It may not surprise you that the two kicks that give people the most trouble in the Kuk Sool under Black Belt Curriculum are Low and Jump Spin Kick. My good friend Andy over at the BlueMoonBlog has been having some trouble with Jump Spin Kick and asked for some input.
I generally teach Jump Spin Kick in 3 steps. However, as with anything else the real way to get good at a kick is to practice it every time you are doing Kuk Sool. Even a couple times a day will help you significantly. These 3 tips will definitely get you started and over that wall that is starting this kick.
* Demo pictures were performed by my Assistant Instructor Brandon JKN here at Purdue.
Step 1
Start in a relaxed Kong Kyuk Jah Seh (Basic fighting stance) and jump up in the air 360 degrees and land exactly as you started. The trick to this part is to bring your knees up and jump as high as you can. Most people jump the 360 degrees no problem but once they try to kick in Step 3 they are not bringing their knees high enough to give them hangtime in the air to kick. Bring your knees up and you will succeed at Step 1.
Do this 10 times
Step 2
Perform Step 1 again by jumping 360 degrees bringing your knees up. But this time focus on whipping your head around to the front to see your target as soon as both your feet have left the ground. This will give you more control in the air, view your target, and a way to lead your body. THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT. As with anything your body follows your head. In ANY spin kick you should start your motion by turning your head and looking at your target. You will notice your spin get faster but you have not decreased your hangtime, which is what we want.
Do this 10 times
Step 3
This is where we add the kick. Only kick after you are in the air and have whipped your head around to see your target. Most people try to start kicking too early. Wait till your body is ready and balanced and then release the kick. You have plenty of time in the air at this point not to panic. Remember you should be pushing your hips out so you kick with your heel and not the side of your foot.
Power Tip: After you master steps 1 - 3 pull with your Glutes (a.k.a. butt) and pull your leg across. This will generate the power you need for breaking.
