Valor TKD 101: The Hop Cut

The hop cut is not done like a fast kick or a sliding side kick, but instead picks both feet off the ground and jumps forward. Hence, the term "hop cut". Both feet must come off the ground and land on the ground at the same time. Practice jumping up and down like this several times until both feet jump up and land at the same time.

The next step is to do the hops forward. Practice the same hops and push yourself forward. Again, both feet must jump up and land on the ground at the same time. Do not gallop like a horse.

Step 3 is to jump forward again but this time raising the knee high at a 45 degree like in the previous lesson (See Valor TKD 101: Changing the cut kick). Perform the hops again, this time raising the front leg at 45 degrees with the bottom of the foot facing forward.

The last step is to add the kick. Recall in the previous lesson the pivot. After hopping forward and raising the front leg up, you must pivot your balancing foot IMMEDIATELY after landing on the ground. This will jerk your hip forward and increase the power of your cut kick. Combined with hopping forward, this technique is guaranteed to send your opponents flying.

Drills: 

  • Hop in place, both feet jumping and landing at the same time (10 times)
  • Hop forward, both feet jumping and landing at the same time (10 times left leg and right leg in front)
  • Hop forward, raising the leg 45 degrees (10 times left leg and right leg in front)
  • Hop forward, raising the leg 45 degrees, pivot balance foot after landing and cut kick (10 times left leg and right leg in front)