Tips on Proper Kicking

1. Kicking techniques should exhibit a sense of powerful ease that is developed through
practice and exercise. You should be able to adjust the height of your kick, accurately
strike the target area, and blend kicking techniques with any movement.

2. Most kicks are divided into four parts: chamber the kick, extend the kick, re-chamber
the kick, and return to your stance.

3. Start with the basic kicking techniques to develop good habits before attempting
advanced kicking techniques. Remember that all advanced techniques come from their
basic counterparts and bad habits will hinder your abilities later on in your training.

4. Balance is extremely important in kicking techniques, since kicking generally involves

your ability to support your body weight on one leg and shifting your body weight during
the execution of the kick.

5. Kicking involves developing good technique first. Once you have the technique down
cold, you can then concentrate on improving your speed, power, and timing.

6. Kicks, like everything else in karate, are perfected through repetition. Practicing the
technique over and over again builds muscle memory, improves your coordination, and
helps you to execute the technique effortlessly with little mental processing.

7. When kicking, your supporting leg should be slightly bent.

8. When kicking, avoid bending too far back. Bending excessively to heighten your kick
will result in loss of power and you may actually “bounce off” of your intended target.

9. After executing the kick, avoid dropping your kicking foot without re-chambering it
first. The speed of re-chambering your kick should equal the speed of executing your
kick. Remember that your opponent can grab your kicking leg while it is extended.

10. Don’t forget about the importance of stretching regularly to improve your flexibility.
Strong, flexible muscles in your legs, hips, back and abdomen make kicking easier to
perform.