The Kung Fu Front Kick

The kung fu front kick is regarded as the fastest and most versatile kick in martial arts. It is generally used both offensively and defensibly. It is featured in all martial arts styles.

The front kick should not be underestimated or forgotten as we progress to higher learning. It can be traced back during the era of the Ching Dynasty.

According to legend, during a meditation session in the Shaolin Temple a crane began eating rice as it was being dried. As the monks tried to fend the crane with a stick, they noticed certain characteristics of the animal: agility, elusiveness, concentration, and in most cases the crane would strike out violently with his other leg whilst standing on one leg.

This tale explains the origin of the technique and how it obtained its name. The front kick is deceptively fast and powerful. This is due to the position of the hip and the minimal amount of preparation required to perform when compared to other types of kicks, such as spinning or jumping.

Another advantage of the front kick is that there are fewerelements for your opponent to recognise that telegraph your intentions.

There are many ways of applying the front kick; regular practice of the front kick will improve your balance and flexibility.

Training Tips

To help you improve your front kick, we have included some key points for your kung fu training.

Strengths

• This kick is easy to perform

• It’s fast and versatile

• It’s used for both offensive and defensive

• Great technique for a smaller person when faced with a larger or taller opponent

• This kick can create an opening for a succession of other kicks or punching techniques

• Strength is generated in a straight line from the hip and thigh muscles

• Kick can be executed stationary or while moving

• On completion of kick, it is easy and quicker to return to a fighting stance

• Striking zones are the knees, groin and Dan Tian

• Easily fit into most combinations of techniques

Common errors

• Many students chamber their leg in front of their chest when performing the kick, this limits the power of the technique.

• Swinging the leg instead of snapping the kick

• Striking with the toes instead of the heel or the entire sole of the foot

• Not in complete balance

• Kicking not in range of opponent

• Leaning back too far when kicking

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