Martial Arts: The Stamp Kick

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: The Stance

A strong stance is an absolute must for a good kick as you need to have a stable platform from which to launch it.

Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and taking a step back with your right foot to a comfortable distance, as if on tram lines. Then turn your feet 30º and bend your knees. Remember to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Step 3: The Kick

From the basic stance, pivot your front foot and then bring your back knee up. Rotate your hips as you do this so you are now side on to your opponent.

Start the move by bringing the right knee up to about waist level and strike down and outward at an angle of about 45º, striking the opponent's target area from the side.

Curl your toes back and strike with the knife-edge of your foot.

For maximum impact, raise your body weight upward as you begin the stamp kick then drop your body weight into the kick to add more power. But NOTE: this is extremely dangerous. You should only practice this move within a proper training session with an instructor present.

Step 4: Breathing

Measured breathing and the exhalation of your energy will improve your kicking technique. Exhale throughout the entire execution of the kick. And make your exhalation strong and powerful from your abdomen. This is called the "KI-AI”.

Step 5: Review

Remember to try and remain as upright as possible and avoid leaning to the side. You should also keep your stance strong. And don't drop your hands as you kick because this leaves your head open to attack.