The Heel-Palm Kick is one of the most basic kicks in Wushu, though you don't necessarily have to practice it every day. In Mandarin, this kick is called Deng Tui. Deng Tui is a horizontal Wushu heel kick combined with a simultaneous palm strike. When you kick with the right foot, you strike with the left palm, and when you kick with the left foot, you strike with the right palm.
For more Wushu kicks and basics, check out Wushu Main.
Execution
Starting position: Stand upright with your legs together and arms relaxed at your sides.
- Step quickly to your right (about 2 feet, as if entering a half Wushu horse stance).
- Pull your right palm to your right hip and raise your left palm in front of your right shoulder.
- The fingers of both hands should point downward.
- Briefly turn your head 45° down to the right and inhale.
Next:
- Turn your head forward again and strike forward with your right palm.
- Simultaneously exhale and extend your left leg so only the tip of your shoe touches the floor.
- Pull your left palm back to your left hip.
Toe-Fist Kick
- Step forward with your left foot (heel first).
- Kick with your right foot, keeping the ankle flexed and toes pointing upward.
- At the same time, strike forward with your left palm.
- Keep your gaze straight ahead and exhale during the movement.
- Hold the final position briefly, then let your foot fall slowly.
Now step forward with your right foot and repeat the same movement on the opposite side.
Advice
- Kicks and punches should be performed horizontally.
- To improve hip strength, hold each kick for a few seconds.
- Perform 8 kicks in a row — 4 with the right leg and 4 with the left.
Suggestions
- Wushu Toe-Fist Kick
- Side Kick in Wushu Taolu
- Wushu Front Sweep
Videos/Images
- Heel-Palm Kick – Wushu Deng Tui
- Heel-Palm Kick Practice in a Wushu Class
