HEEL KICK

(Assume the left leg is forward). The heel kick is a circular, front leg kick that begins much like a side kick. The left knee lifts and arcs from a 45 degree angle to the right side of the body to a 45 degree angle to the left side of the body. The hip remains turned over so the heel is higher or level with the toes. Full extension is on the focal point for the most power, and the strike can be with the heel or sole of the foot.

KARATE CRESCENT KICK (a circular kick)

 Outside Crescent Kick

(Assume the right leg is forward). For a left outside crescent kick, the left knee lifts up, much as in the beginning of a front kick but is slightly turned to the right side of the body. As the knee lifts and circles outward, the foot follows in an arc from a right 45 degree angle to the body to a left 45 degree angle to the body. Toes are pointed upward, hips are forward, and the foot is held so as to strike with the outer blade. Power is on the extension of the leg.

Inside Crescent Kick

(Assume the right leg is forward). For a left inside crescent kick, the left knee lifts and the foot follows in an arc, from a left 45 degree angle to the body to a right 45 degree angle to the body. •The strike is with the inner blade of the foot, and hips remain forward.

Note: the motion of this kick is like hugging someone toward you with your foot!

KARATE BUTTERFLY KICK

(Assume the left leg is forward). The head turns to the right in preparation for the spin, then the body pivots. The right knee lifts (as if throwing a spinning outside crescent kick) and continues to raise. Jump off the left leg and deliver a left inside crescent kick. Thus, the technique is employed as a fake spinning outside crescent kick following by a jump inside crescent kick.

KARATE AX KICK

The ax kick begins like an outside crescent kick. At the apex of the arc, however, it drops and pulls vertically in an ax-like motion, striking with the heel of the foot.

KARATE WHEEL KICK

The motion of this kick is between a crescent and heel kick, striking diagonally with the heel of the foot from a 45 degree angle to the body. The foot position is the same as in a heel kick, and it is usually employed against an opponent who is attempting to evade a blow.

All intermediate Karate kicks are practiced from back stances.