Also called Mae geri, Ap chagi, Front snap kick
The front kick lifts the knee, then snaps the leg straight out to strike with the ball of the foot or the heel. Where the teep pushes, the front kick hits. Karate and taekwondo aim it at the body or head, and in kickboxing and MMA a fast front kick up the middle can land before the opponent reacts.
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How to do it
- 1Lift the kicking knee straight up to waist height or higher, pointing it at the target.
- 2Pull the toes back so the ball of the foot will land.
- 3Snap the lower leg out, pushing the hips forward at the end for power.
- 4Retract the foot along the same line before it can be caught.
- 5Set the foot down in stance or step forward into a follow-up.
- Kicking with the toes pointed, which can jam or break them.
- Skipping the knee lift, so the kick swings up and telegraphs.
- Leaning so far back that you cannot follow up.
Safety: Pull the toes back on every rep, and keep head-level front kicks to pads unless your coach says otherwise.
Drills
Your partner holds a kick shield at stomach height; throw ten lead and ten rear front kicks, retracting each one before the foot touches the floor.
Legends known for it
We teach it in Traditional Striking. A coach will fix the details you can't see yourself. Join now and book your first class for $20, paid online.
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The hook kick extends the leg just past the side of the opponent's head, then snaps the heel back into it from an angle the guard does not cover.…
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