The butterfly kick is a martial arts technique primarily associated with wushu. Other styles, however, have added this acrobatic maneuver to their arsenal of techniques. Although its effectiveness for self-defense is sometimes questioned, the butterfly is a crowd-pleasing kick at martial arts demonstrations. This challenging maneuver requires you to kick both feet in the air as your body spins 360 degrees. The butterfly is a smooth, flowing technique when performed correctly.
Step 1
Stand in a room that gives you plenty of space to perform the butterfly kick. Spread your legs slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Turn your hips, knees and toes to your left. Your left knee should be bent and your right leg should be straight. Place most of your weight on your left foot. Extend your arms out to your left and look in the same direction.
Step 2
Bend your knees as you swing your arms downward and out in front of you. Move your chest closer to the floor as you move your arms. Bend at your hips and do not bend your back while swinging your arms. This movement should help you gain momentum to perform the kick.
Step 3
Turn your body to the right as you swing your arms out to your right side. Transfer your weight from your left foot to your right foot. Keep your chest and shoulders close to the floor. Kick your left foot straight up behind you. Raise your left foot in the air as high as you can.
Step 4
Kick up your right foot immediately after you kick with your left foot. Lift your right foot off the floor behind you with considerable force. Remember that all your weight is being supported by your right foot. Your body should be parallel to the floor and facing downward when both legs are in the air. Do not attempt to lift your shoulders because you will decrease the height of the kick. Your entire body should spin clockwise as your perform this technique.
Step 5
Land on your left foot, followed by your right. Keep your balance as you return to the floor. Do not let the momentum of this technique cause you to fall down. Upon completion of the butterfly, your body should be facing the direction from which you started.
Step 6
Practice the butterfly consistently to become more proficient at it. Challenge yourself to kick higher. Try performing the butterfly in the opposite direction by first kicking with your right foot. Videotape yourself performing the kick to see if your body is parallel to the floor.
Tips and Warnings
- Stretch your legs, back, neck and arms before attempting the butterfly.
References
- UCC Wushu: Butterfly Kick
- Pil-Sung Martial Arts: Extreme Martial Arts
- "The Secrets of Eagle Claw Kung-Fu: Ying Jow Pai"; Leung Shum; 1980
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