This page provides details on the martial arts front kick that strikes the target with the ball of the foot. Most basic front kicks either hit the target with the top of the foot or the ball of the foot. While a front kick is a very basic kick, it is useful for self-defense situations such as kicking an attacker in the groin. For information on other martial arts kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main kicking techniques page.
A front kick that strikes with the ball of the foot is most commonly used in martial arts such as Karate. In Karate, a front kick is known as Mae Geri. Other martial arts (such as Taekwondo) strike with the foot’s instep with their front kicks.
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.
Technique Instructions
- Raise the knee
- Thrust the foot forward
- Hit the target with the ball of the foot
- Make sure the toes are bent upwards (away from target) as it is easy to break toes with a misplaced kick
- Quickly withdraw the leg (to avoid being grabbed) and move back into a fighting position
Video for a Karate Front Kick
Shotokan Karate Video on Mae Geri (Front Kicks)
Video for a Krav Maga Front Kick