Complete Kicking (7 page)

2. Bring your knee up, pointing at the target as in front kick.

3. Pivot your standing foot and rotate your knee perpendicular to the target, while your arms move in the opposite direction to maintain your balance.

4. Rotate your hip into the kick until it is parallel to the target surface. Snap your foot out at the target. At impact, your entire body should be on the same plane. Keep your head up and look at the target.

5. Withdraw the foot quickly along the same path after the kick and repose.

Roundhouse kick with the ball of the foot

FRONT VIEW: roundhouse kick with the instep

applications

Roundhouse kick is the most versatile kick for both competition and self-defense. For competition, it is safe, effective and powerful for striking low, middle, and high targets. For self-defense, it is useful for striking the knee, groin, and stomach. It is most effective when used in combination with punches, elbow strikes and knee kicks.

SPORT APPLICATIONS

When your opponent steps in to attack, use an intercepting roundhouse kick to stop him and score.

For high roundhouse kick, raise your knee high and shoot it quickly at the opponent’s head.

When your opponent throws a high section roundhouse kick, counter with a middle section roundhouse kick.

When your opponent is retreating, step in and chase him with a roundhouse kick.

If your opponent hesitates while attacking, throw a middle section intercepting roundhouse kick.

Kick as your opponent steps in to attack.

MARTIAL ART APPLICATION: Roundhouse kick in one step sparring