This page provides details on the martial arts Twisting Kick or Twist Kick. This martial arts kick is also known as an Inverted Roundhouse Kick. The twist kick is used in martial arts such as Taekwondo, Karate, etc. For information on other martial arts kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main Kicking Techniques section.
A twisting kick requires greater flexibility than a traditional kick. This kick moves diagonally in-to-out in order to strike versus vertically (i.e. axe kick), laterally (i.e. roundhouse kick) or in an arc (i.e. crescent kick). In Taekwondo, a twist kick is known as Bituro Chagi. In Karate, a high twist kick is known as Jodan Uchi Haisoku Geri (or Jodan Uchi Heisoku Geri).
The twisting kick is a very unusual kick in the martial arts pantheon. The twist kick is one of the only kicks that uses a turned out hip position. To perform a technically correct twist kick the entire rotation of the kick must come from the hip. If the ankle or knee become involved in the rotation, those joints could sustain damage.
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.
Instructions for Twisting Kick
1. Lift kicking leg as if doing a fully chambered front kick
2. Rotate leg outward from the hip as much as possible
3. Maintain rotation and straighten the leg striking with the foot on extension
4. Retract foot still turned out
5. Return foot to the ground
A twist kick can be thrown at any level or angle that a practitioner can reach with his/her flexibility. A low section twist kick can be thrown to the ankle, knee or upper leg nerve. A mid section twist kick can be thrown to the groin, bladder, floating ribs, solar plexus or kidney. A high section twist kick can target the shoulder, neck or head.
Video on the Taekwondo Twisting Kick (second half of video)
Karate’s Jodan Uchi Haisoku Geri
Video on the Taekwondo Twisting Kick
Video on the Taekwondo Twisting Kick
References Sources
- Written instructions from Simon, Northampton Martial Arts, http://www.northamptonmartialarts.com/