Hop Ga kicks/ attn: diego
Lets start with basics. Hop Ga or other lama stylists should feel free to critique.
Daan geuk: single kick, also called "bullet" kick. This is the common "snap kick" which can be directed forward or to the side. The kick is initiated by raising the knee before extending the foot. Striking surface is the toe of the shoe, top of foot, ankle or shin.
Paak geuk: ("slapping the foot") can be any kick which inlcudes slapping the foot or brushing the foot into the palm at the focus of the kick. The slap ensures proper timing, focus and range of the kick. To a lesser degree it provides some contact conditioning. For a swing kick, keep the palm at or just beyond the target point to ensure full power and range at point of contact. The kick should easily overcome the resistance of the hand. For a toe kick, bring the forearm and palm directly down your center/target line to keep the foot from shifting laterally off target. In our school, we also use the term "paak geuk" to refer to an inside crescent kick trained in this way.
Deng: heel kick. Strong dorsiflexion on the foot as it is thrust forward and upward. The bottom of the heel is the striking surface. The ball of the foot should not make contact with the target. There is no snap to this kick. In other words, the knee is not flexed immidiately after contact. Rather, the heel is allowed to scrape upward until its momentum is gone. The pelvis should both lead the kick and follow it to allow uninterrupted power. This one is good for training on a heavy bag.
Tin gong geuk: In training, this is the front rising heel kick with the knee locked straight. Good for training hamstring elasticity. The kick is accelerated in an arc as far as you can go. It is better to lean into it for power than to lean back for the appearance of greater flexibility. In its pure form, this is a slow but strong kick and is good for developing strength and range for other kicks. In application, the knee can be bent to varying degrees.
(To be continued.)
jd
Hop Ga kicks continued, continued.
Seung fei teui: The double flying legs or "butterfly kick" is so-called because of the way the legs reciprocate or "flutter." Common to most styles, with variations. One foot kicks forward; while retracting the foot, the back leg springs up to kick at a higher level, often before the first foot touches the ground. The first kick is used to feint or disarm while the second kick (usually a heel kick, in our style) has more power.
Chat sing geuk: The seven star kick as popular in Praying Mantis styles. Sometimes a method to stop or hold the opponent's leg for a simultaneous upper body attack. In our school it is a method to shift the body's mass forward in order to utilize a "dropping" energy. You do not have to advance very far. In fact it can be executed when retreating or pressed from the front. Always done with an accompanying hand technique, it can be a foot trap or stomp, as well. Practice by stamping your weight onto one foot while extending the other heel. If the front heel does not touch the ground, you are unbalanced and can easily be knocked down. If you hit too hard and bruise your heel, you don't know where the ground is and need more proprioceptive training.
jd