Kenpo Basics - Kicks
Kicks

There are 4 parts to every kick: Up/Out/In/Down. Kicks can be done with either a thrusting or snapping method of execution. With a snapping kick, you strike and then pull your leg back, landing back in your original stance. With a thrusting kick, you strike you land forward.

Kicks are generally long/mid range weapons. When in closer, knee strikes replace kicks. They are the short range equivalent of a kick.

Name Description
Front Ball Kick Bring front foot back into cat (quick transition stance), knee up to chest, kick out striking with ball of foot, lower half of leg back (knee up) and down.
Rear Ball Kick Bring rear knee up to chest and, as we kick out striking with ball of foot, torque front foot and hips into the kick. Front foot turns from 45 degrees to facing direction of kick, then lower half of leg back (knee up) and down.
Side Kick Bring front leg up while pivoting on rear foot so we are sideways to attacker and snap foot into attacker kicking with heel of foot. Land back in original neutral bow.
Slide-Up Side Kick Bring rear leg up to front leg so feet are touching and do a side kick with front leg.
Step-Thru Side Kick Bring rear leg forward and up while pivoting on rear foot so we are sideways to attacker and thrust foot into attacker kicking with heel of foot. Land forward after kick.
Rear Crossover Side Kick Bring rear leg behind front leg then front leg up so we are sideways to attacker and thrust foot into attacker kicking with heel of foot. Land forward after kick.
Jump Side Kick Jumping with both legs, front leg does side kick in the air while rear leg folds under.
Front Roundhouse Kick Bring front leg up while pivoting on rear foot so we are sideways to attacker and snap foot into attacker kicking with top of foot. Land in original neutral bow. The 'jab' of kicks.
Rear Roundhouse Kick Bring rear leg up while pivoting on front foot so we are sideways to attacker and thrust foot into attacker kicking with top of foot. Land forward after kick. The 'cross' of kicks.
Inverted Roundhouse Kick Rear leg crosses behind front leg, front leg swings in, up and out striking with instep.
Fake Inverted Roundhouse Kick From Neutral Bow, start inverted roundhouse, stop before kicking and swing leg around to do a regular roundhouse.
Rear Kick From a Neutral Bow, hands up for balance and protection, look behind as you Cat your rear leg up to front leg. Kick behind you with heel of foot.
Spinning Back Kick From neutral bow, turn backwards and bring rear leg up to front leg in cat, look behind and thrust cat leg backwards, landing forward in opposite bow.
Chicken Kick Cat with front leg then do a front leg front ball snap kick, leaving knee in the air, then a quick jumping rear leg front ball snap kick. Move back to neutral bow after landing.
Side Chicken Kick Front leg side kick, keep knee high after kick then rear leg instep kick in same direction.
Back Chicken Kick Cat rear leg forward and do a back kick with cat leg. Before that leg lands, do a back kick with the other leg.
Skip-Knee From forward bow, grab attacker around neck, pull them in close and tight and drive knee into their midsection. Leg down and skip into opposite bow and repeat.
Spinning Crescent Kick From neutral bow, back leg comes up partially bent, twist body backwards and swing back leg around to strike with outside of foot.
Hook Kick Side kick then bend knee and pull heel back towards you into attacker.
Ax Kick Natural stance. Bring leg across body and up in the air back towards body and slap bottom of foot down on attackers opposite shoulder and land heel of foot on ground.
Front Scoop Front leg up, into attackers groin with instep and pull back towards you.
Rear Scoop Bend rear leg at knee, heel up quickly kicking up into attackers groin with heel and pull towards you.
Shovel Kick Done with attacker on the ground. Do a low Ball Kick that continues into a thrusting kick with the heel of the foot. This is to be done in one fluid motion.

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