Low Kick - Martial Arts Kicking Technique

This page provides details on how to perform a Low Kick (also known as the Calf Kick, Muay Thai Cut Kick, etc.). The low kick is used in sparring and fights in order to distract or injure an opponent by striking their calf, knee or quadriceps and/or to sweep an opponent by knocking them off balance.

A low kick is similar to a roundhouse kick (round kick) but it is aimed at the lower portions of an opponent's leg. A martial artist using a low kick will also generally strike the target with their shin (but some fighters use the instep of the foot). This kicking technique is used in martial arts such as Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Kyokushin Karate, etc.

For instructions & videos focused on other martial arts kicks, please visit the main Kicking Techniques section.