Striking with precision

Abstract

Taekwondo is a combat sport popular for its high-flying kicks and hard-hitting punches. Intrigued by the underlying techniques, this research aims to analyze and understand the intricate mechanics of flying front snap kicks, valued for their agility, and side punches, scrutinized for their effectiveness in close-quarters combat. Despite their distinctive potential efficacy, there is a lack of existing literature that delves into the details of these techniques, unlike roundhouse kicks and straight punches. In this study, a taekwondoin, Stephanie Kew Yen Nee, who achieved the remarkable feat of holding a black tip rank within a year, performed the kicks and punches. Every execution was captured in the form of three-dimensional (3D) data and examined through frame-by-frame analysis. The key findings demonstrated that the flying front snap kick necessitates well-coordinated body movements, including the lifting through contractions of the hip and leg muscles, which are vital for generating momentum. The side punch, on the other hand, predominantly depends on the right thoracic rotation and activation of the core muscles to exert force. Therefore, analyzing these mechanics can facilitate the tactical integration of these techniques into different facets of Taekwondo, including sparring and self-defense.