Lesson 4: White Belt
Page 13 of 16
Front Thrust Kick. The front thrust kick is versatile and easy to use but it is the least "flashy" of the kicks so it is seldom used. It is versatile since it may be thrust into any opening in opponent's guard similar to the way a punch is used.
- Partner holds a hand target downward with a target surface perpendicular to floor.
- Stand in a front stance with arms held in basic guard, facing and centered on the target.
- Chamber trailing leg by lifting knee high in front of body and close against the body. Shin is vertical, ball of foot is extended downward with toes pulled back toward the knee.
- Aim the knee at the target, since the foot will travel to where knee is pointing.
- Snap ball of foot forward into front of the target, keeping toes pulled back so they do not jam into the target.
- Quickly re-chamber the foot and step it back to its original position. The kicking motion is a forward, thrusting motion. The motion is similar to trying to kick a hole into a dry wall. In a front snap kick, the foot would merely slide up the wall, whereas the front thrust kick would penetrate the wall.
- The thrusting motion comes from thrusting the hips forward into the kick. Just the hips move forward, the shoulders remain back so stability is maintained.
- Perform the entire kicking motion from the floor, to the chamber, to the target, back to the chamber, and back to the floor again in one smooth, continuous motion.