KICKING Tae Kwon Do places special emphasis on kicking, and techniques for utilizing the feet as striking weapons have been developed and refined into a unique and highly efficient system. Among the physical techniques of Tae Kwon Do, effective kicking methods are the most difficult to perfect. They involve the whole body in such a manner as to apply the greatest possible force in positions having the least available base of support. In effect, they call for a dancer's stretch and agility, in combination with such speed and concentration of force as is unparalleled in any other combative sport. Constant stretching is required, particularly of the joints, muscle and ligaments of the hips, groin, knees, and ankles, in order to achieve and maintain the optimal physical condition in which the necessary movements are possible. The back and stomach muscles must also be strengthened in order to be capable of generating the force which is to be transmitted through the leg to the striking foot and to maintain adequate balance, in an unnatural posture. For these purposes, the stretching and strengthening exercises performed in class are essential to promote proper kicking. The following points are basic to all the kicking techniques of Tae Kwon Do: 1. All kicking motions begin with the hip. lt is as if the striking foot were the end of a long and supple whip, having in itself, comparatively little weight or strength, but transmitting all the energy of the one who wields the whip augmented many times into tremendous force. 2. The supporting foot, which bears the whole weight of the body in standing kicks, must be securely placed. In flying kicks must be curved up in the direction of the kick, to make available all possible force and maintain adequate balance. 3. Balance must be such as will not nullify movement, but will rather give impetus to movement, without leading to instability. 4. After kicking, one must recover quickly. The kicking foot must be withdrawn to prevent it being grabbed by the opponent, to be ready for the next technique, and to have the knee of the raised leg available, if necessary, to block the opponent's counterattack to the groin or abdomen 5. Hand position while kicking is very important to maintain balance and to protect you against a possible counterattack by the opponent. Chun, Richard. Tae Kwon Do: the Korean martial art. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1976.