The Perfect Flying Kick

Capturing the Perfect Flying Kick on film is no easy task without using time capture devices (like most phones these days!) That said there still are not many pictures because Perfect form is not that common, because these kicks require substantial practice. In seeking to write this article I found the following photo and thought it a great conversation starter.

First credit where credit is due. This photo comes from the Instagram page of Van Roon Martial Arts located in New Zealand. The image is of Carl Van Roon (I am hoping to get permission to feature a few more of his action photos to discuss – what do you think Carl?)…

Back to the topic at hand. Flying Kicks.

The most prominent component to call out is the back leg/foot position. This is the most obvious thing when people get it wrong, that back foot is a dangling makes it more of a hopping kick than a flying kick! Too often that back leg is dangling below the student.

The Perfect form should requires that back leg just as pictured above! With the leg tucked under your groin is protected and that foot is ready to land or execute another kick. The left arm is up and defensive and the right arm is forward offering more momentum to the kick/jump while protecting the ribs and keeping one in balance. Just as pictured!

Like any new move when trying to learn to perform a flying kick you have to perfect the components first. Start by being able to perfectly perform the kick on the ground. You need to perfect the four components of the kick; power, accuracy, form and balance before going airborne!

You also need to perfect and condition for the flying part of the kick. Here the physical conditioning will make a big difference, lunges, squats, jump squats, burpees, sprints, anything you like that will strengthen your legs and back. As you condition practice flying over soft obstacles to perfect your leg positions, height, distance and again balance. Slowly translating that perfect ground form to perfect flying form.

Remember, at first everything seems difficult or impossible. But like anything it becomes easier when you become more skilled. And you become more skilled with training and practice. There are no shortcuts but perhaps 4 x 50 squats will help cultivate your skill!

See it, visualize it, condition it, practice it, and try until you succeed at it. It is an impressive skill to be able to perform, even if it is only off the pool diving board! 😉

OSU!

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