The Flying Frontkick, in Chinese: "Teng Kong Fei Jiao" (腾空飞脚), is one of the easiest Wushu jump kicks. Most people learn it within six months or less. Although it is considered the easiest Wushu jump, the Wushu Butterfly Kick (without twist) is usually learned first because it doesn’t require turning all the way around or jumping and landing on the same leg. However, some Wushu beginners manage to learn the Flying Frontkick in just a few weeks.
I recommend learning it first in a sandpit. Practice your Slapkicks before attempting the Flying Frontkick. You can find more Wushu jumps at Wushu Main.
Run a few steps and jump from your right foot. The last step should land with the sole flat or by rolling from heel to toe. Do not bounce off the ball of the foot.
Lean back slightly—just a few degrees—not too far, or you might slip.
Swing your extended left leg up. This leg swing is essential, as it helps you gain enough height. If timed correctly, the momentum of the left leg means you won’t have to carry its weight during the jump—allowing you to jump higher. At the same time, swing your hands forward up to head height.
Clap your hands together in front of your head (see Wushu Slapkick instruction).
Kick your right leg up and slap your right foot with your right hand. The right leg can be lifted either bent or extended:
Either way, the leg must be fully extended when the hand contacts the foot.
At the kick’s highest point, the foot should be slightly above hip height. Move your chest slightly forward as you kick. Simultaneously, bend the left leg, bringing the knee above hip height, with the lower leg pointing vertically down. The ankle should be fully extended.
Ideally, the kick and slap occur before reaching the jump’s highest point.
Pull your right leg down faster than you kicked it up and swing your arms down quickly. Your right leg and upper body should align vertically. The left leg remains bent until landing. Keep your gaze forward.
After the slap, the hands should move behind the hips, with fingers pointing either straight forward or downward. There are several variations for arm movement after the kick—the one shown here is one of the most popular.
Maintain this posture until you land on your right leg.
❗ Remember: the Flying Wushu Frontkick is jumped, kicked, and landed all on the right leg. Landing on the left leg is incorrect. There is no left-leg version of this Wushu jump.
Try to land softly and keep your upper body vertical upon landing.
Flying Frontkicks are often followed by Wushu Whirlwind Kicks or Wushu Butterfly Twists. A beautiful combo is going from a Flying Frontkick straight into a Cartwheel Without Hands, with no steps in between.
Stand on your right foot, with your left toe touching the floor about 1 foot in front.
Look to your left (chin over the left shoulder), and extend your right arm vertically over your head. Your left palm should rest on your right shoulder, with the left elbow in front of your abs. You will run to the left side.
Note: the right hand should be closed in a fist.
Let the left hand sink down and then swing forward as your left leg makes a large step to the left (forward).
Step forward with your right leg.
Then take another left step, hop, and let your arms fall and cross over each other. The right arm falls over the left, both arms move downward and then extend again (left arm horizontal, right arm slightly above it). At the same time, let your feet clap together.
If that sounds confusing, watch videos of the Flying Wushu Frontkick.
Land on your right foot, step with your left, then jump from your right.
Do not do the full run-up when practicing into a sandpit. Just run straight at the bump.
Exercise 1:
Step onto the bump with your right leg, swing your left leg up as powerfully as possible. Let the right leg follow naturally. In mid-air, your heels should touch. Land on your right leg.
At this stage, you’re just learning to swing the left leg. Don’t kick yet. Lean back slightly before takeoff and return upright mid-air using your abs. If the left leg swings correctly, you won’t need to carry its weight.
Exercise 2:
Repeat step 1, but now bend your left leg at the peak of the jump. The left knee should reach hip height or higher. The calf should be vertical and toes pointing down.
Exercise 3:
Now lift your right knee in mid-air and try to touch your thigh with one hand.
Reminder: land on your right leg. So, swing the left leg strongly and jump high.
Exercise 4:
Now kick with the entire right leg, fully extended. Increase your kick height gradually until it matches the standard.
Exercise 5:
Start practicing the Slapkick: clap your hands together, then kick like you’re doing a Wushu Slapkick on the floor.
To improve your vertical jump for basic Wushu jumps, practice:
Flying Wushu Frontkick – TKFJ
