Encompassing a vast number of traditional fighting arts and philosophies, martial arts instruct students on the multiple offensive and defensive techniques of combat. From Chinese kung fu to Japanese karate and ninjutsu, the world of martial arts includes a repertoire of kicks, punches, stances, pressure point strikes, wrist locks, grappling techniques and more, all tailored to the specific practices and methods of each martial art school.
Roundhouse Kick
While considered a basic kick in many different martial arts styles, the roundhouse kick is easily among the most powerful and versatile of pivoting kicks. Using multiple muscle groups throughout the body, the roundhouse kick plants most of the weight and momentum of the body in a pivoting kick targeting your opponent’s upper torso. To attempt the roundhouse kick, begin by standing erect with both feet side by side on the floor. Lift your right knee and, while turning your body to face the left side, extend your foot in an arcing kick high into the air. Ensure that you are pivoting your hips as you turn in order to maximize the amount of strength your thighs, waist and deltoids contribute to the kick. Though considerably slower than shorter kicks such as the snap kick or forward thrust kick, a well-timed roundhouse kick can effectively remove an attacker from the fight.
Tiger Claw
Devised by monastic warriors belonging to the Shaolin temple of medieval China, the tiger claw technique uses all of a martial artist’s hand in a highly damaging attack. Designed to both break the nose and gouge at the eyes, the tiger claw is a deadly attack that you should perform only for strength-training purposes or in case of a life-threatening scenario. Perform the basic tiger claw hand position by bending all five fingers back from the palm as if you were holding a large ball. Force your knuckles back until the tips of your fingers are facing directly toward your target in the shape of a feline claw. Strike out at your practice target by aiming the upper ridge of your palm toward the bridge of the nose, with the pointer and ring fingers entering the eyes in a gouging motion.
Iron Butterfly Spin Kick
Found both in traditional karate dojos and schools teaching northern wushu fighting, the iron butterfly spin kick is a flourishing jump kick that sends two feet arcing in the air toward your opponent. Requiring high levels of balance and strength, the iron butterfly kick is typically aimed toward the head or neck of an opponent and can be used as a defensive response to a sweep attack. Begin the kick by standing erect with your right knee bent until the thigh is parallel to the ground. Pivot your body to the left, and touch down your right foot immediately behind your left. Next, spin your body around with maximum speed and momentum while jumping so that both your right and left feet are off the ground. Swing your left food around in an arc in a technique designed to remove the guard or defenses of an opponent, while the right foot immediately follows in a kick to the face. This attack can be very damaging; you should use it only for training purposes or under an instructor’s supervision.
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