Question 044: Different kicks

 

The wheel kick is what my organization calls a heel kick.

In a heel kick, the kicking knee is straight as the leg pulls the heel through the target, and the knee stays straight until ready to place the foot back on the floor. The heel and knee do not stop horizontal movement until ready to drop the foot to the floor.

In a hook kick, the kicking knee and lower leg snap the heel through the target. The knee stops its horizontal movement as it pass the line between your hip and the target and bends backward so the heel arcs around and appears to be kicking you in the butt.

The heel kick is slower, easier to block, and more difficult to control once it is in motion, but it hits harder since the knee is straight, which transfer all force to the heel. The hook kick is quicker, more difficult to block, and easier to control once it is in motion, but it hits with less force since the bent knee prevents the transfer of all force to the heel.