Q&A for How to Kick (in Martial Arts)

To get a more powerful kick, focus on exercises like short-distance sprints, deep squats, and lunges. If you have a weighted vest, add that for extra resistance. The most important thing is just repetition, though. The more you get the mechanics down, the less effort you'll have to put into it, so you can focus more on power.

It really depends on what you’re trying to accomplish! Spinning kicks and side kicks tend to be the most powerful, so these are a good option if you’re trying to break boards, for example. If you’re trying to defend yourself, a simple front kick or stomp kick is a very practical and effective way to deal with an attacker.

Sure! Those big, heavy punching bags you see in the gym or the martial arts studio are designed to take a beating from either fists or feet.

Try practicing your kicks in slow motion until the movement feels natural to you. Then, you can gradually speed up your kick. That way, you won’t be worrying as much about form, which can slow you down. Build your core and legs with strength training and practice controlled breathing to put more power behind your kicks. And of course, do lots of drills with a sparring partner or a heavy bag.

It's a back kick and then a jump roundhouse kick. Make sure to keep your hands up.

Find a local dojo, community center, or club that offers karate. You should be able to find them pretty easily online. They will be able to help you get registered so you can start your karate classes!

Look at your opponent's stance, style and how fast they attack. When they have an opening, strike with a fast kick. After you've made a bigger opening, continue your attacks and try to do some harder kicks, when they won't have time to react properly.

Lean back, and raise your thigh to the same level as your belly button, and the snap your leg into the kick by putting all the force to your back thigh and foot.

Maybe try watching YouTube videos, get some karate instruction manuals, and stretch frequently. A big part of learning karate is sparring, however, and you can't do that without a partner and supervision from an expert.

You can try to move your leg in a sideways motion so your thigh can block the hit.

In most martial arts, yes, this is not appropriate.

You could, but your opponent would quickly realize that you aren't using your hands, and he can use that to his advantage.

If it’s in their hand then move quickly to grab the limb. Then attack vulnerable areas like the face, which is typically unguarded in these scenarios. Once they're distracted, grab your property, put it away in a safe place and proceed to either continue attacking or escape.