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Step 1
Practice the front kick facing a mirror and alternately at a right angle to the mirror to observe your body’s motion. The kick should incorporate both a snap and powerful push.
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Step 2
Begin in a traditional fighting stance with one foot behind the other. To perform this kick correctly, square your hips with your target instead of turning them sideways. Keep your arms up to guard your face, midsection and groin before, during and after the kick.
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Step 3
Shift your weight forward on your front leg and bring your back leg up, tucking it in front of you, your knee close to your chest. The thrusting front kick depends upon the body’s motion as well as the kick itself. Bring your knee up quickly while you are moving forward.
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Step 4
Extend your kick forward into your target. Since the thrusting front kick incorporates a slight upward swing, many use it effectively as a crippling strike to the groin of an attacker. However, it is also effective when used as high as the chest area or as low as the knee.
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Step 5
Step into your target while kicking. This is where the thrust comes in. Remember, your momentum is constantly moving forward with this kick. Aim your foot at least 6 inches deeper than the surface of your target. This teaches you to develop power.
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Step 6
Hold your toes back when performing the thrusting front kick. One of the most painful mistakes a beginner makes is to allow his or her toes to extend towards the target. Practice making contact with the ball of your foot while the toes remain flexed as far back as you can hold them.
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Step 7
Plant your kicking foot forward after finishing the strike instead of stepping backwards. Since your body is still moving in that direction, step down and if you are facing an attacker, follow the kick with another immediate strike to regain your balance before moving backwards or off to one side.
