Chudan Mae Geri
中段前蹴り
Literally: middle-level front kick
Also known as: Chusoku Chudan Mae Geri
Chudan mae geri is a front kick with the ball of the foot to the stomach or solar plexus, listed in the IKO syllabus as a 9th kyu technique.
Quick Facts
⚠️ Common Mistakes
A leg that is not pulled back immediately after the kick gives the opponent a chance to catch it and take the practitioner down to the ground.
About
Chudan mae geri is a front kick to the middle level, in full chusoku chudan mae geri. The name combines four terms: chusoku (ball of the foot as striking surface), chudan (middle level), mae (forward) and geri (kick). It is performed by bending the knee, extending the leg explosively, then retracting it quickly to keep balance. The kick targets the stomach or solar plexus and serves as a long-range attack or to create distance. In the IKO syllabus for Kyokushin it is a 9th kyu technique. The striking surface differs by style: karate favours the ball of the foot for penetration, taekwondo and stopping kicks often use the heel, and the instep strikes the groin. If the leg is not pulled back immediately after the kick, the opponent gets a chance to catch it and take the practitioner down to the ground.