Taekwondo Crescent Kick Tutorial
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Outward Ghost Groin KickΒ· ATA Martial Arts Master T
In this Taekwondo tutorial video, Master Ian Thokar teaches how to do a crescent kick, as well as training techniques toβ¦
Translation: Outward ghost groin kick
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Limb angle
Zero180β135Β°135β90Β°90β45Β°45β0Β°
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Outward Ghost Groin Kick is a deceptive crescent-arc kick that feints toward the groin before redirecting outward, exploiting the opponent's protective reflex. [1] Like its inward counterpart (the Phantom Groin Kick), it uses the groin-protection instinct as a tactical weapon. [1] The outward redirection can strike the side of the head or ribs. [1]
Deceptive Outside Groin Kick
History & Origin
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- JapanKarate, Kickboxing
- KoreaTaekwondo
- USAKickboxing, MMA
- BrazilMMA
- ChinaKung Fu, Sanda
Effectiveness
Offers specific tactical advantages over the standard crescent kick in appropriate situations. [1]
Lineage
Cross-style martial arts kicking tradition; documented in kick compendiums. [1]
Competition Record
Primarily a training, demonstration, and point-fighting technique. Rarely seen in full-contact MMA or kickboxing due to acrobatic risk and telegraphing. Appears occasionally in TKD and point-fighting karate tournaments. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Crescent Kick mechanics modified for outward ghost groin kick variant
Joints Involved β Hip, knee, ankle β specific to crescent kick trajectory
Force Vector β Modified crescent kick trajectory
Leverage Principle β Hip rotation and leg extension generate force along the crescent kick arc
Position & Entry
From fighting stance β Chamber and execute the outward ghost groin kick
From close range β Adapted version for tight distance
Variants
High variant
Mid variant
Low variant
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
6
High6/10
Crescent Kick variant with standard striking power
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
β Unified MMA β Groin strikes prohibited
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWBC/Boxing β Prohibited β below the belt {srcβ WBC Rules of Boxing}
β WKF β Prohibited
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDFKyokushin β Prohibited {srcβ IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
β WT β Prohibited
WT Competition Rules 2024PDFβ ITF β Prohibited
ITF Competition RulesPDFβ WAKO β Prohibited
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY β Prohibited {srcβ K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
β IFMA β Prohibited
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
βMaster the standard crescent kick before attempting the outward ghost groin kick (De Bremaeker & Faige, 2010)
βPractise with pad work for targeting accuracy
Common Mistakes
!Attempting without solid crescent kick foundation
!Poor balance
!Insufficient power generation
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Feint β Outward Ghost Groin Kick β Follow-up combination
Sources & References
Primary Source
Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks (De Bremaeker & Faige, 2010)
1Book[1] De Bremaeker, M. and Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks: 89 Kicks from Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Others. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0558-4.
2Citation[1] De Bremaeker, M. and Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks: 89 Kicks from Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Others. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0558-4.
[1] De Bremaeker & Faige, Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks (2010)
Community
Athletics
Requires solid crescent kick foundation
Good balance and coordination
Notes
Documented in De Bremaeker & Faige, Section 6.5. A deceptive crescent kick that feints one trajectory then redirects to the groin β the 'ghost' motion disguises the actual target. Self-defense technique. (De Bremaeker & Faige, Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks, 2010)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between a crescent kick and a front kick?
The crescent kick keeps your leg primarily straight without the snap that a front kick uses. According to ATA Martial Arts Master T, the crescent kick maintains a straight leg that comes from behind you, whereas a front kick bends and snaps at the knee.
What's the correct striking surface for a crescent kick?
The striking surface is not the ball of the foot like in a front kick. ATA Martial Arts Master T indicates you use a different striking surface on the foot for the crescent kick.
How should my arms and upper body help with the crescent kick?
Your arms do help, but ATA Martial Arts Master T recommends letting the inner crescent kick lead you slightly, as relying too much on arm movement can cause you to kick with your trail leg and lose balance.
What role does the base leg play in executing a crescent kick?
The base leg pivots as you execute the kick, which allows the kicking leg to spin. ATA Martial Arts Master T notes that a proper pivot with your base leg prevents injury during the technique.
How does the Outward Ghost Groin Kick work?
The Outward Ghost Groin Kick is a deceptive crescent-arc kick that feints toward the groin before redirecting outward, exploiting the opponent's protective reflex. Like its inward counterpart (the Phantom Groin Kick), it uses the groin-protection instinct as a tactical weapon.
Where does the Outward Ghost Groin Kick come from?
The Outward Ghost Groin Kick is a specialised variant documented in cross-style kicking methodology. It represents an advanced development of the standard crescent kick.
Is the Outward Ghost Groin Kick legal in competition?
Unified MMA: banned β Groin strikes prohibited; WBC/Boxing: banned β Prohibited β below the belt; WKF: banned β Prohibited; Kyokushin: banned β Prohibited; WT: banned β Prohibited; ITF: banned β Prohibited; WAKO: banned β Prohibited; K: banned β 1/GLORY β Prohibited; IFMA: banned β Prohibited
How dangerous is the Outward Ghost Groin Kick?
Danger rating 6/10. Crescent Kick variant with standard striking power
How do I set up the Outward Ghost Groin Kick?
The standard setup chain: Feint β Outward Ghost Groin Kick β Follow-up combination.
How do I defend against the Outward Ghost Groin Kick?
Standard counters include: Step inside range / Block and counter / Low kick to support leg.
What are the variants of the Outward Ghost Groin Kick?
Common variants: High variant; Mid variant; Low variant.
How effective is the Outward Ghost Groin Kick in competition?
Primarily a training, demonstration, and point-fighting technique. Rarely seen in full-contact MMA or kickboxing due to acrobatic risk and telegraphing.
What are common mistakes when doing the Outward Ghost Groin Kick?
Top errors to watch for: Attempting without solid crescent kick foundation / Poor balance / Insufficient power generation.
What are other names for the Outward Ghost Groin Kick?
The Outward Ghost Groin Kick is also known as AutowΔdo GΕsuto Guroin Kikku, Deceptive Outside Groin Kick.