List of Martial Arts Kicks (Beginner & Advanced)

This page provides details on a huge variety of martial arts kicks such as the axe kickspinning hook kick and flying back kick. It also provides videos and/or written instructions for each of the kicks listed below in order to help martial artists to learn more about specific martial arts kicking techniques. Martial arts kicks are often practiced extensively by martial artists because they are used in a wide range of different situations including self-defensesparringkatas & formsbreaking techniques and demonstrations. Given the skill and flexibility required, many of the more advanced kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick and butterfly kick) are also used in martial arts movies in order to show the movie hero’s mastery of the martial arts.

Kicking techniques can be done either with bare feet or with martial arts shoes. Some martial arts styles even practice kicks with street shoes (as a martial artist is unlikely to find themselves wearing martial arts shoes or walking around with bare feet in a self-defense situation). For additional kicking information, you should also visit the Black Belt Wiki sections on leg flexibility (necessary for high kicks), leg strengthkicking powerkicking speed and knee strikes.

Martial arts kicks and all other martial arts techniques should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.

KicksTraining Equipment

Basic Martial Arts Kicks – Click on each kick for detailed instructions and/or videos

Master List of Martial Arts Kicks (Basic & Advanced) – Click on each kick for detailed instructions and/or videos

 

 

Kicks from the Ground – If you have been knocked to the ground & must defend yourself with a kick.

Martial Arts Kicks by Martial Arts Style

Training Equipment for Stronger & More Accurate Kicks

Self-Defense Kicking Targets – Vital Areas

  • Groin Kick
  • Low Kicks – These are kicks aimed at targets below the waist (generally at the knee or lower).

Defenses Against Kicks

Misc. Kicking-Related Techniques & Exercises

Martial Arts Kicks

Martial Arts Kicks - Picture of two martial artists sparring in a gym

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons via its Creative Commons license