The Mae Geri, also known as the "Front Kick", is the most basic of the various types of kick in Shotokan karate. It is a really fundamental technique, being used much more often than others and, for this reason, it is extremely important to master it properly. Read the following to learn how.
These instructions involve starting from a low position while performing a gedan barai. Other advanced positions are not considered here.
Steps
Step 1. Get in the front position by doing a double "gedan barai"
It is a normal gedan barai, performed however with both arms positioned obliquely to the sides of the body, downwards (as if they were the wings of an airplane, so to speak). Starting from this position there is no risk of losing balance and falling while kicking.
Make sure your stance is low
Step 2. Start by bringing the back knee forward and upward
Try to lift your heel and toes with a sudden movement.
- Keep your leg bent and toes pointed forward (don't let them point down).
- Make sure your fingers are in a snug position. Don't let one finger be separated from the others or you could break it by kicking.
- This movement, carried out by lifting the leg, is very important to give power to the kick. Train to make it fast.
- To perfect the movement of the leg, imagine that you are pulling a knee on someone. The push of the leg should be strong and fast.
Step 3. Once your leg is off the ground, you are ready to kick
Point the ball of your foot at the target. This is the surface of the foot capable of hitting and causing the strongest impact.
Step 4. Snap your leg forward towards your target, pushing your hips in the same direction
- The movement of the hips gives the kick additional power and speed.
- Make sure that, before impact, the toes are folded backwards. The ball of the foot must be striking, not the toes.
- At the moment of impact, exhale and / or do the kiai to give maximum power to the blow.
Step 5. Return the leg and hips to the position from Step # 2
- You should make a jerk motion. The stock hits and then snaps backwards.
- The return should end precisely in the position of Step 2. Do not drop your leg, but control its movement.
- The impact and fast return phase could be difficult to achieve if you practice kicking the air. Practice with the makiwara or another target to experience the impact of football and the fast return that goes with it.
- Fast turnaround is important for many reasons. It makes the kick more effective, makes you ready for the next technique and prevents your opponent from grabbing your leg.
Step 6. Place the leg backwards assuming the starting position with double gedan barai
- Don't stagger.
- Keep "Zanshin". That is, keep your eyes fixed on your opponent (real or imaginary), getting ready to perform the next technique.
Step 7. Repeat 10 times, then switch legs
Knowing how to kick with both legs is very important.
Advice
- Push from the hips. This gives the football extreme power and speed.
- The combination of speed and power is truly devastating in karate (for your opponent, not you!)
Warnings
- Don't get too tired! This could lead to strains, fractures, or simply cause you to lose your mental clarity. Keep your pace.
- Working out is always good, but if you feel pain, stop. You could seriously injure yourself by continuing.
