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Step 1
Practice the basics of Tai Chi in order to deliver a front kick with impact. Although you can learn the mechanics of the kick, it will be more effective as part of an overall Tai Chi study.
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Step 2
Stay light on your feet and keep moving. In Tai Chi, the gentle swaying movement of your body from one position to another produces internal "chi" energy. In a self-defense situation, shift your balance back and forth constantly before kicking.
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Step 3
Breathe deeply and with control. Keep your hands in a guard position to counter any strikes or punches aimed your way. Stay calm and allow your chi energy to pool in your chest area, silent and invisible but waiting for you to call upon, should the need arise. As you move and sway, the energy increases.
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Step 4
Kick only in self-defense, utilizing your opponent’s movement to supplement your own. Tai Chi students learn to move, kick, grapple and punch when their opponent moves and to use the opponent's own movements against him. Depending upon your situation, you will kick when your opponent begins an aggressive move.
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Step 5
Bring your knee up and snap your foot out and back, striking your target with the ball of your foot, while keeping your toes flexed backward for safety. You may use either the front or the back foot to kick but as soon as you have completed the strike, resume your light-footed stance.
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Step 6
Concentrate on using your opponent’s own movement to off-balance him as you kick. An opponent who is unsteady is an opponent with a disadvantage.
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Step 7
Draw all your chi energy into your center and expel it along with your breath as you make impact with your kick.
