How to Perform Mae Geri (Shotokan Karate)

Co-authored by Yvonne Mo

Last Updated: June 4, 2022

Mae Geri, known in English as "Front Kick," is the most basic of the many kicks in Shotokan karate. Since it's used so often, it's important to practice and really hone this technique. You've come to the right article—we've outlined exactly what you need to know so you can master this Mae Geri technique in no time.

These instructions are on how to do the basic gedan barai from a basic, low stance. Other more advanced stances are not covered here.

1

Position yourself in a double "gedan burai" (front stance).

This is like a normal gedan barai. Both of your arms are slanting downwards to the sides of your body, almost like you're pretending to be an aeroplane. It's done so you can do the kick without losing balance and falling over.^{[1]
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- Make sure your stance is low.

2

Bring your back knee up and forward.

Try to make your heel and toes spring up in a simultaneous motion.^{[2]
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Yvonne Mo
Fitness and Health Coach & Kung Fu Instructor
Expert Interview. 10 September 2021.} Keep your leg bent and toes pointed forward. Do not let your toes point towards the floor.
- Ensure your toes are together. Be careful not to let one toe separate from the others; to prevent a broken toe.
- This move, lifting the leg, is the most important of any to make the kick powerful. Practice, to make sure it is fast.
- To refine the leg life, you can imagine you will be striking someone with your knee. The lift of the leg should be that strong and fast.

3

Prepare for the kick.

Point the ball of your foot at the spot you want to aim at. This is the "Striking surface" and will do a lot of damage if it hits.^{[4]
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4

Snap the leg forward at your target.

Roll your hips forward while you do this.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Yvonne Mo
Fitness and Health Coach & Kung Fu Instructor
Expert Interview. 10 September 2021.} This gives you extra kicking power and speed. Also, ensure your toes are pulled back prior to impact. You want to hit with the ball of the foot, not the toes.^{[6]
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- Exhale and/or kiai on impact for maximum force.
- A lot of people aim for the groin with this type of kick.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Yvonne Mo
  Fitness and Health Coach & Kung Fu Instructor
  Expert Interview. 10 September 2021.}

5

Pull the leg and hip back to the position in step 2.

You should feel a snapping motion. The kick makes solid contact and then snaps back.
- Snap back needs to be all the way back to the position in Step 2. Do not drop your foot straight down. Control your leg all the way back.
- The impact/snap back can be a bit tricky to get if you are kicking the air. Some of your practice should involve kicking a makiwara or other target so you can get the feeling of impact/snap back.
- Snap back is important for several reasons. It makes the kick more effective, prepares you for the next technique, and ensures your opponent does not grab your leg.

6

Drop your leg back down to your original gedan barai position.

Don't wobble and keep your "Zanshin." This means to keep your eye on your (real or imagined) opponent, keeping ready for the next technique.

7

Repeat 10 times and then switch legs.

It is important to have the ability to Mae Geri with either leg.

Community Q&A

Question

Can you list different ways to block this kick?

Sanyukta123

Community Answer

Blocks depend on exactly which part of the body is being hit by the kick. A zodaan level kick (face level) can be blocked by the upper block or an outer block. A kudaan level kick (chest level) can be blocked by upper, outer or inner block. A gedaan level kick (belt level) can be efficiently blocked by a dunner block.

Warnings

Don't strain yourself! You could end up with pulled muscles, broken limbs, or just a tired mind. Do things at your own pace.

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All exercise is good for you, but if something hurts—stop. You may be doing yourself serious damage.

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