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Basic But Devastating Techniques - The Front Kick

Author: Joshua Peacock
Date Posted: April 14, 2009

The front kick is often overlooked, but is actually a very useful technique. It can be fast, as well as powerful--and used to deal damage, distract, or even stop. If used properly it can even do all three of those at the same time. The front kick is a valuable technique for any martial artist's arsenal. You should consider adding it too.

Correct Technique

There are many ways to execute the front kick. In this article I am discussing a style this is a cross between a snapping and thrusting variant.

Start by lifting the leg you desire to kick with at the knee. The bottom half of your leg (everything under the knee) should be bent inwards; slanted backwards towards the ground. Keep the knee up and snap the bottom half up and around. Throw back your toes and hit with the ball of your feet. This is the snap kick.

Now combine it the thrusting variant. Thrusting is lifting the leg like before, but lifting the knee into yourself and aiming the bottom of your foot towards the target. Push it out like a piston while flipping your hips forward into it. The way you combine both of these is to swing the foot up like a snap kick while pressing out at the same time (hitting with the heel instead of the ball of your foot). This is a hard, intricate skill, but is worth the hard work.

Tips and Usage

Although the front kick is a foot strike, it is best used as a distraction or stopping mechanism. When someone is advancing towards you or you want to move in and distract the opponent from your hands, advance or stop the advance by kicking them. The best targets are the knees, shin and waist. Never kick above the waist--this is dangerous. When you kick in a fight, always kick low.

Try and catch the knee, or right under the knee, with the crook in the inside of your foot. Sink into your balance foot; always keep it bent. Lean back a little bit as to flip your hips forward while executing the strike. This adds power.

Repetition of the technique and practice on both the bag and a live partner is the only way to improve.

About The Author

Joshua started his martial journey in the art of Taekwondo, and holds a rank of second degree black belt. He has since developed a love for Chinese martial arts and currently studies Wing Chun Kung fu. He has dabbled in many styles, including: Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu Karate, Five Animal Kung fu, Capoeira, Taiji quan, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Jeet Kune Do, American Kenpo and Eskrima/Arnis. Joshua also loves to write, and is inspired by his strong Christian Faith.

to find out more about the author or to get more tips of self defense and the martial arts, visit: http://www.joshuapeacock.web.officelive.com

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Wing Chun articles.

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