The roundhouse kick is a basic move in martial arts and kickboxing. Kickboxing is a modern descendent of ancient forms of martial arts and includes many of the original self-defense poses and exercises. A proper roundhouse kick relies on proper form and execution.
Stance
Perform this move by standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, placing slightly more of your weight on your left leg. Bend your elbows and hold your hands in fists near your face, like a boxer.
Execution
Shift your weight onto your left leg as you bring your right leg off the ground and point your bent knee at your target. Extend your knee and straighten your right leg as you pivot your left foot inward, kicking your target with the top of your right foot. Increase the height and speed of your kick as your strength develops.
Purpose
As a self-defense move, the roundhouse kick allows fighters to come in on their opponent from the side, rather than the front. A properly executed roundhouse kick can offer an element of surprise. With practice, this type of kick can carry a lot of force. The momentum of this kick provides a springboard for follow-up punches and kicks, making it a useful tool in self-defense.
Benefits
As a form of exercise, the roundhouse kick helps to build cardiovascular endurance. The kick uses the large muscles in your hamstrings, buttocks and thighs, helping you raise your heart rate as you continue repeating the kick. The roundhouse kick can help develop and tone the muscles in your hips, as well as increase your balance and improve your form.
Posted in: Kickboxing