Back Kick – Martial Arts Technique

This page provides details on the martial arts back kick. The back kick is used in many different martial arts styles such as TaekwondoKung FuKarateMuay ThaiMixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing. It is used for self-defense, sparring, breaking techniques, etc. For more information on other martial arts kicks, please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main section on Martial Arts Kicking Techniques.

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.

Written Instructions – Martial Arts Back Kick

  • Martial artists use their rear leg for this kick.
  • If they are in a right kicking stance, they will turn their body to the right until they are facing directly away from their target. During this movement, they will pivot on your left foot.
  • They will continue turning to the right and looking over their right shoulder (always looking at the target). The martial artist will lift their right knee to their chest (think of kicking like a mule).
  • They will drive the heel of their foot straight back towards the opponent.
  • After hitting the target, the martial artist will quickly resume their kicking stance in order to prepare for their next kick.
  • For more power, martial artists often try stepping forward and then starting their back kick. This helps them to gain more forward momentum and results in a spinning back kick.

Back Kick Variations

Kickboxing Instruction Video for a Back Kick

Kickboxing Instruction Video for a Back Kick

Taekwondo Back Kick Tutorial

Back Kick – Sparring

Martial arts back kick

Image provided by Wikimedia Commons

References

  1. Information provided with permission from TaekwondoAnimals.com, Taekwondo Back Kick, http://www.taekwondoanimals.com/taekwondo-back-kick.asp