How to Do a Scissor Kick in Martial Arts
The scissor kick is commonly used in many martial arts, including karate, tae kwon do and hapkido. It is a powerful kick that uses speed and momentum to deliver an impressive impact. The technique requires coordination and timing.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Ready Stance
Stand in a fighting stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart with one foot a step ahead of the other. Arms should be in front of you with fists clenched.
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2
Back Knee Up
Thrust the knee of your back leg forward and upward as if you are punching with your knee. At the same time, launch yourself into the air by jumping upward on your front leg.
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3
Scissor In the Air
Scissor your legs while in mid-air. The "scissor" motion requires switching the position of your legs while you are floating above the ground. Drop your knee at the same time you kick your launching leg upward. This is the leg that was forward when you started and the leg that will do the kicking.
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4
Extend Kick
Focus on your target. The scissor kick aims for a high target like the head. Your foot should impact the target with one of three surfaces: the ball of the foot, the instep or the heel. These are hard surfaces that will protect you from the impact.
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5
Touch Down
Land on your trailing leg. This is the leg that was trailing when you began. Follow with your kicking leg touching down a step ahead of the trailing leg. You will notice that you are in the exact same position that you were when you started.
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Tips & Warnings
A scissor kick can also be performed while running. This is a good way to make up distance quickly if you are far from your target. Just remember to thrust the knee of one leg upward and kick with the other leg. Jumping upward is more important than jumping forward when performing a scissor kick.
