The outside circle kick is one of the most basic wushu kicks. In Chinese (Mandarin), it is called "Wai Bai Tui". Starting from a standing position with your legs closed and your arms extended sideways, swing one leg inside-up and slap your foot through both hands (close to your face). The downward motion should be accelerated. Keep your upper body motionless. Only the kicking leg and the hands should move. Practice the outside circle kick in every wushu training session. Find more wushu lessons on the wushu main page.
Execution
The straight wushu stretch kick, the inside circle kick, and the outside circle kick all start the same way:
- Stand upright with your legs closed and your hands at your sides.
- Step forward with your left leg and lift your straightened arms while looking to your right. Slightly lift your wrists and let your hands follow (see video).
- Follow with your right foot so your legs are closed again, look straight forward, and whip your palms up. Now your arms should be horizontally aligned, and your palms should be behind chest level (when viewed from the side). Both palms point away from your body. That’s how the three most basic wushu kicks begin.
- Step forward with your left leg and swing your right leg inside-up in front of your face. When your foot is in front of your head, slap your foot through your left palm and then through your right palm. When kicking with the right leg, your fingertips must point to the right (the direction of the kick).
- Immediately open your arms again and bring your hands back to their original position. At the same time, pull your kicking leg back down to the floor.
- Step forward onto your heel and then kick with the other leg (repeat the same steps the other way around).
- Make sure you never bend your back.
- Also, move your leg down faster than you move it up. Do NOT elevate your hip with the kick!
- Step forward onto your heel and then kick with the other leg (repeat the same steps the other way around).
Advice
- Warm up and stretch before practicing wushu kicks and jumps.
- Stretch your splits and flat stance.
- Do a few outside circle kicks before starting work on the wushu lotus kick.
- Avoid this kick if you have hip problems.
Suggestions
- Inside Circle Kick – Wushu Li He
- Wushu Front Sweep
- Running Wushu Lotus Kick – TKBL
Videos/Images
- Outside Circle Kick – Wushu Wai Bai Tui
- Outside Circle Kick in a Wushu Class
