How to Do the Roundhouse Kick in Kung Fu

The roundhouse kick is one of the most popular kicks in Kung Fu and other martial arts. Inevitably this kick appears in any martial arts film. Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan make the roundhouse kick look as easy as walking. However, there is great skill involved in proper execution of a roundhouse kick. If done the right way, the roundhouse is a very powerful move. If done the wrong way, the risk of injury to one attempting this move is high. In executing the Kung Fu roundhouse kick, you will be striking your opponent with the top part of your foot. Your knee will act as a powerful hinge, unleashing the force of the kick. Keep in mind, however, that the whole force of the leg, from the hip to the foot, should be behind the roundhouse kick.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to Do the Roundhouse Kick in Kung Fu

1. Start with a beginning stance, feet parallel and shoulder length apart. With both feet planted on the floor, bend your left knee slightly and pull your right leg back into a sparring stance. Your right leg will be the kicking leg. Your hands should be chest high, in fight stance. Your weight should be equally distributed between front and back legs. For the purpose of these instructions, pretend you are facing north at this point.

2. Bring the right knee up, slightly bent, while at the same time pivoting slightly on the left foot, towards your left. Straighten your right leg while you are turning. This should all be done in one fluid movement. At this point in the kick, when you would make contact with the practice partner or practice bag if you are using one or the other, your upper body should now be facing slightly west (but keep your gaze forward and on your target). Your right leg should now be fully extended and the top of your foot has made contact with your opponent's head or upper body. To practice the Kung Fu roundhouse kick with your left leg, simply reverse the beginning stance. Your left leg will be slightly behind and to the side; your right leg will be in front and slightly bent.

3. Now reverse the kick. Begin bringing your right leg back in, bending it slightly, while pivoting so that your toes on your left foot face north again. Pull the right leg back to the same position it was in before you began the kick -- your original fight stance.Reversing the kick is as important as the kick itself. If not done quickly and properly, your opponent may grab your leg and/or you may lose your balance. Good balance is essential for this martial art move.You should practice the Kung Fu roundhouse kick in slow motion many times to learn the proper form. Practice will help you become lightning quick with this. Speed is essential for the roundhouse kick because many parts of your body will be exceptionally vulnerable during the kick. You need to learn to execute this kick fast so your opponent does not have time to react.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your center of gravity at all times
• Remember the top of your foot is the striking part but the energy of the entire leg is used in the Kung Fu roundhouse kick
• The more you practice this kick, the easier it will become
• Always stretch and warm up before attempting the roundhouse kick
• When doing the Kung Fu roundhouse kick, your toes need to be curved back and out of the way or they might be broken
• Do not overextend your knee by snapping it too hard when kicking
• Do not swing your leg wildly. Control is extra important for the Kung Fu roundhouse kick.
• When pivoting, be very careful. Lift your heel slightly and allow the whole foot to gently pivot. If you do this the wrong way you can easily twist your ankle. Keep your whole body in proper alignment the whole time. This is why it is so important to practice frequently. Practice helps condition the muscles and helps the body remember the proper technique.

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