Karate Front Kick (Mae-geri)
Quick Information
Category
Combat Sports
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
None
Primary muscle group
Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary muscle groups
Gluteals, Rectus Abdominis, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Linear Snap Kick
Training goal
Skill Acquisition
Sport
Karate, Kickboxing, General Athletic Development
Overview
Purpose. Deliver a fast linear kick to the body with a clear chamber and an immediate recoil.
How it fits the system. The foundation kick of the karate material in the Combat Sports section. Related work in the library: Karate Roundhouse Kick and Taekwondo Front Kick.
Primary muscles
Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
Secondary muscles
Gluteals, Rectus Abdominis, Gastrocnemius
Movement pattern
Linear Snap Kick
Equipment
None
Difficulty
Beginner
How to Perform
- From a front stance, lift the kicking knee high with the foot relaxed and the ankle loose.
- Snap the lower leg forward, striking with the ball of the foot and the toes pulled back.
- Keep the support knee slightly bent and the hips driving forward at contact.
- Recoil the lower leg to the chamber before setting the foot down.
Coaching Cues
- “Knee high, then snap.”
- “Toes back, ball of the foot forward.”
- “Recoil is part of the technique, not an afterthought.”
Common Mistakes
- Swinging the straight leg up from the floor with no chamber.
- Striking with the toes, which risks injury.
Progressions & Regressions
Progressions
Add height, then add it stepping forward, then combine with a punch.
Regressions
Hold a wall and practise the chamber and snap slowly.
When to Use It
When to use
Kihon practice, line drills and kumite preparation.
When not to use
Wrist, elbow or shoulder injury.
Programming
3–5 sets of 10–20 repetitions per side with full extension and full retraction.
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