Front Kick

The Front Kick, known in Japanese as Mae Geri (前蹴り), literally means “forward kick.” “Mae” (前) means “front” and “Geri” (蹴り) means kick. It is one of the most essential and widely used kicking techniques, known for its speed, directness, and effectiveness in both offense and defense — typically driving the ball of the foot into vulnerable areas such as the solar plexus, abdomen, or chin.

How to Perform the Front Kick (Mae Geri)

1. Starting Stance

• Begin in a balanced fighting stance with your guard up to protect your head and torso.
• Keep your weight centered to ensure stability throughout the kick.

2. Chamber the Kicking Leg

• Lift the knee of the kicking leg sharply toward your chest, with the foot relaxed and toes pulled back.

3. Execute the Kick

• Drive your hip forward and snap the lower leg out, striking with the ball of the foot.
• Aim for vulnerable areas such as the solar plexus, abdomen, or chin.
• Exhale sharply on execution to engage core muscles and enhance power.

4. Recoil and Return

• Immediately retract the kicking leg by re-chambering the knee.
• Lower the foot back to the ground, returning to your fighting stance with the guard intact.

Video Reference

For a visual demonstration and further insights into performing the Mae Geri, you can refer to this instructional video: