KINEMATIC COMPARISON OF THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK

BETWEEN TAEKWONDO, KARATE, AND MUAYTHAI

ROSSANO DINIZ,1 FABRÍCIO B. DEL VECCHIO,1 GUSTAVO Z. SCHAUN,2 HENRIQUE B. OLIVEIRA,3
ELISA G. PORTELLA,2 EDSON S. DA SILVA,3 ANDRESSA FORMALIONI,1 PAULA C.C. CAMPELO,1,2
LEONARDO A. PEYRÉ-TARTARUGA,3 AND STEPHANIE S. PINTO2
1
Sport Training and Physical Performance Research Group, Physical Education School, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas,
Brazil; 2Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Physical Education School, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil; and
3
Exercise Research Laboratory, Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto
Alegre, Brazil

ABSTRACT specificities of each combat sport. Specifically, it is suggested

Diniz, R, Del Vecchio, FB, Schaun, GZ, Oliveira, HB, Portella,
EG, da Silva, ES, Formalioni, A, Campelo, PCC, Peyré-Tartaruga,
LA, and Pinto, SS. Kinematic comparison of the roundhouse
kick between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai. J Strength
Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2018—The roundhouse kick
(RHK) is frequently executed in taekwondo, karate, and muay-
thai because of its high technical effectiveness during combat.
The purpose of this study was to compare kinematic character-
that combat strategies should aim to increase the distance from
the opponent during combat for muaythai athletes, whereas taek-
wondo and karate athletes should focus on decreasing it.
KEY WORDS combat sports, biomechanics, kinematics,
performance, velocity
INTRODUCTION

istics during RHK performance between taekwondo, karate,
and muaythai athletes. Forty-seven male athletes (25.5 6 4.7
years, 1.75 6 0.1 m, and 75.8 6 11.5 kg) volunteered to
participate (taekwondo: 17; karate: 15; and muaythai: 15).
Self-selected distance from target, mean and peak fifth meta-
tarsus linear velocity (LV5mean; LV5peak), mean and peak hip
(HAVmean; HAVpeak) and knee (KAVmean; KAVpeak) angular
velocities, as well as target linear acceleration (TLA) were ana-
lyzed with a 3D video motion analysis system. Comparisons
between modalities were performed with 1-way analysis of
variances and Bonferroni’s post hoc test (a = 0.05). Self-
selected distance was lower in muaythai compared with taek-
wondo and karate (p , 0.001). Also, karate had greater
LV5mean compared with muaythai (p = 0.001), and muaythai
showed higher HAVmean than karate (p = 0.011). In addition,
HAVpeak was greater in muaythai than in taekwondo and karate
(p , 0.001). No differences were found for KAVmean, KAVpeak,
and TLA. Although it is similarly described between modalities,
RHK showed distinct kinematic characteristics between taek-
wondo, karate, and muaythai. Based on these results, coaches
and athletes can improve their RHK technique according to the
Address correspondence to Gustavo Z. Schaun, gustavoschaun@
hotmail.com.
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C
ombat sports are widely practiced around the
world, and its popularity seems to be increasing
(14,15). Among the sports modalities, there are
those in which the fighters frequently perform
kicks (20). One of these kicks, the roundhouse kick
(RHK), is used in different combat sports, such as taekwon-
do, karate, and muaythai. Specifically, in taekwondo, the
RHK is called Bandal Tchagui and is defined as a semicircular
kick performed with the instep (13,19). Likewise, in karate, it
is called Mawashi Geri, which is also defined as a semicircular
kick performed with the instep (18). Finally, in muaythai, the
term is Tei Chiyang, a circular kick executed with the distal
part of the tibia or dorsum of the foot (6). Despite the sim-
ilarity in the descriptions of RHK concepts between these
modalities, from a kinematic perspective, one cannot say
that RHK is actually similarly performed in taekwondo,
karate, and muaythai. Moreover, taekwondo combats are
determined based on knockout or number of points scored,
whereas muaythai bouts are determined by knockout or
aggressiveness (6), and competitive karate combats are decided
based on the number of points scored, but athletes must try to
score avoiding excessive contact. Differences in rules and goals
between the modalities may lead to adjustments in RHK exe-
cution, especially in its trajectory, velocity, and joint angles.
It is also not uncommon for athletes to migrate from one
modality to another and, consequently, carry with them the
characteristics of the previous combat sport. With the
popularization of mixed martial arts, athletes often practice

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Roundhouse Kick Performance Between CS

impact on target for example

(11,21). However, despite its rel-
evance, proper investigations
evaluating biomechanical pa-
rameters in combat sports
movements are still scarce.
Previously, studies have
already assessed kicking perfor-
mance duration (10,13), linear
velocity of the foot (2,21–24),
angular velocity of the hip,
knee, and ankle (7,27), as well
as impact on target (5,25) out-
comes. Notwithstanding, only
one previous investigation com-
pared taekwondo and karate
athletes (25), which identified
significant differences in the
frontal, lateral, and vertical axes
of the RHK between these 2
modalities. These findings sug-
gest that the technique used in
RHK has different trajectories
in taekwondo and karate. Nev-
ertheless, this result does not
answer how these differences
occur in different lower-limb
joints (i.e., knee, hip, or ankle).
It also does not allow for veri-
fying whether the velocities
generated in each joint are
similar between different com-
bat sports. Such results could
help both athletes and coaches
to elaborate technical adjust-
ments in RHK to fit specific
characteristics of their modal-
ities (or their opponents, in the
case of mixed martial arts).
Figure 1. Reflective markers model. A) Frontal plane. B) Sagittal plane.
Thus, this study aimed to
assess and to compare kinematic
parameters during RHK perfor-
more than one combat sport because they also face opponents mance between taekwondo, karate, and muaythai athletes. Our
with divergent backgrounds(5,17). Therefore, it is crucial for initial hypothesis was that there would be differences in linear
professionals who work with these athletes to understand velocities, angular velocities, self-selected distance (SSD) from
whether and how RHK kicking technique differs between target, and impact of the RHK between the modalities.
combat sports. Such knowledge can help the strength and Specifically, greater linear and angular velocities were expected
in taekwondo and karate, whereas we hypothesized that
conditioning professional to better plan combat strategies ac-
muaythai would present greater impact because of the sport
cording to the characteristics of their athletes’ modality. Pre-
characteristics of seeking the opponent’s injury or knockout.
vious investigations have already highlighted the relevance that
biomechanical analyses have for a proper understanding of the METHODS
RHK kicking performance (1,9,14,17,21). From these analyses, Experimental Approach to the Problem
kick trajectories can be evaluated to identify the best technical All procedures were performed in a single session, and each
adaptations and thus increase the power production or the combat sport was evaluated on separate days. Initially,
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Figure 2. The 3-dimensional reconstruction performed for roundhouse kick analysis. A) Taekwondo athlete; (B) karate athlete; (C) muaythai athlete.

participants answered an adapted questionnaire to assess
competitive level (8) and had their body mass and
stature measured. Then, they performed a specific warm-
up for 5 minutes (repeated predetermined sequence: 20-
second step movements, 3 vertical jumps, 5-second
alternated unilateral hip flexions, and 5-second submaximal
kicking). After the specific warm-up, reflective markers were
positioned at specific anatomical locations (as detailed
below), and participants were instructed to position them-
selves within the 3-dimensional video analyses system area.
Each athlete self-selected the distance that he considered
ideal to perform the RHK and was instructed to execute it
with proper technique and the greatest effort as possible.
Three valid kicks were performed at the athlete’s trunk height
with 2-minute intervals between them on a dummy (BOOM-
BOXE), which was also adjusted to the trunk level of each
athlete. All kicks were filmed, and the best one, chosen by
a technical consultant, was used for kinematic analysis. In
addition, no jumps were allowed during the kicks, and all
athletes were instructed not to perform high-intensity physical
activities in the 48 hours before assessments and to abstain
from stimulants consumption, such as caffeine or alcohol.
0.1 m, and 75.8 6 11.5 kg). The included athletes were
between 18 and 35 years old and should have a black belt
or immediately before black (or equivalent) graduation in
their modality. Participants who suffered injuries in the lower
limbs during the previous 6 months or who underwent
severe acute weight loss in the previous 6 months (i.e.,
.10% body weight) for any reason were excluded from
the sample. Before any procedure, all participants were
informed about the benefits and possible risks involved in the
study and gave their written informed consent. Also, the study
project was approved by the Federal University of Pelotas
Research Ethics Committee (CAAE: 50889715.9.0000.5313)
and met all the Declaration of Helsinki requirements.
Procedures
Self-selected Distance. As previously mentioned, each partic-
ipant was oriented to choose his ideal distance to perform
the RHK (SSD; 12). After the athlete positioned himself, the
distance, in centimeters, between the support foot and target
base was measured with an inelastic tape measure. The
distance selected was demarcated, so that the athlete could
use the same distance in all RHKs performed (22).

Subjects Kinematic Outcomes. To properly assess RHK kinematic

Forty-seven male athletes, including 17 taekwondo athletes, variables, a 3-dimensional movement analyses system was
15 karate athletes, and 15 muaythai athletes, volunteered to used (Vicon Motion Capture System, Los Angeles, CA,
participate in the study (mean 6 SD, 25.5 6 4.7 years, 1.75 6 USA) composed by six infrared cameras with sampling

TABLE 1. Descriptive variables according to combat sport in national level athletes (mean 6 SD).*

TKD (n = 17) KRT (n = 15) MTH (n = 15) p

Age (y) 23.7 6 1.2† 25.2 6 0.8 28.0 6 1.3 0.036

Height (m) 1.74 6 2.06 1.78 6 1.43 1.75 6 1.74 0.233
Body mass (kg) 73.8 6 2.5 71.3 6 3.6 74.8 6 2.6 0.203
Lower-limb length (m) 0.91 6 0.05 0.94 6 0.05 0.93 6 0.07 0.644

*TKD = taekwondo; KRT = karate; MTH = muaythai.

†Significantly different from the other groups.

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Roundhouse Kick Performance Between CS

Figure 3. Self-selected distance according to modality during roundhouse kick performance (n = 47). TKD = taekwondo; KRT = karate; MTH = muaythai;
*Significantly different from KRT and TKD (p , 0.001).

frequencies of 200 Hz each (3 Bonita10 and 3 Bonita3, Los
Angeles, CA, USA). Before any assessment, calibration of the
collection volume was performed according to manufac-
turers’ orientations and repeated at any moment if deemed
necessary. Specifically, a total of 36 reflective markers were
positioned on predefined anatomical points (Figure 1) on the
participants’ bodies according to Plug-in-Gait Full-Body
model (Nexus 1.8.5 software). After the reflective marker
placement, calibration of the static individual was performed,
with subsequent 3-dimensional model reconstruction.
The linear velocity of RHK was measured through the
reflective marker positioned on the fifth metatarsus.
Specifically, mean and peak linear velocities of the fifth
metatarsus (LV5mean; LV5peak) were determined in m$s21.
Also, mean and peak angular velocities of the hip (HAV-
mean; HAVpeak) and knee (KAVmean; KAVpeak) were deter-
mined, respectively, in degrees per second. Linear and
angular velocities were calculated during the kick from
toe-off to the contact on target (determined by visual
inspection), and the RHK impact on the target was
estimated through a reflective marker positioned on the
superior part of the dummy’s head, as previously performed
(5). For this purpose, the target linear acceleration (TLA)
was calculated in m$s22.

TABLE 2. Kinematic comparisons of the roundhouse kick according to combat sport in national level athletes (mean 6
SD).*

TKD (n = 17) KRT (n = 15) MTH (n = 15) p

LV5mean (m$s21) 3.83 6 0.59† 4.31 6 0.62 3.34 6 0.7† 0.001

LV5peak (m$s21) 7.96 6 1.18† 9.21 6 1.22 6.93 6 1.4† ,0.001
HAVmean (8$s21) 80.04 6 32.30 70.62 6 19.31 103.26 6 33.07†z 0.011
HAVpeak (8$s21) 167.45 6 38.36 141.64 6 39.90 219.38 6 53.84†z ,0.001
KAVmean (8$s21) 63.49 6 36.76 78.18 6 44.69 71.40 6 38.97 0.599
KAVpeak (8$s21) 141.74 6 73.24 182.98 6 91.55 162.94 6 81.57 0.389
TLA (m$s22) 144.67 6 45.62 143.69 6 37.05 177.48 6 74.76 0.171

*TKD = taekwondo; KRT = karate; MTH = muaythai; LV5mean = mean linear velocity of the fifth metatarsus; LV5peak = peak linear
velocity of the fifth metatarsus; HAVmean = hip mean angular velocity; HAVpeak = hip peak angular velocity; KAVmean = knee mean
angular velocity; KAVpeak = knee peak angular velocity; TLA = target linear acceleration.
†Significantly different from KRT.
zSignificantly different from TKD.

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Filming, Technical Consultant, and Kick Chosen. Roundhouse
kick executions were also recorded with a high-frequency
digital camera (120 fps; Canon Power Shot SX50 HS, Tokyo,
Japan) for later selection of the best kick. The camera was
positioned 2 m perpendicular to participants in the sagittal
plane and on the opposite side of their dominant lower limb.
Technical consultants qualified as black belt or equivalent,
who had previous experience in graduation examination
boards, were recruited, one for each modality. Consultants
analyzed all kicks within its combat sport and chose the best
one based on the technique. It should be noted that this
recording was only used for the selection of the best kick,
whereas kinematic analyses were performed through the 3-
dimensional motion analysis system.
Data Processing. The reflective markers recordings were
digitalized; the images were 3-dimensionally reconstructed;
and the dimensionless coordinates were reconverted into
metric coordinates with Vicon Nexus 1.8.5 software (an
example is available in Figure 2). These matrices were the
input data in a routine built-in LabView software, version
2014 (National Instruments, Austin, TX, USA). Data were
filtered using fifth-order low-pass Butterworth filter with a 7-
Hz cutoff frequency, and linear and angular velocity varia-
bles were obtained from the derivative of the position data.
Although linear velocity and acceleration are the resultants
of the 3D space, the angular parameters are those resulting
from the position of 2 connected segments (e.g., thigh and
shank accounted for the knee joint). Target linear accelera-
tion was directly obtained from the software, calculated from
the velocity variation of the reflective marker as a function of
the displacement time.
Statistical Analyses
Dependent variables SSD, LV5mean, LV5peak, HAVmean, HAV-
peak, KAVmean, KAVpeak, and TLA were tested for normality
and homogeneity of variances with Shapiro-Wilk and Lev-
ene tests, respectively, and were presented through descrip-
tive statistics (mean 6 SD). Kinematic data comparisons
between combat sports were performed by 1-way analysis
of variances with Bonferroni post hoc test. Statistical differ-
ence was set at a = 0.05, and all data were processed using
SPSS 22.0 package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
RESULTS
No differences in anthropometric measures were observed
among combat sports athletes, except for taekwondo
athletes who were slightly younger than the karate and
muaythai athletes (Table 1). All athletes had national level
competitive experience and a minimum of 8 years of prac-
tice. Regarding graduation, all taekwondo athletes were
black belts, whereas in karate, 13 were black and 2 were
brown belts. In the muaythai group, 11 athletes were 11th
Kruang (i.e., equivalent to black belt), and 4 were 10th
Kruang.
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Self-selected distance comparisons are presented in Figure
3. Self-selected distance was different between groups (F(2,
44) = 11.934, p , 0.001), and post hoc test showed that
taekwondo and karate athletes performed their kicks at sim-
ilar distances (62.12 6 9.92 and 62.55 6 5.7 cm, respec-
tively), which were greater than those performed by
muaythai athletes (49.5 6 8.78 cm; p , 0.001). Regarding
kinematic analyses (Table 2), differences in the LV5mean and
LV5peak were observed between combat sports (LV5mean = F
(2, 44) = 8.861, p = 0.001; LV5peak = F(2, 44) = 12.055, p ,
0.001). LV5mean was significantly greater in karate in com-
parison with muaythai (p , 0.001), both without difference
from taekwondo. Furthermore, greater LV5peak was found in
karate compared with the other 2 groups (p , 0.001). Differ-
ences between groups were also observed for angular veloc-
ities (HAVmean: F(2, 44) = 5.058, p = 0.011; HAVpeak: F(2, 44)
= 11.831, p , 0.001). Muaythai had greater HAVmean than
karate (p = 0.011) but not taekwondo. Muaythai athletes also
had greater HAVpeak in relation to both groups (p , 0.001).
Finally, no differences were observed between combat sports
for KAVmean (F(2, 44) = 0.519, p = 0.599), KAVpeak (F(2, 44)
= 0.965, p = 0.389), and TLA (F(2, 44) = 1.841, p = 0.171).
DISCUSSION
Our main finding was that, despite the common character-
ization among combat sports modalities, kinematic differ-
ences were found in the RHK between modalities, as
previously hypothesized. Specifically, identifying an optimal
distance to perform the fastest or the most powerful RHK is
relevant. Accordingly, variations in the distance between
athlete and target can influence on kicking performance in
terms of velocity and force generated (11), and ultimately in
the combat result. Previously, researchers compared kinetic
and kinematic outcomes of the RHK between taekwondo
athletes with national and international competitive experi-
ence at 3 different distances from target (135 6 09; 101 6 06;
and 68 6 04 cm, respectively) (12), and the latter was the
closest to the SSD observed in this study. According to the
authors, greater distances resulted in longer durations in
the executions, and some of their results also suggested that
greater distances could result in lower impact forces. One
interesting factor related to the kick performance is the effect
that the limb size has on the kinematic and kinetic param-
eters of kicking (12,13). Differently from other studies (e.g.,
17), anthropometric aspects such as leg length, mass, and
height were well matched in the present investigation
(Table 1). Therefore, the differences in SSD and the remain-
ing parameters may be strongly related to the modality. Fur-
thermore, our findings are in line with the concept that SSD
is associated with increased foot velocity. Considering the
transference of these findings to training sessions, any a priori
advice on the use of longer or lower distances does not seem
to fit in real combat situations, especially because the SSD
chosen and used during combat is likely to be related to the
opponent, rules, anthropometric, and tactical aspects.
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Roundhouse Kick Performance Between CS
Nevertheless, our findings should be considered as a refer-
ence for individual technical analysis in these modalities, and
exceptions should be considered for counterattacks because
greater distances were suggested to favor such actions (2,12).
Linear velocities closer to our results were identified
previously (7,16,26). National level taekwondo athletes
reached peak linear velocities of ;10.9 m$s21 (26), whereas
young and adult international level TDK athletes reached 8.2
and 7.4 m$s21, respectively (7), compared with ;7.8 and 9.2
m$s21 of our muaythai, taekwondo, and karate athletes
(Table 2). No study was found analyzing karate or muaythai,
making it difficult to establish comparisons. Internationally
ranked karate athletes reached ;492.78$s21 HAVpeak and
;8488$s21 KAVpeak (24), whereas national level taekwondo
athletes reached ;282.78$s21 HAVpeak and 797.98$s21 KAV-
peak (7). Such results are much higher than those presented
in the current manuscript and should be related to the ath-
letes’ competitive level, as it influences mechanical results
(11). In both studies (7,24) all athlete/es were part of their
country’s national teams, i.e., they had international level,
whereas our participants only had national level.
In muaythai, combat is decided by knockout or deter-
mined at the end of each round based on which athlete was
more aggressive (6). Therefore, when performing blows dur-
ing a match, muaythai athletes do not only focus on scoring
points, but also on attacking the opponent as hard as possi-
ble. It seems that angular velocity of the hip may be impor-
tant to generate greater RHK impact forces because of the
transfer of momentum from body mass to kick, i.e., the
effective mass used (3,4,17), as explained by the kinetic link
principle (12). On the contrary, fighters can be punished or
even disqualified in karate if they apply a blow with excessive
force or that could injure the opponent. Taekwondo com-
bats can be decided by knockout, but also by points, and
thus, the blow does not need to be performed as hard as
possible, but enough to reach a certain threshold according
to the athlete’s category to score. Such distinct character-
istics during combat can explain the differences observed in
linear and angular velocities between these modalities.
Target linear acceleration, used to estimate the impact
generated on target, was similar between groups. To the best
of our knowledge, this is the first study comparing TLA
between combat sports using indirect method. Despite the
differences in the RHK performed between modalities, as
shown in Table 2, this result (i.e., similar TLA) is very rele-
vant given that it shows that athletes can adapt their kick to
reach similar impacts. Thus, if the main goal of the combat
sport is to use RHKs with greater impact, there seems to be
no advantageous technique among these 3 modalities. More-
over, considering that SSD, LV5, and HAV were not similar
between groups, coaches who wish to increase the impact of
their athletes’ RHK may need to modify different aspects
according to modality. In addition, as previously mentioned,
longer distances were shown to produce lower impact forces
in taekwondo (12). However, this difference was shown
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between RHKs performed at ;137 and 69 cm from target,
almost twice the distance. Such difference is much superior
than that observed between modalities in the current study
(i.e., ;10–12 cm), suggesting that greater differences might
be needed to result in lower impacts (4). Interestingly, our
study shows that, under ecological conditions (SSD), the
movement strategies from distinct combat sports are not as
different as methodologically designed in previous studies
(10–12). In addition, it also demonstrates that considerable
differences in the performance can be observed even among
subjects from the same combat sport (as observed in Table
2), despite the similar competitive level among the athletes
and our effort to standardize it. Further research regarding
distance to target, linear acceleration of the target, and
velocities of the segments are still needed before conclusive
suggestions can be made, especially because different char-
acteristics might be observed during different combat sit-
uations, such as attacks and counterattacks. One possible
limitation of this study is the absence of a force platform for
direct assessment of the impact force generated by the kick.
Therefore, it is suggested that future studies should use this
methodology to confirm our results. Moreover, comparisons
between different predetermined distances and SSD should
also be performed to better understand its relationships
between modalities.
In summary, distinct characteristics were observed in
RHK between the combat sports investigated. Collectively,
muaythai athletes showed lower body-target distance and
greater angular velocity of the hip, whereas karate athletes
showed a higher linear velocity of the foot, and taekwondo
presented a mixed kinematic structure with a relatively
greater body-target distance but a slower leg movement
compared with those of the other combat sports. This
indicates that, based on the kinematic outcomes assessed,
RHK performance is different despite being similarly con-
ceptualized in taekwondo, karate, and muaythai. Interest-
ingly, the impact estimated by linear acceleration of the
target was similar between the 3 modalities.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Based on our results, taekwondo, karate, and muaythai
coaches are provided with a deeper understanding of the
specific kinematics of the RHK performed in their combat
sport. According to a specific purpose, the kicking technique
may be better organized to achieve these characteristics and
improve performance. Specifically, we suggest that muaythai
athletes should aim to increase the distance (SSD results)
from their opponents, whereas taekwondo and karate
athletes should focus to decrease it on their combat sports.
Muscle conditioning may also be specific as well. Although
a rapid initial hip action accompanied by an intense knee
movement should be addressed in karate, a more hip-
directed conditioning may be suitable for muaythai and
taekwondo (HAV results). These findings can assist athletes
optimize their RHK technique in the context of their own

combat sport and those who migrate from one combat sport
to another to further adapt its kicking technique to the new
modality.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors thank all subjects who took part in the study for
their genuine effort. In addition, they attest that they have no
conflict of interest to declare and that the results of the
current study do not constitute endorsement of the product
by the authors or the journal.
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