How to Successfully Counter Any Kick in Tae Kwon Do

Last Updated: January 29, 2023

Can you never get the upper hand in a sparring match? Tire of getting beaten with more sophisticated tactics? Read this guide to learn the guidelines of countering kicks in Tae Kwon Do in a four step process.

Steps

1
Practice blocking, then attacking over and over. When you practice, do it in front of a mirror and imagine an enemy, do it slowly till you do it at full power. Remember to do blocks that are most compatible with the kick that is following and keep the opponent open in the strike zone of the counter kick or punch.
2
Practice step one until you have mastered it. When you have, practice on decreasing the time in between the block and counter until both are simultaneous.

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3
Do not try to block kicks, dodge them and attack. Dodging does not mean moving back, but sidestepping to avoid a kick. This is very hard to learn, and even harder to do it quickly. Sparring or practicing with a partner is the easiest way to learn this technique. Dodge the push, cut, or side kick by moving to the side the supporting/pivot leg is on. e.g. if your sparring partner attacks with a right leg side kick (from your view), move slightly to the left(DO NOT MOVE BACK!!!), dodging the kick, and attack with a left leg roundhouse to the person's body. Dodge a back kick by moving to the supporting/ pivot leg. You cannot counter this immediately so position yourself to attack when the person fully turns back to face you.(Again, do not move back to dodge the kick). The axe kick can be dodged by sidestepping quickly to either side. It is possible to dodge the roundhouse by moving back slightly opposite to the direction of your 'open' side, but i recommend simply using your palm to push away the kick , because dodging this kick could put you too far away to counter. IMPORTANT - do not try to dodge 'spinning' kicks (360, turn back hook kick) unless they are aimed at your head, in which case you can duck to dodge.
4
Plan counter attacks to be used in sparring matches based on preference. Remember it is easier to block a turning or spin kick than dodge it and it easier to dodge a forward momentum kick than to block it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 1:

Avoiding Blocks And Dodges Section

1
Make good kick combinations that complement your momentum.
2
Attack your opponent furiously for a short time then retreat backward, then repeat.
3
Use fake kick combos. For example do a front kick or push kick then turn sideways without putting your foot down and do a sidekick.
4
Counter attacking a counter is usually a lot easier than countering an attack.
- In all martial arts, balance is critical because you need good balance to stand on one leg and kick and jump.
- There are many different ways that you can improve your balance. Students who are much younger and have not developed a sense of balance yet or older students who have lost some of their balance can stand on one foot and practice lifting their knee at a 90-degree angle without falling over.
- Yoga is a great way to improve your balance and works very well with Taekwondo training. Poses such as the tree pose help to improve your balance.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I get better at dodging and making fast counter attacks?

Community Answer

Start with lots of fast side stepping and changing direction quickly. You can also try swapping stances (like left-leg-back to right-leg-back) quickly and often. Practice. It might take a while, but slowly build up your general speed and you'll be much faster than your opponent.
Question

How do I counter a back kick?

John H

Community Answer

Step to the right or left, then score a kick into the single leg standing them up, or kick them in a place that will cause them to lose their balance.
Question

How do I block a turning kick?

Community Answer

Go low and kick your opponent's leg while he is mid-kick.

Warnings

Make sure to wear full sparring gear and exercise caution during sparring.

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Do not try any techniques of Tae Kwon Do unless you are being taught by a master. This guide is a supplement only.

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Know your limits

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