Kicking Tips

Kicking techniques add versatility and range to a karateka’s arsenal. Firstly, legs are longer than arms giving one greater reach. As students will often be shown, the shortest person in the dojo has greater reach with a kick than the tallest person’s punch. Secondly, legs are stronger than arms giving one more power. To master kicks is tricky. The challenges include flexibility, which is why warming-up and stretching are important. Also, balance is important. The secret to success with kicking, as with any karate technique, is practise. Different areas of the foot for kicking include (see figure below):

• Using the ball of the foot for front and round-house kicks.
• Using the instep for round-house kicks, kicks to an opponent’s legs and low front kicks (e.g. to the groin).
• Using the side edge of the foot for side snap and thrust kicks.
• Using the heel of the foot for back thrust kicks.
• Using the sole of the foot for sweeping techniques.
• Using the knee for knee strikes.
• Guidelines for kicking properly include:
  • Being accurate. Kick with the correct part of the foot to an open target – there is no point in kicking knees and elbows!
  • Stay relaxed when kicking, paying special attention to relaxing the shoulders and arms.
  • Don’t hold your breath when kicking. Proper breathing helps with balance, control and focus of the technique.
  • Use the hips to kick. The hips should move in the direction of the kick.
  • Keep the supporting leg bent and the foot flat on the floor (for most kicks). The supporting leg is both a shock absorber and your stance. Remember, power and speed start and end with the hips and supporting leg.
  • Once the basic technique is understood, practise all kicks as one complete and continuous smooth action.
  • Keep the kicking leg soft and relaxed during the kick. This improves the speed and power of the kick.