How to Throw a Flying Knee in Martial Arts

A flying knee is an effective martial arts technique for use against an opponent who is dropping down. This happens when the opponent is shooting for your legs or is in a weakened state. Either way, there is an opening in the opponent's defenses. A flying knee can quickly end a fight if it impacts the head.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
   Look for Opportunity

   Look for the opportunity to throw a flying knee. It is ideally used when an opponent is shooting for your legs or they are bent over with their arms dropped.

2. 
   Close the Distance

   Step toward your opponent to close the distance. You will need to get close enough so that you can close the distance between you with one giant leap.

3. 
   Launch Forward

   Launch yourself upward and forward while you drive your knee at your target. Jump high if you are attacking a taller opponent. Jump far if you are attacking an opponent who is far away. Be sure to lead with your knee.

4. 
   Stay on Target

   Stay focused on your target. The opponent will likely be moving while you are flying through the air. Zero in the head. Take into account that it could be coming toward you at the same time. Compensate for the distance.

5. 
   Strike with the Kneecap

   Strike the target with the hard part of your kneecap. Ideally this should be your opponent's nose, but even a forehead strike can cause a knockout. Avoid striking your opponent on the top of the head. This will drive your opponent backward, but could also injure you.

6. 
   Drive Through

   Drive through the target. You must knock the opponent backward with your flying knee. If you do not, you will be the one driven backward and off balance.

Tips & Warnings

• You can cause serious injury or even death with a flying knee. Only use it under controlled conditions in martial arts sparring, or in a life or death situation.

Resources

• Third Coast Martial Arts
• Punch and Kick .com
• Martial Arts Pressure Points
• eHow Tae Kwon Do Topic Guide

[davidv1127]

on 7/5/2009 Good to know just in case!

[jkopinion]

on 7/4/2009 I would love to perfect this! Thanks for writing 5* tips.