Calf Kick – Martial Arts Technique

This page provides details on the “Calf Kick”. This low kick is used in some martial arts sparring matches in order to distract or injure an opponent by striking their calf. Repeated strikes to this muscle can cause an opponent’s calf to cramp, tear, etc. For information on other martial arts kicks (i.e. spinning hook kicks or axe kicks), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main Martial Arts Kicking Techniques section.

A calf kick is essentially a low roundhouse kick or low shin kick that targets an opponent’s calf. The martial artist attempting a calf kick will generally strike the target with their lower shin or the instep of the foot. The calf kick is used by martial arts styles such as Mixed Martial Arts. To offset the pain/damage of a calf kick, martial artists will either try to evade the kick or block via a shin blockcut kick, etc. To better “absorb” the impact of a potential calf kick, some martial artists will also try to strengthen their calf muscles via exercises such as calf raises.

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.

Videos focused on the Calf Kick