SOAR Challenge: Side Kick

Challenge Rules – Due Date: 14 July

1. Students may split repetitions throughout the day.
2. Every kick must demonstrate proper Tang Soo Do technique: Timing, Distance, Target (TDT).
3. Poorly chambered or uncontrolled kicks do not count.
4. Students should record totals on an honor system.
5. Quality always outweighs quantity.

Yup Cha Ki: There are three parts to every kick: the chamber, extension, and rechamber. Tuck the kicking knee into the chest, raising the foot in line with the knee, pointed at the target; extend the leg with a flexed foot position (pointing the heel and pulling the toes back); and then pull the knee back to the chest just as fast as you sent it out.

Soar weekly challenge Sheet (LINK)

Don’t forget to stretch for at least 10 minutes every day.

Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude – SOAR!

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Bronze Tier – White & Orange Belts

Goal: Develop proper mechanics and consistency.

Weekly Requirement

• 100 Side Kicks per leg (200 total)
• Minimum of 3 training days
• Every kick must be chambered, extended, rechambered, and placed down under control.

Suggested Breakdown

• Day 1: 35 per leg
• Day 2: 35 per leg
• Day 3: 30 per leg

To Build Stronger Side Kicks

Hold a side-kick chamber and the extended position:

• 30-second chambered hold
• 30-second extended leg as high as possible
• Complete 2 rounds on each leg each day

Focus

• Balance
• Proper chamber
• Correct striking surface (heel of the foot)
• Controlled return

Achievement Title: Bronze Warrior

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Silver Tier – Green & Brown Belts

Goal: Increase endurance and kicking height.

Weekly Requirement

• 200 Side Kicks per leg (400 total)
• Minimum of 4 training days

Suggested Breakdown

• Day 1: 50 per leg
• Day 2: 50 per leg
• Day 3: 50 per leg
• Day 4: 50 per leg

To Build Stronger Side Kicks

Hold a side-kick chamber and the extended position:

• 45-second chambered hold
• 30-second extended leg as high as possible
• Complete 3 rounds on each leg each day

Focus

• Maintaining form while fatigued
• Increased flexibility
• Stronger supporting leg

Achievement Title: Iron Leg

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Gold Tier – Red & Blue Belts

Goal: Build power, endurance, and mental toughness.

Weekly Requirement

• 300 Side Kicks per leg (600 total)
• Minimum of 5 training days

Suggested Breakdown

• Day 1–5: 60 per leg each day

To Build Stronger Side Kicks

• Chamber Hold: 60 seconds per leg × 3 rounds
• Kick Extension Hold: 45 seconds per leg x 3 rounds
• 50 kicks per leg above shoulder level
• 25 kicks per leg performed as explosive power kicks on a heavy bag or shield

Focus

• Explosive hip drive
• Maximum chamber speed
• Precision and power

Achievement Title: Dragon Kicker

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Master’s Challenge – Black Belts

For advanced students seeking extra recognition.

Weekly Requirement

• 500 Side Kicks per leg (1,000 total)

Additional Tests

• 90-second chamber hold per leg × 3 rounds
• 60-second extension hold per leg × 3 rounds
• 25 consecutive kicks without setting the kicking foot down

Focus

• Mental discipline
• Exceptional endurance
• Tang Soo Do spirit

Achievement Title: Master’s Dragon