The Power of the Piston: Understanding Ap Chagi in Taekwondo Part 2

 The Ap Chagi (앞차기), or Front Kick, is a fundamental technique that evolves in complexity and application as students advance through the Taegeuk forms. The movements in Taegeuk 3 Jang and Taegeuk 4 Jang demonstrate how this kick is integrated into increasingly intricate and dynamic combinations.

Taegeuk Sam Jang (Taegeuk 3)

In Taegeuk 3, the Ap Chagi is used as a core part of multi-step combinations, training students to link a kick with follow-up hand techniques.

Part 1 and Part 3

These sections of the form feature a powerful sequence that combines a defensive block with a quick kick and punch combination.

• Oen Arae Makgi (Left Low Block): The sequence begins with a low block.

• Oreun Ap Chagi + Double Jireugi (Right Front Kick + Double Punch): Following the block, a right front kick is executed. As the foot lands, a rapid double punch is delivered, showing a seamless transition from a kick to a close-range hand attack.

• Oreun Arae Makgi (Right Low Block): This block prepares for the next combination.

• Oen Ap Chagi + Double Jireugi (Left Front Kick + Double Punch): The same kick and double punch combination is repeated on the opposite side.

Part 4

This part of the form includes a highly complex series of movements, linking a kick with both a block and a punch.

• Oen Arae Makgi + Oreun Jireugi (Left Low Block + Right Punch): The sequence starts with a basic block and punch.

• Oreun Arae Makgi + Oen Jireugi (Right Low Block + Left Punch): This is a mirrored combination.

• Oen Ap Chagi + Oen Arae Makgi + Oreun Jireugi (Left Front Kick + Left Low Block + Right Punch): This is a three-part action. A left front kick is immediately followed by a left low block and then a right punch, demonstrating exceptional balance and the ability to chain multiple actions together.

• Oreun Ap Chagi + Oreun Arae Makgi + Oen Jireugi (Right Front Kick + Right Low Block + Left Punch): This entire sequence is then mirrored, reinforcing the complex combination on the opposite side.

Taegeuk Sa Jang (Taegeuk 4)

Taegeuk 4 introduces more advanced techniques and incorporates the Ap Chagi into even more complex and dynamic sequences alongside other kicks like the Yeopchagi (Side Kick).

Part 2

This section features a rapid series of kicks and hand strikes.

• Oreun Jebipum Anmakgi (Right Swallowing Block): The sequence begins with this advanced hand technique.

• Oreun Apchagi + Oen Momtong Jireugi (Right Front Kick + Left Middle Punch): This combination shows the use of the right foot to kick and the left hand to punch, requiring excellent cross-body coordination.

• Oen Yeopchagi (Left Side Kick): The left foot executes a side kick.

• Oreun Yeopchagi + Oreun Sonal Geodeureomakgi (Right Side Kick + Right Knife-Hand Assisted Block): A right side kick is followed by a supported knife-hand block.

Part 3

This final part of the form features a chain of kick and block combinations, concluding with a powerful final strike.

• Oen Bakkanmakgi (Left Outside Block): This block sets up the offensive sequence.

• Oreun Apchagi + Oreun Anmakgi (Right Front Kick + Right Inside Block): The right front kick is executed, and as the foot lands, a right inside block is performed.

• Oreun Bakkanmakgi (Right Outside Block): A mirrored block is performed.

• Oen Apchagi + Oen Anmakgi (Left Front Kick + Left Inside Block): The same kick and block combination is repeated on the opposite side.

• Oreun Jebipum Anchigi (Right Swallowing Block): Another advanced hand technique.

• Oreun Apchagi + Oreun Deungjumuck Apchigi (Right Front Kick + Right Backfist Strike): This is the final and most explosive combination. A right front kick is followed by a quick and powerful right backfist strike.