Korean Name: Yop Cha Jirugi (옆차지르기) • Yop (옆): Side • Cha (차): Kick • Jirugi (지르기): Thrust or pierce The term piercing reflects the technique’s penetrating power, designed to drive force through the target rather than simply impact it.
The Side Piercing Kick is one of the most effective techniques for attacking an opponent at the flank. It is delivered with the footsword (balkal) and is capable of generating significant penetrating force. The kick can be executed at low, middle, or high levels, depending on the target.
Primary Targets: • Temple • Armpit • Floating ribs • Neck artery Secondary Targets: • Philtrum • Point of the chin • Solar plexus
• Footsword (balkal).
“Correct formation of the footsword is essential — poor alignment reduces power and risks injury.” — Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do
1. The attacking tool must reach the target in a straight line with a revolving motion. 2. Regardless of stance, the footsword must be brought to the inner knee joint of the stationary leg before the kick is delivered. 3. At the moment of impact, keep the toes of the kicking foot slightly downward and the toes of the stationary foot turned about 75° outward. 4. For maximum height, lean the body away from the kick as far as possible while maintaining balance. 5. Avoid diagonal kicking, as it reduces power. 6. Unless instructed otherwise, execute a high punch with the right fist when kicking with the right foot, and vice versa. 7. Pivot the stationary foot to allow full hip rotation and optimal power transfer.
• Low (Najunde) • Middle (Kaunde) • High (Nopunde)
Back Piercing Kick – Dwit Cha Jirugi An effective technique for attacking an opponent approaching from the rear. Uses the footsword as the attacking tool. The advantage is the ability to reach a long distance without changing the body’s facing. At the moment of impact, the toes of the stationary foot point forward and the ankle of the kicking foot is bent about 45 degrees. Back Pushing Kick – Dwit Cha Milgi Same procedure as the Back Piercing Kick, except the knee remains slightly bent at the moment of impact. The back sole (dwitchook) is the attacking tool. Side Thrusting Kick – Yopcha Tulgi A variation of the Side Piercing Kick that attacks the front of the opponent’s body at a distance. The ball of the foot is the attacking tool, travelling in a straight line with minimal revolving motion, vertical to the target with the ankle fully extended at impact. When wearing shoes, the toes can also be used. Side Pushing Kick – Yopcha Milgi Another variation of the Side Piercing Kick, this technique uses mass and weight rather than acceleration for impact. The footsword is the attacking tool. Executed only from sitting, diagonal, or parallel stances. During execution, the other foot should quickly cross past the kicking foot’s original position, pushing the target momentarily before withdrawal.
• Maintain balance by keeping your core engaged throughout the kick. • Ensure the footsword strikes cleanly without twisting the ankle. • Use hip rotation to generate piercing power, not just leg strength.