What is a lunge in Tae Kwon Do?

Answer 1

The term "lunge" is used in Taekwondo to describe both a type of hand technique, and a particular stance. The "lunge strike" or "lunge punch" is done by turning the body sideways to the direction of the target so that both shoulders line up through the direction of the strike.

A "lunge stance" is usually used in combination with a lunge strike. The typical back stance lines the front foot up with the rear heel or slightly to the outside. The back foot is turned at a 90 degree angle from the target, and the front foot, which points directly at the target is advanced about two foot lengths. Both knees are bent, and the weight is slightly shifted to the back leg (anywhere from 60/40 to 80/20). However, for the lunge stance, the front foot is extended one extra foot length forward (three feet from heel to heel), and the weight distribution is shifted to 50/50 being equal on both legs. The body (center of gravity) is also slightly lower in the lunge stance. This is similar to the lunge in Fencing except that in fencing, the rear leg is extended straight, whereas in Taekwondo, both legs remain bent like a back stance.