Hi, I'm new to taekwando and I was wondering if anyone could give me tips on how to perform an ax kick? (Being able to bring your foot up vertically and bring it down with the heel) Is there any specific stretching methods I should take care of? Thanks in advance.

That's a good question. What does your instructor say on the subject?

err..well..maybe he didn't ask his instructor, if he didn't he probably wouldn't have created the thread...try doing leg raises, ie dynamic stretching..don't think u'll be able 2 accomplish this over night..

Ax kick is about pivoting the foot, bringing up the knee and then extending out the leg and "bringing" it down touching your foot controlled to the ground. This should be done as flat as foot as you can. Do your leg stretches, possible some lunges and then go through these motions slowly to understand the movement. Build up to it. You might as well train the right motion then pick up bad habits later where I see too many people just swing their leg up and then drop it down.

Front stretch kick/leg raise (same thing, different terms)

Also.. Crescent kicks seem to help out too.

The biggest key to an axe kick is extending the hips on the way down. This not only extends your reach, but also helps you to naturally accelerate the kick on the way down. An axe kick can be preformed from the outside in, the inside out, or straight up and straight down. I prefer the last one whenever possible, however this requires that you extend your hips considerably on the way down compared to bringing the leg up. I prefer this method because it limits the chances of a straight on counter-attack while you are executing the move because your leg will be in your opponents way.

Let me know if I have confused you, or if you have any other questions.

SaBum Nim

since when is an axe kick a "controlled" kick??...is that what ur saying dereck??..correct me plz if i'm wrong..but don't u go all out in an axe kick??..how can a true axe kick be controlled??(not tryin 2 deviate from the topic though)

Nope, there's plenty of control in an axe kick. Don't want to miss the mark do you?

I believe I understand what Derek is saying. Althought an axe kick is done with great force and acceleration, your foot should not be slamming off the ground or put you in an off-balance position. Instead you should finish on balance, with your kicking leg lightly touching the ground and most of your weight on your back leg. This will put you in the best position to execute your next technique.

SaBum Nim

yeah..i get where u are coming from, but Leo what does missin the mark has 2 do with control??...but don't worry...i get what u were tryin 2 say
but an ax kick..isn't controlled at all until that very last moment b4 your foot reaches the ground..