The Wushu Whirlwind Kick, also known as the inside spin kick, tornado kick, or in Chinese: "Xuàn Fēng Jiǎo" (旋风脚), is a classic Wushu technique. It is typically learned after the Flying Wushu Frontkick and sometimes after the Wushu Cartwheel Without Hands.
The Whirlwind Kick is performed by jumping off the right leg, executing a 360° rotation with an inside circle kick in mid-air, and landing on the same right leg. (Note: the jump, kick, and landing are all done with the right leg.)
More advanced versions of the Whirlwind Kick may include two full rotations.
You can find more Wushu jumps and kicks at Wushu Main.
Execution
The run-up for the Wushu Whirlwind Kick is similar to that of the Flying Frontkick, with a slight variation in the initial arm position. Here's how to do it step by step:
- Start Position:
Stand on your right foot, with your left toe touching the ground about 1 foot in front of your right foot. - Orientation and Arms:
Look to your left (chin over your left shoulder).
Place your right fist at your right hip and extend your left palm straight to your left—in the direction you’re about to run. - Run-Up Steps:
- Raise your right arm as your left leg takes a large step to the left (forward).
- Step with your right foot next.
- Step with your left foot again and make a small hop, allowing your arms to fall and cross over each other. The right arm crosses over the left, both drop, then straighten again: the left arm extends horizontally, and the right arm slightly above it.
(Yes, it can be a bit tricky—watch video examples if needed.)At the same time, the inner edge of your right foot should briefly tap the heel of your left foot. - Jump and Rotation:
- Land on your right foot, step with your left, then jump off the right foot.
- To initiate the counterclockwise rotation, angle your last step slightly twisted to the left.
- In the Air:
- As you take off, swing your left arm straight up and keep your torso upright.
- Don’t look down and don’t swing your arms horizontally.
- Swing your left leg up first, without bending the knee too early. A proper swing helps generate more height.
- Kick:
- Execute an inside circle kick with the right leg in mid-air.
- Pull the kicking leg down quickly—you want to land on the same leg.
You can either:- Keep the left leg straight (easier for multiple spins), or
- Bend the left leg (makes the jump look higher and cleaner).
- Landing:
- After a 360° spin, land on your right foot.
- Keep your torso vertical during takeoff, in the air, and upon landing.
- For More Rotation (e.g., 540°, 720°):
- Pull your hands together and close your legs quickly.
- For a 720, you should kick before reaching the highest point of your jump.
Advice
- Use a Reuther springboard to practice jumping into a sandpit (see: Safe Wushu Jumps).
- Always maintain a vertical upper body.
- Stretch thoroughly—especially your hips and hamstrings.
- Watch instructional videos of the Whirlwind Kick and its combinations.
- Improve your vertical leap with Frog Jumps and single-leg jump drills.
Recommended Techniques
- Wushu Inside Circle Kick
- Ankle-to-Pu Bu Stretch for Wushu
- Easy and Safe Ways to Learn Wushu Acrobatics
- Flying Wushu Frontkick
- Cartwheel Without Hands in Wushu
- Wushu Butterfly Twist
Videos/Images
Flying Frontkick to Whirlwind – Wushu Combo
