Motion Science

Level I * Lower Body * Foot and Leg Strikes

Foot and Leg Strikes are one of the Level 1 basics of Motion Science and one of the basics of Kenpo Karate. Strikes can be offensive or defensive moves used to hit an opponent's vital and non vital areas. Leg strikes use the foot or other part of the leg (such as the knee) as the weapon.

Following are the basic types of foot strikes studied in Motion Science.

Foot and Leg Strikes

Four Basic Kicks

MS_KickFront1.JPG (93651 bytes) MS_KickFront2.JPG (82592 bytes)
MS_KickFront3.JPG (94440 bytes) MS_KickFront4.JPG (91770 bytes)
Front--The front kick is a four count kick,  as are all the basic kicks.  The knee of the kicking leg rises to the front, bring the kicking foot  next to the knee of the opposite leg; the foot extends; the foot returns opposite the knee; the foot returns to the original position.  The ball of the foot, the instep, and the heel are the three main areas of contact on a front kick. As with all kicks, the front kick can be snapping or thrusting.
MS_KickSide1.JPG (97164 bytes) MS_KickSide2.JPG (92063 bytes)
MS_KickSide3.JPG (90003 bytes) MS_KickSide4.JPG (91374 bytes)
Side--The striking leg cocks by raising the knee to the side , lifting the hip, and bringing the foot toward the supporting knee. The foot extend to the side; returns to the knee; returns to it's starting position.  The knife edge side of the foot is the primary area of contact on a side kick.
MS_KickRear1.JPG (80300 bytes) MS_KickRear2.JPG (95510 bytes)
MS_KickRear3.JPG (77319 bytes) MS_KickRear4.JPG (97332 bytes)
Rear--The striking leg cocks by raising the knee to the front (like in a front kick) with the torso slightly forward. Extend the kick to the rear as the torso remains forward; return the kick to the knee; return to the original position. The bottom rear part of the foot is the primary striking surface for a rear kick.
MS_KickRHouse1.JPG (75423 bytes) MS_KickRHouse2.JPG (84027 bytes)
MS_KickRHouse3.JPG (88877 bytes) MS_KickRHouse4.JPG (89964 bytes)
MS_KickRHouse5.JPG (78548 bytes) MS_KickRHouse6.JPG (89849 bytes)
Round House--The roundhouse kick uses the same leg movement as a front kick.  The front kick is done on a plane perpendicular to the ground, while the roundhouse kick is done on a plane somewhat parallel to the ground. The roundhouse kick uses the same body position as a side kick, and is also done to the side of the body.  The striking surfaces are the same as on a front kick. 

Back to Top

Back to Motion Science

 

Four Advanced Kicks

MS_KickBack1.JPG (26352 bytes) MS_KickBack2.JPG (24716 bytes)
MS_KickBack3.JPG (21063 bytes)  
Back--Similar to a rear kick except the hips are 45 degrees to the target line, instead of 90 degrees. This kick is used primarily from the front leg.
Inside Crescent
MS_KickInCrescent1.JPG (23802 bytes) MS_KickInCrescent2.JPG (22791 bytes)
MS_KickInCrescent3.JPG (23150 bytes) MS_KickInCrescent4.JPG (19572 bytes)
Outside Crescent
MS_KickOutCrescent1.JPG (25856 bytes) MS_KickOutCrescent2.JPG (25088 bytes)
MS_KickOutCrescent3.JPG (23645 bytes) MS_KickOutCrescent4.JPG (22474 bytes)
Crescent--An inside crescent kick is done by making an arc with your leg, striking your opponent with the inside of your foot.  From a left neutral bow,  lift your right leg and move it counter-clockwise. An outward crescent kick is done by moving your striking leg along the arc in the opposite direction, striking your opponent with the outside of your foot.
MS_KickHook1.JPG (22393 bytes) MS_KickHook2.JPG (22594 bytes)
MS_KickHook3.JPG (21742 bytes)  
Hook--A hook kick strikes with the heel of the foot by snapping  toward the thigh. (It is the opposite movement of a roundhouse kick, although there is not the same pivoting of the body.)
Forward Scoop--Back Leg
MS_KickScoop1.JPG (19194 bytes) MS_KickScoop2.JPG (21623 bytes)
Shuffle Forward Scoop--Front Leg
MS_KickScoopShuffle1.JPG (19194 bytes) MS_KickScoopShuffle2.JPG (23528 bytes)
MS_KickScoopShuffle3.JPG (25268 bytes)  
Scoop--A scoop kick strikes by keeping the knee locked and lifting the striking leg directly up with the hip joint. A forward scoop strikes with the top of the foot; a backward scoop strikes with the heel. There are many type of scoop kicks.

Back to Top

Back to Motion Science

 

Kick Delivery Methods

Rear Leg Plant Back--Strike with the back leg, then return the leg back to its original position.
Rear Leg Plant Forward--Strike with the back leg, then plant down near the location of the strike, moving you in the direction of the strike.
Shuffle--Move your non-striking foot to where your striking foot is, lifting your striking foot in preparation for the strike. (There should be no change in your center of gravity at this point.) As your striking foot is lifted, execute the strike.
Cross Over--Execute a rear cross-over for a rear kick, and a front cross over for a front, side, or roundhouse kick. 
Draw to Cat--Draw the striking leg toward the other foot into a cat (with 90% of your weight on the non-striking foot). Immediately follow through with your strike (e.g., a front kick). A forward cat is used for a front, side or roundhouse kick, and a rear cat is used for a rear kick.
Spinning-- From a left neutral bow, spin clockwise to a rear kick position along the target line to the opponent and deliver a rear kick.
Jumping--Used to hit higher targets. Jump in the air, lifting both feet off the ground, and strike, landing back in a stance.
Dropping--All kicks can be done by dropping to the ground.

Back to Top

Back to Motion Science