Body punch and kick combinations

Setup

1. Pairs of a striker and a holder. The holder wears a hogu and holds a body shield firmly against it, elbows in, chin tucked.
2. For the final partner block both wear full sparring gear, including gloves, and are matched by size, age and experience. The instructor supervises throughout.

How it runs

1. Combination 1: two straight punches (momtong jireugi) to the shield, slide back to make space, then a back-leg dollyeo chagi (roundhouse kick).
2. Combination 2: front-leg dollyeo chagi to step in, then a rear-hand punch to the shield.
3. Combination 3: punch, the holder steps back, the striker follows with a back-leg kick.
4. Six of each, then swap roles.
5. Final block: the same combinations on a partner in full gear, light contact to the hogu only.

Coaching points

• Punch to the trunk only. Punching to the head isn't allowed and the hand should never travel towards the face.
• Put the hip behind the punch: rotate, extend, then bring the hand straight back to guard.
• After a punch you are close: make space with a step or slide before kicking, or the kick will jam.
• Check the current World Taekwondo competition rules on what makes a punch score; clean, firm contact to the hogu matters.
• Holders brace for punches and step back on the kick so the striker learns to follow.

Common mistakes

• Punches drifting upwards towards the face.
• Kicking from too close and landing with the knee or shin.
• The guard hand dropping while the other hand punches.
• Knee strikes at close range: they are fouls and can injure.