Basics - Foot positions for first kicks

Apart from the breakdown of the actual kicks (which will be taught to you at the dojo), you need to practise holding your feet in the right position when kicking.  You can do this while watching TV etc.  Just take your socks off and get used to moving the toes to copy the following positions:

Mae geri keage - Front snap kick

Pull all your toes back and extend your foot as shown.  The power of this kick is delivered through the ball of the foot.




Yoko Geri Kekomi - Side thrust kick
Yoko Geri Keage -  Side snap kick

The foot position for both of these kicks is the same.  Bend your big toe up and force the other four down.  This will help you to lock your foot into the correct position.  These kicks use the blade of the foot for the attack.




Mawashi Geri  Jodan -  Round house kick to the head

Keep your toes straight or bend them downward a little for this head attacking kick, as you will be attacking with the instep of the foot.



Mawashi Geri  chudan -  Round house kick to the body

This kick attacks the body - eg the ribs.  Pull all your toes back and hit the target with the ball of your foot.


Keep practising with both feet until you can hold these positions automatically ... then practise them some more.

Villayat 'Wolf' Sunkmanitu
Images by Will Huggins