulder. In order to land the kick, you need to be able to see your opponent. Turn your head until you are able to look over your back (non-lead side) shoulder. Use your peripheral vision to spot your opponent. [5] X Research source
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Lift up the knee of your non-lead leg and rotate. With your lead foot firmly planted on the ground, raise up the opposite knee to a 45° angle. Keep your knee raised as you pivot 90° on the ball of your lead foot. Turn out and point your knee at a 45° angle. [6] X Research source
- Continue rotating in the same direction.
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Lower your arms and bend your lead leg. Rotate your torso and shoulders away from your elevated leg. Simultaneously lower your arms and draw them diagonally across your body. Bend, or pump your lead leg (planted leg).
- This will provide your body with momentum.
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Hop and kick with your lead leg. As you hop off your lead leg, begin to rotate your body towards your opponent. As you lower your non-lead leg down, drive your lead leg up in a half-crescent motion. Immediately lower the leg until the thigh is parallel to the floor. completing the other half of the crescent.
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Complete the rotation, plant your kicking leg, and turn towards your opponent. Pivot on the ball of your non-lead foot until your back is once again towards your opponent. Plant the ball of your lead foot down on the ground next to your non-lead foot. Simultaneously step backwards with your non-lead foot, pivot on the ball of your lead foot, and rotate your body towards your opponent. [7] X Research source
- This step in the process completes both the crescent kick and the tornado kick.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I improve the strength of my kicks?David Engel is a Muay Thai Instructor and Self Defense Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of martial arts instruction and training experience, David runs California Martial Athletics with co-owner Joe Chernay. He has created and maintained martial arts programs at Rise Combat Sports in San Francisco and Round 5 Martial Arts Academy in San Leandro, with a mission to provide students with a level of comfort and competency that manifests both within and outside the martial arts context. He is also a registered cornerman for amateur and pro competitors under the IKF (International Kickboxing Federation). David was the youngest apprentice instructor of the Thai Boxing Association of America under Ajarn Chai Sirisute (2009), and was a top-ranked amateur competitor in his weight class (127-130 lb) in California between 2013 and 2015.Sprinting is one of the best ways to build your legs up and improve the power of your kicks. Lunges and squats are a great option as well. You can also wear a weighted vest to increase the amount of resistance. A lot of this comes down to practicing your mechanics, though. Get in the gym and work on making your kicks as perfect as you can!
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QuestionWhich is better: Kung Fu or karate?Community AnswerNeither one is objectively "better" -- it depends on what you're using it for, where your interests lie, etc.
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QuestionWhich is the best time to use tornado/hurricane/360 kick in the taekwondo fight?Netty potCommunity AnswerWhen the opponent has recently initiated his blue thunderbomb but is still building up power in his field.
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Tips
- Before you attempt to conquer the three-part tornado kick, learn and master the individual components of the combination. [8] X Research sourceThanks
- Before doing the kick, do some stretches to warm up. That will decrease the risk of injury and will make the kick more accurate.Thanks
- Increasing the height of your kick will make it more effective. Try to do this as much as you can.Thanks
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Warnings
- Don't try to move too fast the first few times—you might hurt yourself.Thanks
- Don't do too many kicks at one time, as doing so will make you dizzy.Thanks
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Thanks
- Don’t try to make your kick flexible, you might injure yourself.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@liamgutmachertkd/video/7373301637345135918
- ↑ http://kbandstraining.com/how-to-do-a-tornado-kick-martial-arts-training/
- ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@liamgutmachertkd/video/7373301637345135918
- ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/@liamgutmachertkd/video/7373301637345135918
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMICZNCv4hE
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMICZNCv4hE
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN8ou6LxjZQ
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52vqehwSg0g
- https://www.trixnut.com/tornado-kick
About This Article
Article Summary
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To do a Tornado Kick, start in the guard pose before rotating your hips so that you can step your lead foot toward the other and form a “T” with your feet. Now look over your shoulder and find your opponent as you lift the knee of your non-lead leg and rotate 90 degrees on the ball of your lead foot. From this position, simultaneously rotate your torso and lower your arms diagonally across your body. To complete the move, hop and kick with your lead leg while rotating, then plant your kicking leg and turn to your opponent. For more tips, including proper guard pose form, read on!
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