Front Kick ( Ap-Chagi ) The front kick is one of the first basic kicking techniques taught in Taekwondo and Hapkido. It is one of the easiest to learn and because of its linear nature one of the fastest, strongest and hardest to block. Most people have no problem delivering a powerful front kick to a middle section target. Front kick is an excellent weapon for self-defense; it can be thrust inward to strike the opponent's midsection or swung upward to hit the groin or finish off a doubled over attacker.

Striking Surfaces for the Front Kick:

		The Ball of the Foot The primary striking surface for front kick is the ball of the foot. The ball of the foot can be used on nearly any part of the opponent's body. The most common targets are the Ribs, Solar Plexus and Chin.
		Instep The instep is another common striking surface for front kick. The instep can be safely used to strike upwards at softer targets such as the groin or the throat of a bent over opponent.
		The Toes The toes can be used to thrust into various targets. This method is not recommended unless the kicker is wearing shoes with sufficient protection or has taken the time to strengthen and condition the toes to withstand this sort of impact.

Executing the Front Kick

The Front Kick can be broken down into four steps: The Chamber, The Extension, The Rechamber and Return To A Fighting Stance

Chamber: Raise Kicking knee upward in front of your body, bending the knee tightly. Keep the elevated knee directly between your upper body and the target. Curl the toes of the kicking foot tightly upwards and back toward the knee. Keep the Body Upright with the Chest facing the target squarely.
Extension: Thrusting the ball of the foot directly into the target. Keep the ankle tightly flexed during impact to prevent injury. Rotate the Hip of the kicking leg slightly toward the target. Use your supporting leg to push off of the ground, thrusting your hips into the target.
Re-Chamber: Quickly recoil the kick by bending the knee tightly and drawing the heel of the kicking foot towards the buttock of the kicking leg. Keep the knee high during the re-chambering.
Return the Kicking leg to the ground.

Tips for Executing the Front Kick ( Ap-Chagi )

Chamber the knee as tightly as possible before delivering the kick. This will maximize the range of motion and allow for great power. Retract the foot as quickly as possible and return it to the ground immediately after kicking. Front Kicks are easily grabbed.

Use a snapping front kick to strike low and double the opponent over and lower his guard. This will expose high section targets and put them in range for powerful blows such as blows to the back of the head or neck, reverse punch to the temple or a knee to the face.

Do not underestimate the speed of the Front Kick. When striking with the ball of the foot is not necessary to rush the technique. Because the front kick travels in a straight line from point A to Point B is extremely fast. Take your time to deliver a well-placed front kick between or underneath the opponent's guard.

Against opponents that stand their ground and block with the arms, use a change-up front kick. In other words chamber the kick quickly then hesitate before delivering a front kick to slip past the opponent's guard.

Common Mistakes:

Most beginners use only the snapping motion of the knee to deliver this kick. This is best used for a feint or jab like motion. Don't forget to use a forward momentum with the hips and push into your target with the supporting leg.

Leaving the toes and ankle loose upon impact. This is a great way to jam or break a toe or sprain an ankle.

Note: Front Kick against a Hogu
Front kicks are rarely used in Olympic Style Taekwondo sparring competitions because of the nature of the chest protectors (Hogus) worn. The shape and rigidity of modern chest protectors greatly increases the chance of injuring the toes if the ball of the foot is used as a striking surface. The Pushing Kick (Mulleo-Chagi) is one alternative to using the front kick against a Hogu.

Variations of Front Kick:

Twist kick
Jumping front Kick
Double Motion Jumping Front Kick

4 Counter techniques against the Front Kick

For any given technique there are an infinite number of counters. Listed below are four of the many possible ways to counter a front kick.

Mooroop Keokki
Step out with your left foot to the outside of the incoming front kick. Scoop up the kick from underneath using your left hand to grasp the back of the calf or the Achilles' tendon.
As the front kick reaches its maximum extension, deliver a right arc hand (agwison) downward to dislocate the knee backwards. This counter can be seen in the Taekwondo Black Belt Form called "Koryo". It appears in movements number 12 and 14. The name of this move is Mooroop Keokki

Blocking
As the opponent begins to chamber the front kick deliver a sidekick to the shin of the chamber leg, preventing the extension of the front kick. Quickly deliver a counter such as a high section sidekick (Yup-Chagi) or a roundhouse kick (Dolleo-Chagi)

Sweeping
Step out with your left foot to the outside of the incoming front kick. Scoop up the kick from underneath using your right hand and raise incoming front kick as high as possible. Deliver a left knife hand strike or forearm strike to the throat.

Throwing
Step out with your left foot to the outside of the incoming front kick. Scoop up the kick from underneath using your left hand. Maintain your grip of the kicking leg and drop to your right knee as you pivot clockwise 180 degrees to end in a kneeling posture facing the same direction of the attacker. The Kicking leg should be draped over your shoulder while you've secured the lower leg to you chest using both hands. Continue the attacker's forward momentum and pull his lower leg toward your chest as you bow downward. The attacker should end up in a massive front fall and land chest/face first on the ground before you.