Axe Kick - Martial Arts Kicking Technique

This page provides details on how to do an axe kick. This martial arts kick is used for sparring, breaking techniques, self-defense, etc. An axe kick is often used to target an opponent's head, clavicle, etc. This kicking technique is used in many martial arts such as Karate, Taekwondo, etc.

For information on other martial arts kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick), please visit the main Martial Arts Kicking Techniques section.

Section supported by Books on Kicking Techniques.

Written Instructions - How To Do An Axe Kick

• Raise your rear leg vertically as high as you can and then bring your leg down against the target. You can also use your lead leg in order to do a front leg axe kick.
• Try to strike the target with the heel of your foot. The hard bone of the heel is more effective than striking with the sole or ball of your foot.
• In self-defense, this kick can be used against targets such as the face or shoulder bone of an attacker.
• This kick should only be used in certain situations because you are leaving your groin exposed for a counter attack.
• In order to maximize the effectiveness of this kicking technique, you need to work on your flexibility because it is easy to pull a hamstring with an over-extended axe kick.

Axe Kick Variations

• Front Leg Axe Kick - This kick uses your front leg (versus the rear leg with a traditional axe kick).
• Jumping Axe Kick
• Jumping Spinning Axe Kick or Tornado Axe Kick
• Skipping Axe Kick

Reference Sources

1. Taekwondo Animals.com, Taekwondo Axe Kick, http://www.taekwondoanimals.com/taekwondo-axe-kick.asp, Added - 01/31/14