🥋 Common Karate Kicks

Karate kicks prioritize power, balance, and practicality for self-defense or close-range combat. They are generally shorter, more grounded, and less flashy than Taekwondo kicks.

1. Mae Geri (Front Kick)

• Target: Solar plexus, groin, knees.
• Execution: Chamber knee, thrust foot forward with ball of foot or heel.
• Key: Keep hips square; retract quickly.

2. Mawashi Geri (Roundhouse Kick)

• Target: Ribs, head (in advanced practice).
• Execution: Pivot on supporting foot, swing kicking leg in arc; strike with ball of foot (Shotokan) or instep/shin (some styles).
• Key: Hip rotation drives power.

3. Yoko Geri (Side Kick)

• Types: Yoko Geri Kekomi (thrusting), Yoko Geri Keage (snapping).
• Target: Ribs, knee, midsection.
• Execution: Turn hips sideways, extend leg straight out; strike with heel or blade of foot.
• Key: Strong chamber and hip alignment.

4. Ushiro Geri (Back Kick)

• Target: Midsection or face (spinning version).
• Execution: Look over the shoulder, drive the heel backward.
• Key: Maintain balance; hips face the target at impact.

5. Kansetsu Geri / Tobi Geri (Jumping or Hook Kicks)

• Less common in traditional karate but appear in kumite (sparring) or kata.

---

🧘 Karate Kick Practice Guidelines

1. Stance & Balance First
   • Master basic stances (zenkutsu-dachi, kiba-dachi) before adding kicks.
   • Practice kicking from stable positions.
2. Chambering
   • Always chamber the knee before extending—this builds speed and protects the groin.
3. Hip Engagement
   • Power comes from hip rotation and alignment, not just leg speed.
4. Retraction
   • Retract the kick quickly to guard and maintain balance.
5. Control Over Height
   • Traditional karate favors low-to-mid kicks (below the waist) for stability and realism.
   • High kicks are practiced but often reserved for advanced students or kata.
6. Breathing (Kiai)
   • Exhale sharply on impact to generate power and focus.

---

🥊 Effective Karate Kick Drills

1. Shadow Kicking

• Practice kicks in front of a mirror to check form.
• Focus on balance, chamber, and retraction.

2. Pad Work with Partner

• Use focus mitts or Thai pads to develop power and timing.
• Emphasize controlled, precise strikes.

3. Kicking Combinations

• Example: Mae Geri → Mawashi Geri → Yoko Geri (all on one side).
• Builds fluidity and transitions.

4. Balance Drills

• Kick while standing on one leg for 10–30 seconds.
• Try kicking while on unstable surfaces (foam pad, BOSU ball).

5. Kata Integration

• Extract kicks from kata (e.g., Heian/Pinan series) and practice them with intent.

---

📺 Recommended Karate Kick Videos

1. “Karate Kicks Explained – Shotokan Basics”
   ➤ Karate by Jesse – Clear breakdowns with slow motion.
2. “How to Do a Proper Mawashi Geri”
   ➤ JKA Shotokan Karate – Official Japan Karate Association demos.
3. “Karate vs. Taekwondo Kicks – Technical Comparison”
   ➤ FightTIPS – Side-by-side analysis.
4. “Traditional Karate Kicking Drills”
   ➤ Shin Gi Kai Karate – Practical dojo-style training.