100 DIFFERENT KICKS! | FOC Kicktionary | Taekwondo, Karate, Capoeira, Tricking, Martial Arts
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Strike·FOC Taekwondo
Here are 100 different martial arts kicks and kicking variations! Our background is in taekwondo but we tried to borrow …
Strike
Class打撃技(Dageki-waza)
TraditionalTranslation: striking technique
Overview
The Strike class encompasses all combat techniques in which a fighter delivers percussive force to an opponent using a part of the body — fist, elbow, knee, shin, foot, or head — to cause damage, create distance, or set up subsequent attacks. [1] Striking is the most instinctive form of unarmed combat, and biomechanical research has shown that the kinetic chain linking the feet, hips, torso, and striking limb is the primary determinant of impact force, with elite athletes generating peak forces exceeding 4,000 newtons in punches alone. [1],[2] The class is organised into groups by the primary weapon used: punches (closed fist), kicks (foot and shin), elbows, knees, headbutts, and open-hand strikes, each governed by distinct biomechanical principles and tactical applications. [2],[3] Striking arts span the globe and represent some of the oldest documented fighting systems, from Western boxing codified under the London Prize Ring Rules in 1743, to Muay Thai's eight-weapon system refined over centuries in Thailand, to karate's formalisation in Okinawa and Japan during the early 20th century. [3],[4] Modern sport science has advanced striking methodology considerably, with three-dimensional motion capture and electromyography studies revealing that sequential activation of lower-limb, trunk, and upper-limb muscles — the proximal-to-distal sequencing principle — underlies maximum-force generation across all strike types. [4],[5] In competitive contexts, striking techniques are regulated by sport-specific rule sets: boxing permits only closed-fist punches above the waist, Muay Thai allows the full range of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, while MMA under the Unified Rules prohibits twelve-to-six elbows and certain headbutts. [5],[6] The strategic depth of striking lies in combining these weapons across ranges — long-range kicks to control distance, mid-range punches for volume damage, and close-range elbows and knees in the clinch — to create a layered offensive system that overwhelms defensive structures. [6],[7]
History & Origin
Striking in combat is as old as human conflict, with the earliest pictorial evidence appearing in Sumerian reliefs from approximately 3000 BCE depicting boxers and in Egyptian tomb paintings at Beni Hasan (circa 2000 BCE) showing wrestlers and strikers. [1] The ancient Greeks formalised striking within pygmachia (boxing) and pankration, which were Olympic events by 688 BCE and 648 BCE respectively, introducing hand wrappings and basic rules of engagement. [1],[2] In East Asia, Chinese martial arts texts such as the Ji Xiao Xin Shu (1561) by General Qi Jiguang codified striking methods, while Okinawan te evolved through trade-route contact with Chinese kung fu into the karate systems formalised by Gichin Funakoshi in the 1920s. [2],[3] Muay Thai evolved from the battlefield art muay boran, with the first formal ring rules established in Thailand during the 1920s under the patronage of King Rama VII. [3],[4] Western boxing was codified by Jack Broughton's rules in 1743 and further modernised by the Marquess of Queensberry Rules in 1867, introducing gloves, timed rounds, and the ten-count system. [4],[5] The 20th century saw the emergence of full-contact karate, kickboxing (formalised in the United States and Japan in the 1960s and 1970s), and savate's continued development in France. [5],[6] The advent of mixed martial arts in the 1990s, particularly the founding of the UFC in 1993, forced an unprecedented cross-pollination of striking traditions, leading to the integrated striking methodology seen in modern MMA. [6],[7]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Competition Record
Striking accounts for the majority of all finishes in MMA and is the sole scoring action in boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Ballistic extension of the arm — kinetic chain transfers force from the ground through the hips to the fist
Joints Involved — Shoulder (flexion/rotation), elbow (rapid extension), wrist (stabilised on impact), hips (rotation)
Force Vector — Linear (jab, cross) or circular (hook, overhand) depending on the punch type
Kinetic Chain — Ground reaction force → hip rotation → torso rotation → shoulder extension → fist impact — each link amplifies velocity
Position & Entry
From orthodox stance (after jab) — Rotate the rear hip forward, extend the rear hand straight to the target, pivot the rear foot
As counter (pull counter) — Lean back to avoid the incoming jab, fire the cross as the opponent's jab retracts
From clinch break — Push off from the clinch, create space, and fire the straight right as the opponent resets
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Striking techniques carry inherent risk of concussion, fracture, and soft tissue injury
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
WBC/Boxing — Varies by technique — only closed-fist punches legal in boxing {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
— WKF — Varies — controlled contact required
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDFKyokushin — Varies — body strikes legal, head punches banned {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
— WT — Varies by technique
WT Competition Rules 2024PDFLegal
— Unified MMA — Legal striking technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— WAKO — Varies by format
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY — Varies by technique {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
— IFMA — Legal
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Build every striking session around the kinetic chain — power starts from the floor, through the hips, and out through the limb
✓Always return to guard after every strike; the hand or foot that lingers is the one that gets countered
✓Train combination flow before power — accuracy and timing beat raw force at every level
✓Spar at varied intensities: technical rounds for timing, hard rounds for pressure, body-only rounds for conditioning
✓Develop a reliable jab or teep as your range-finder before investing in power shots
✓Drill defensive responsibility with every offensive technique — throw and move, never admire your work
✓Shadow-box with purpose: visualise a specific opponent reaction for each combination you throw
Common Mistakes
!Loading up on every shot instead of mixing speed and power — telegraphs intent and drains energy
!Dropping the non-striking hand during offence, leaving the chin or body exposed
!Holding breath during combinations — exhale sharply on each strike to maintain rhythm and endurance
!Flat-footed striking with no weight transfer, reducing power and mobility
!Ignoring footwork and trying to generate power from the arms alone
!Over-committing to single strikes instead of flowing into combinations
!Standing square and trading in the pocket without head movement or angles
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Assume Fighting Stance — begin from a balanced position with guard up
2Generate Power — use hip rotation and weight transfer for maximum force
3Execute Strike — deliver the technique to the target with correct form
4Recover to Guard — return immediately to defensive position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Muay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Yod Ruerngsa, Khun Kao Charuad & James Cartmell, 2002)
1BookBoxing (Dempsey, 1950)
Alias sources — [1] Karate-Do Kyohan (Funakoshi, 1935) [2] Boxing (Dempsey, 1950) [3] Biomechanics of Striking (Lenetsky et al., 2015)
2BookMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Boxing: The Complete Guide to Training and Fitness (Hatmaker, 2004) [2] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Official karate technique names (和語/漢語)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationBoxing (Dempsey, 1950)
Alias sources — [1] Karate-Do Kyohan (Funakoshi, 1935) [2] Boxing (Dempsey, 1950) [3] Biomechanics of Striking (Lenetsky et al., 2015)
6CitationMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Boxing: The Complete Guide to Training and Fitness (Hatmaker, 2004) [2] Muay Thai Unleashed (Delp, 2006)
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip rotation power, rear foot pivot, full kinetic chain coordination
Favours
reach advantage, strong hips for power transfer
Key muscles
glutes, obliques, pectorals, triceps, deltoids
Sub-techniques
Elbow Strike
GroupThe Elbow Strike group comprises all striking techniques delivered with the proximal end of the ulna — the hard, bony point of the elbow — making it one of the most devastating close-range weapons in unarmed combat. [1] Biomechanical analysis has demonstrated that elbow strikes generate significant force relative to their short range, because the compact lever arm concentrates kinetic energy into a small, dense impact surface, greatly increasing pressure per unit area compared to a gloved fist. [1,2] In Muay Thai, elbow strikes (sok) are classified into at least nine distinct trajectories — horizontal, uppercut, downward, spinning, reverse, diagonal, double, and chopping variations — forming one of the eight weapons (mae mai) of the art. [2,3] Elbow strikes are prized for their ability to produce lacerations due to the sharp bone edge contacting soft facial tissue, and they account for a significant proportion of cuts and stoppages in Muay Thai and MMA competition. [3,4] Effective elbow technique requires close distance entry, often from the clinch, and relies on hip rotation and shoulder torque rather than arm extension for power generation. [4,5] The group is organised by trajectory: downward elbows, horizontal elbows, reverse elbows, spinning elbows, and uppercut elbows, each presenting different angles of attack and tactical use cases. [5]
8 families·50 techniquesExplore
Headbutt
GroupThe Headbutt group encompasses all striking techniques in which the fighter uses the skull — particularly the hard frontal bone above the brow ridge — as an impact weapon to strike the opponent. [1] The human frontal bone is one of the thickest and most structurally dense bones in the body, capable of withstanding substantial impact forces, making it a naturally resilient weapon when directed against softer facial structures such as the nose, orbital bones, or cheekbones. [1,2] Headbutts are prohibited in virtually all modern regulated combat sports including boxing, MMA under the Unified Rules, and kickboxing, but they remain important techniques in self-defence systems, military combatives, and certain traditional arts. [2,3] Historically, headbutts were legal in early Vale Tudo and no-holds-barred events, where they proved to be brutally effective at close range, particularly from clinch and ground positions. [3,4] The group is organised by the direction of the headbutt: forward, rear, and side, each targeting different areas and used in distinct tactical situations. [4]
3 families·9 techniquesExplore
Kick
GroupThe Kick group encompasses all striking techniques delivered with the leg — using the foot, shin, heel, or knee of the extended leg — to attack an opponent at various ranges and heights. [1] Kicks are biomechanically the most powerful strikes in a fighter's arsenal, with studies showing that elite practitioners can generate peak impact forces exceeding 9,000 newtons in roundhouse kicks, substantially greater than the forces produced by punches, due to the longer lever arm and greater muscle mass of the lower extremities. [1,2] The group is organised by the kick's trajectory and mechanics: roundhouse kicks (circular), front kicks (linear push or snap), side kicks (lateral thrust), axe kicks (downward), crescent kicks (arcing), back kicks (rearward), hook kicks (hooking path), and flying kicks (airborne delivery), each presenting distinct biomechanical and tactical profiles. [2,3] Kicks are central to numerous martial arts traditions worldwide: Muay Thai's devastating shin kicks, taekwondo's acrobatic spinning and jumping kicks, karate's front kick (mae geri) and side kick (yoko geri), savate's precise foot-delivered techniques (chassé, fouetté), and capoeira's flowing, acrobatic kick vocabulary. [3,4] In modern competition, kick selection is heavily influenced by rule set — taekwondo's point system rewards head kicks, Muay Thai scoring favours powerful round kicks to the body, and MMA fighters must balance kick offence against takedown vulnerability. [4,5]
9 families·153 techniquesExplore
Knee Strike
GroupStrikes delivered using the knee as the primary impact surface, leveraging close-range body mechanics and clinch control to generate devastating force.
4 families·16 techniquesExplore
Open Hand Strike
GroupStrikes delivered with an open hand using the palm, edge of the hand, fingertips, or bottom of the fist, common in traditional martial arts and self-defense systems.
10 families·57 techniquesExplore
Punch
GroupStrikes delivered with a closed fist, using rotational force from the hips and shoulders to generate power through the knuckles.
8 families·64 techniquesExplore
Notes
Striking — delivering force to the opponent using the body's natural weapons — is the most extensively documented combat category. 'Kick' appears in thousands of passages, 'punch' in thousands more. De Bremaeker & Faige document 89 distinct kicks alone. The human body has eight striking weapons: two fists, two elbows, two knees, two feet (the eight limbs of Muay Thai). (200+ books; De Bremaeker & Faige, Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks; Dempsey, Championship Fighting; Delp, Muay Thai Unleashed)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Strike work?
The Strike class encompasses all combat techniques in which a fighter delivers percussive force to an opponent using a part of the body — fist, elbow, knee, shin, foot, or head — to cause damage, create distance, or set up subsequent attacks. Striking is the most instinctive form of unarmed combat, and biomechanical research has shown that the kinetic chain linking the feet, hips, torso, and striking limb is the primary determinant of impact force, with elite athletes generating peak forces exceeding 4,000 newtons in punches alone.
Where does the Strike come from?
Striking in combat is as old as human conflict, with the earliest pictorial evidence appearing in Sumerian reliefs from approximately 3000 BCE depicting boxers and in Egyptian tomb paintings at Beni Hasan (circa 2000 BCE) showing wrestlers and strikers. The ancient Greeks formalised striking within pygmachia (boxing) and pankration, which were Olympic events by 688 BCE and 648 BCE respectively, introducing hand wrappings and basic rules of engagement.
Is the Strike legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal striking technique; WBC/Boxing: restricted — Varies by technique — only closed-fist punches legal in boxing; WKF: restricted — Varies — controlled contact required; Kyokushin: restricted — Varies — body strikes legal, head punches banned; WT: restricted — Varies by technique; WAKO: legal — Varies by format; K: legal — 1/GLORY — Varies by technique; IFMA: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Strike?
Danger rating 5/10. High — striking techniques carry inherent risk of concussion, fracture, and soft tissue injury
How do I set up the Strike?
The standard setup chain: Assume Fighting Stance → Generate Power → Execute Strike → Recover to Guard.
How do I defend against the Strike?
Standard counters include: Check (Shin Block) — raise the shin to intercept the kick before it lands / Catch and Sweep — catch the kicking leg and sweep the standing leg / Step Inside — close distance inside the kick's effective range to smother it.
What are the variants of the Strike?
Common variants: Standard cross (rear-hand straight punch with full hip rotation); Counter cross (pull counter) (leaning back to avoid the jab, firing the cross as a counter); Step-in cross (stepping forward with the punch for added reach and power); Body cross (targeting the solar plexus or liver with the straight rea…).
How effective is the Strike in competition?
Striking accounts for the majority of all finishes in MMA and is the sole scoring action in boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
What are common mistakes when doing the Strike?
Top errors to watch for: Loading up on every shot instead of mixing speed and power — telegraphs intent and drains energy / Dropping the non-striking hand during offence, leaving the chin or body exposed / Holding breath during combinations — exhale sharply on each strike to maintain rhythm and endurance / Flat-footed striking with no weight transfer, reducing power and mobility.
What are other names for the Strike?
The Strike is also known as Dageki-waza, Striking Technique, Percussive Technique.