Best Taekwondo Kicks for Beginners
Why Start with the Right Taekwondo Kicks?
When you start Taekwondo, learning the right kicks first makes a huge difference.
Beginner-friendly kicks help you build:
- Balance
- Coordination
- Flexibility
- Confidence
Starting with complex or flashy kicks too early often leads to bad habits and frustration.
These kicks below are the best foundation for beginners.
1. Front Kick (Ap Chagi)
The front kick is usually the first kick taught in Taekwondo.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Simple and direct movement
- Easy to control
- Helps develop balance and basic leg strength
What you learn with this kick:
- Proper chamber position
- Core engagement
- Basic kicking mechanics
The front kick builds confidence quickly and prepares your body for all other kicks.
2. Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo Chagi)
The roundhouse kick is one of the most important kicks in Taekwondo.
Why beginners should learn it early:
- Very common in training and sparring
- Develops hip rotation
- Improves coordination and timing
At the beginner level, focus on:
- Slow and controlled execution
- Proper hip turn
- Balance, not power
This kick becomes more powerful as technique improves.
3. Side Kick (Yop Chagi)
The side kick is excellent for learning control and stability.
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- Strong and stable kicking position
- Teaches body alignment
- Improves balance and posture
It may feel awkward at first, but it helps beginners understand how to use the whole body in a kick.
4. Low Axe Kick (Naeryo Chagi – Basic Version)
The axe kick is often introduced in a low and controlled version for beginners.
Why it’s useful:
- Improves hamstring flexibility
- Develops leg control
- Builds confidence in leg elevation
At beginner level, the goal is not height, but control and safety.
5. Knee Strike (Knee Lift / Basic Knee Kick)
While not always counted as a classic Taekwondo kick, the knee movement is essential.
Why beginners should practice it:
- Strengthens the chamber position
- Improves balance
- Prepares the body for higher kicks
Strong knee lifts lead to better kicks later.
Common Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid
Many beginners struggle not because of talent, but because of these mistakes:
- Trying to kick too high too soon
- Focusing on power instead of control
- Skipping balance and flexibility work
Progress comes from clean technique and consistency, not forcing movements.
How Often Should Beginners Practice Kicks?
For beginners, the ideal frequency is:
- 3 to 4 short sessions per week
- Focus on quality, not quantity
Even 10–15 minutes of focused kick practice can bring noticeable improvement.
Can You Practice These Kicks at Home?
Yes. These beginner kicks are perfect for home training.
At-home practice helps you:
- Repeat fundamentals
- Improve balance and coordination
- Progress faster between classes
You do not need a lot of space or equipment to start.
Final Advice for Beginners
The best Taekwondo kicks for beginners are not the most impressive ones.
They are the kicks that:
- Build strong foundations
- Teach balance and control
- Prepare your body for advanced techniques
Master the basics, and everything else becomes easier.
Want to Train Beginner Taekwondo Kicks Step by Step?
If you want to learn and improve these kicks with a clear and beginner-friendly structure, try the Taekwondo Kicks Training app.
You get:
- Step-by-step kick tutorials
- Short and effective sessions
- Training designed specifically for beginners
7-day free trial available.
Download on the App Store or Google Play.