Wushu Slapkick

The slapkick (Dan Pai Jiao – literally "single slap leg") is the fifth and final basic Wushu kick and should be practiced in every training session. Slapkicks are performed only with the right leg and are commonly seen in freestyle longfist and Ditang Wushu forms. Typical combinations include slapkicks followed by smash punches or arm circles.

Master the Wushu slapkick before attempting your first flying front kick.
Find more Wushu instructions at Wushu Main.

Execution

• Stand upright with your left foot positioned slightly more than one shoulder width in front of your right foot.
  • The right leg should be extended.
  • The left leg should be slightly bent.
• Extend your right arm almost horizontally in front of you, with fingers pointing slightly downward.
  • Both hands are in palm position.
  • The left hand is held upright, about one inch beside the right elbow.
• Look straight ahead, keeping your upper body extended and vertical.
• Swing your right arm back and briefly follow it with your eyes (turn your head slightly).
  • At the same time, the left hand slowly sinks down until the arm is fully extended, so that both arms form a straight line.
• Hop to switch legs.
  • This hop should be quick, not high.
  • Alternatively, you can walk forward briskly instead of hopping.
• Land on your right leg, with the left foot now positioned one shoulder width behind it.
  • The left knee is extended.
  • The left foot may lightly touch the floor.
  • Look straight forward before your right arm reaches horizontal level.
• Continue swinging your extended arms forward and upward until the left arm reaches head height.
• Step forward with your left foot and stop swinging the left hand when it reaches head level.
  • The right arm should continue moving.
  • At this point, the arms are no longer aligned.
• Swing up your extended right leg, keeping the ankle fully extended.
  • Clap your hands in front of your head, just before you slap your foot.
  • It's critical to:
    • Keep your right leg extended
    • Keep your upper body vertical
    • Keep your right heel on the ground until the kick begins
    • Avoid looking down or up
    • Do not push your hips forward to kick higher — the goal is speed, not height.
• Slap your right foot with your right hand immediately after the hand clap.
• At the same time, move your left leg back.
• Snap your right leg down even faster than it went up.
  • Extend the right arm forward and the left arm backward.
  • Keep your gaze straight ahead and your head lifted, without lifting your left heel.
  • All elbows and knees should be fully extended.

Advice

• Practice your Wushu slapkicks as fast as possible.
• Do not open your hips when you kick.
• Minimize the time between the hand clap and the foot slap.
• Incorporate the slapkick into your daily warm-up routine.

Suggestions

• Wushu Front Stretchkick
• Ce Ti – Wushu Side Stretchkick
• Inside Circle Kick
• Outside Circle Kick

Videos/Images

• Dan Pai Jiao – Wushu Slapkick
• Luan Bi Dan Pai Jiao – Wushu Slapkick with Arm Circle
• Slapkick Practice in a Wushu Class

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