Stretch Kick

Stretch Kick – Martial Arts

This page provides details on how to do a martial arts stretch kick. While a stretch kick is a very basic kick, it is useful for stretching situations and as a component to other kicks such as the Axe Kick. There are two versions of this kick that offer slightly different stretches: front leg stretch kick and rear leg stretch kick.

For more instructions on different martial arts kicks, please visit our main kicking techniques page.

Instructions for a Taekwondo Stretch Kick

• Make sure that you stretch your hamstrings and calves before attempting this kick because it is easy to pull a hamstring.
• Swing your kicking leg as high as you can. Do not bend your kicking leg knee. The kick is more about using your body’s core muscles than the leg muscles.
• When performing the front leg stretch kick, try to re-place your foot where it started in front of your body, preferably back in your kicking stance so you can continue to perform the same kick without resetting.
• When performing the back leg stretch kick, try to re-place your foot behind your body in your kicking stance.