The Lotus Kick, also known as the outside spin kick, split spin kick, or in Chinese: "Téng Kōng Bái Liǎn" (腾空摆莲), is a classic Wushu jump. It's typically learned after mastering the Flying Front Kick or the Wushu Whirlwind Kick.
The Lotus Kick is performed by jumping off the right leg, executing an outside circle kick in mid-air, and then landing on both legs simultaneously—or on the right leg just before the left.
(Note: the jump, kick, and landing are all done with the right leg.)
While it's possible to perform the Lotus Kick with two full rotations, this is less commonly seen.
You can find more Wushu techniques at Wushu Main.
Execution
Run-Up:
The run-up for the Lotus Kick is a clockwise spiral run.
- Start by standing on your right leg, with your left toe touching the ground in front.
- Your left palm should point forward, and your right arm should be pulled back, slightly above shoulder height. The front hand (left) should be slightly lower.
- Take a big step with your left leg, followed by a step forward with your right leg.
- Make a hop on your right leg, lifting your left knee and extending your arms:
- Left arm points backward
- Right arm points upward
- Look toward your left hand as you hop.
- Land on your right foot, then step forward with your left, and finally jump off your right leg.
- Your run-up should follow a circular path to the right.
In the Air (The Kick):
- The Wushu Lotus Kick in the air is similar to the Flying Front Kick.
Throw up your arms and swing your left leg (extended) upward. - Execute an outside circle kick in mid-air.
- During the kick, you can either:
- Bend the left leg, or
- Keep it extended and lift it as high as possible, resembling a split-turning ballet kick.
- After the kick:
- Pull your legs together and close your arms quickly.
- Land on both legs at the same time.
- Landing first on the right leg is okay, but landing on the left leg first is incorrect.
Advice
- Stretch your splits before practicing Wushu kicks and jumps.
- Learn the Standing Wushu Lotus Kick first (no run-up—jumping from both feet together).
- Practice jumping into a sandpit using a springboard or ramp.
- Use the same drills as the Flying Front Kick.
It's all about swinging the leg up properly. - Make sure to complete a full 360° spin.
In the beginning, you can practice the rotation without the kick. - Do frog jumps to develop explosive strength for the Lotus Kick.
Suggestions
- Standing Wushu Lotus Kick
- Outside Circle Kick
- Aerial Twist (Cartwheel Without Hands Twist)
- Wushu Butterfly Twist
Videos/Images
- Standing Wushu Lotus Kick
- Running Wushu Lotus Kick
- Lotus Kick 540 in Class
