Korean Name: Goro Chagi (걸어차기) • Goro (걸어): Hooking • Chagi (차기): Kick The name refers to the curved hooking motion of the leg, designed to strike from the side or behind an opponent’s guard.
The Hooking Kick travels in an inward or outward arc, striking the target with a hooking motion. It is highly effective at bypassing a guard and striking the head or neck from an unexpected angle. It can also be used to sweep or off-balance an opponent when aimed low.
• Low (Najunde): Behind the knee, calf – to unbalance or sweep. • Middle (Kaunde): Floating ribs, side of body. • High (Nopunde): Jaw, temple, side of neck.
• Outward Hooking Kick: Travels from inside to outside of the target line. • Inward Hooking Kick: Travels from outside to inside of the target line. • Front Foot Hooking Kick: Faster and for close-range surprise attacks. • Rear Foot Hooking Kick: Greater range and power. • Jumping Hooking Kick (Twimyo Goro Chagi): Adds height and impact for advanced use.
• Footsword (Balkal): Common for high hooking strikes. • Heel (Dwichook): Often used for maximum impact to head or body. • Instep (Baldung): Used in sparring for speed and reduced injury risk.
“Tool choice in Goro Chagi depends on target height, speed requirement, and tactical goal.” — Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do
1. Preparation: From stance, pivot the supporting foot to open hips toward target. 2. Chamber: Lift the knee across the body, preparing the hooking motion. 3. Hooking Motion: Extend the leg outward and then curve it across the target line, striking with the chosen tool. 4. Retraction: Withdraw leg along a smooth arc to maintain balance. 5. Recovery: Return to stance, ready for follow-up.
• The hook should be smooth, not forced — speed is generated through hip rotation. • Supporting foot pivot is essential for range and balance. • Keep guard up; the circular motion can leave openings. • Accuracy is key — over-hooking wastes energy and telegraphs the strike.
Offensive: • Catching the side of the head or neck past a guard. • Sweeping the leg to unbalance an opponent. Defensive: • Intercepting an advancing opponent’s midsection. • Redirecting and countering after avoiding a frontal attack. In Patterns: • Appears in higher-degree tuls, showcasing control and flexibility.
• Striking with the flat foot rather than designated tool. • Overcommitting the arc, compromising recovery. • Insufficient pivot, reducing reach and power.