The primary purpose of this research was to compare the impact
characteristics of Taekwondo (TKD) and Yongmudo (YMD)
player’s turning kick according to the target height. 5 highly
skilled YMD and 5 TKD players participated in this study. To
measure the impact force, two accelerometers were fixed to a
PVC pipe in a sandbag. Each participant performed 10 turning
kicks trunk and face height in random order. Only the trial with
the most accurate (most central impact) measurement was used
in the statistical analysis (p < 0.05).There was a significant
difference for impact force according to the target height approximately
6400 ± 898 N, 6393 ± 1382 N for the mid section
and 5419 ± 659 N, 5475 ± 1293 N for the high section of TKD
and YMD groups, but not between groups. The swing phase for
the TKD group was significantly shorter than the YMD group’s.
The TKD groups’ recovery phase of the trunk height turning
kick was significantly shorter. There was a difference in the
players’ center of mass (COM) movement as the TKD players’
moved significantly more forward, suggesting that the TKD
players tended to slide towards the target during the execution of
the kick. In conclusion, as the turning kick was performed
quicker by the TKD players with a similar impact force and
more forward motion, it is evaluated to be a better technique of
turning kicking.