Karate Mae Geri

This video shows how to do a Mae Geri (lit: Front Kick) in karate. Front kicks are popular in a variety of martial arts styles such as: Sanda, Muay Thai, Kickboxing etc. In karate, there are two front kick variations. The snapped front kick (Mae Geri Keage), and the thrusted front kick (Mae Geri Kekomi). This video shows how to do a Mae Geri Kekomi. BTW, when somebody talks about karate kicks, and doesn't say if he means kekomi or keage, he usually means kekomi (thrusted). For more karate videos, click here, and don't forget to check out the animated karate section.

Execution

Stand with your feet at shoulder width, put your hands on your belt, and look straight forward.
Then lift the knee of your kicking leg in front of your chest. At the beginning you don't have to lift your knee too high. The higher you lift your knee, the higher you kick will be.
Then thrust your foot forward and kick with the ball of your foot.
To increase your reach and the strength of your kick, push your hip forward as you kick. Note: You should not elevate the heel of your standing leg. That sounds easy, but it's actually quite hard at the beginning. Push you hip forward, but don't move you head or your standing leg.
Exhale as you kick.
Then pull your foot back in a straight line, go back to your beginning position, and kick with the other leg.

Advice

Kick with the ball of the foot, not with the heel.
Do 8 kicks in a row and then rest.
Exercise: To build isometric leg strength, try to hold your mae geri for a few seconds.
Practice on a heavy bag. Your foot should touch the bag when your knee is 80 percent extended and if you don't push your hips forward, you should not be able to reach the bag.

Performance

In this Video: Kyokushin Karate Club La Paz Bolivia
Expertise: Kyokushin Karate
Location: La Paz Bolivia Av. Rigoberto Paredes 1234
Taped by: Mavi

Suggestions

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