The 540 Roundhouse Kick – Kicking Tutorial

Hey Guys,

In this video we’re looking at the mighty 540 kick.  There’s a bit of debate as to what this technique ought to be called.  In WTF Taekwondo the 540 kick is actually a hook kick with another 180 degrees of rotation than the one shown here.  That technique is what martial arts trickers call a 720 hook kick.  The kick in this video is a Tricking 540, and I personally think its a more reasonable name for it. 

We have already looked at the Tornado kick, and that technique is designed to kick a target after the kicking leg has rotated 360 degrees from its origin.  This technique has the same initial movement, but rather than landing on the non kicking leg, you rotate an extra 180 degrees and land on the kicking leg itself, hence the 540…degrees.

Regardless of the name, this technique is a lot of fun to practice, and a great challenge for intermediate kickers.  Kicks like this offer great benefits in terms of analyzing your basic techniques for inefficiencies and balance.  Attempting more complex movements forces you to make sure the basics are sound.  It also offers you a greater artistic outlet, while working on your strength and agility.

Keys for the 540 Roundhouse Kick, as iterated in the video:

• Initiate a Tornado roundhouse kick, with or without an initial wind up step.
• Throw your non kicking leg up high for greater lift.
• At the peak, whip your roundhouse kick across while simultaneously tucking in the non kicking leg hard.  This last step, the tucking in of the non kicking leg, is really the key to this technique.
• Land on the kicking foot, and continue your rotation.

In the video I demonstrate 2 training methods for this technique.  Breaking it down into two pieces, the jump first, and the landing on the kicking leg second; the smartest way to get comfortable with the body mechanics, as well as gaining the confidence to land on the kicking leg.

More Martial Arts Kicking Tutorials.