Mae Geri
前蹴り
Literally: front kick
Also known as: Mae keri, Mae geri keage, Mae geri kekomi
A straight forward kick with the ball of the foot: the knee bends, then snaps out; karate's basic kick, tested from 9th kyu.
Quick Facts
⚠️ Common Mistakes
Dropped hands, excessive leaning forward or backward, a rounded back, kicking higher than the practitioner can control with strength, and slowly withdrawing the leg, which lets the opponent grab it.
Katas containing this technique
About
Mae geri (前蹴り), literally forward kick, is karate's basic kick according to the Japan Karate Federation. It targets the opponent ahead: the knee bends, then snaps open in one motion, striking with the ball of the foot, josokutei, at the upper, middle, or lower level. Two versions are distinguished: the snapping mae geri keage and the thrusting mae geri kekomi. The British federation KUGB tests mae geri from 9th kyu, from zenkutsu dachi, stepping forward and turning. Under the 2024 WKF kumite rules, a kick to the middle level scores waza-ari, two points, and to the head, ippon, three points.