The Art of Flying Spinning Kicks: A Closer Look at 540 and 720 Kicks in Taekwondo

Curiosity about learning Taekwondo knows no grades. Once you have mastered the basics, you can dive into more advanced techniques, including the impressive 540 and 720 kicks. These kicks, also known as 'tricking kicks,' are undoubtedly captivating but their viability in real combat situations is debatable. This article explores the principles behind these unusual kicks, their origins, and who can learn them.

Origins and Evolution of Taekwondo

Taekwondo, a martial art that emphasizes kicking techniques, has a long and rich history. Its roots trace back to ancient Korean martial arts, evolving into the modern sport we know today. While the traditional curriculum focuses on practical self-defense techniques, the demand for more artistic and impressive demonstrations has led to the development of additional kicks like the 540 and 720 spins.

Skills Required for 540 and 720 Kicks

These kicks require a high level of athleticism, coordination, and flexibility. An instructors' approach and a student's physical capabilities are crucial in mastering these techniques. In my experience, even a relatively inexperienced student can attempt these kicks, as long as they possess the necessary athleticism and willingness to practice.

From Tricks to Practical Application

While 540 and 720 kicks are often seen as 'tricks' rather than viable fighting techniques, their learning does not depend on a specific belt level. I have seen numerous brown belts who were proficient in these tricks, and at my school, we have seven-year-old students performing 720 kicks effectively.

To put things into perspective, I had a student who, after several years, could perform a fairly decent 720 kick. His older brother eventually mastered a 1440, and we had several "trickers" from our 'aerial kicks' class who could even execute 920s. These achievements demonstrate the significant potential in acquiring these skills at various belt levels.

Modern Taekwondo Schools: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Our schools, though martial arts-oriented, have a foundation in traditional Taekwondo. Unlike many other schools, we do not include these tricks in our core curriculum. However, the demand for these kicks has led us to supplement our classes with a weekly series that teaches these advanced techniques.

One of our former Assistant Instructors was passionate about these skills. He developed and taught a specialized class, popular among our demo teams. Even after his departure, I continued to teach these classes, drawing on the knowledge I gained from him and our gymnastics tumbling coach who also offers weekly sessions focusing on these kicks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the 540 and 720 kicks are not part of the typical Taekwondo curriculum, they are certainly achievable at any belt level, provided the student possesses the requisite athleticism and dedication.

Regardless of whether these kicks are practical for real combat, their ability to captivate audiences makes them a significant part of the modern Taekwondo experience. If you have the desire, and the right instructor, you can learn and execute these impressive tricks at any stage of your martial arts journey.