Hopping Front Kick

SubFamily

跳び前蹴り(Tobi Mae Geri)

Hybrid

Translation: Tobi (跳び) = jumping/hopping, Mae Geri (前蹴り) = front kick — a front kick preceded by a quick skip-step (hop) to close distance while maintaining kicking power

Overview

The Hopping Front Kick combines a quick skip-step forward with a rear-leg front kick, using the hop to close distance rapidly while maintaining the full power of a rear-leg kick — solving the fundamental problem in striking arts of how to bridge the gap between standing range and kicking range without telegraphing or losing power. ^[1] The mechanical principle is a rapid foot replacement: the rear foot slides forward to replace the front foot's position, while the front foot — now momentarily the 'rear' foot — lifts and delivers the front kick with the full hip rotation and body weight of a standard rear-leg mae geri. ^[1] The skip-step occurs below the opponent's visual horizon (feet moving along the floor are harder to detect than upper body movement), and the kick that follows arrives with the forward momentum of the hop added to the kick's own power — making the Hopping Front Kick significantly more powerful than a static front kick delivered from the same starting distance. ^[1],[2] De Bremaeker and Faige document the technique as one of the most commonly used distance-closing kicks in tournament karate and taekwondo competition, noting that the hop-and-kick should be felt as ONE movement, not two. ^[1] In Shotokan karate, the technique is called surikonde mae geri (sliding front kick) and is practised extensively in kumite (sparring) as the primary method of bridging distance with the front kick. ^[2] The Hopping Front Kick became one of the most famous techniques in MMA history when Anderson Silva used a skipping front kick to knock out Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 (February 2011) — a kick that Steven Seagal controversially claimed to have taught Silva, though the technique has existed in karate for decades. ^[3] Lyoto Machida used the same technique to knock out Randy Couture at UFC 129 (April 2011), cementing the Hopping Front Kick's reputation as a legitimate fight-ending weapon in MMA. ^[3]

Also known as

Skip Front KickSkipping Mae GeriJPHop Step Front KickSliding Front KickSurikonde Mae Geri (Shotokan)JPJun Geri (Shorinji Kempo)JPAhp-bal Ahp-Chagi (Taekwondo)KR

Used in

Shotokan Karate Taekwondo Sport Karate Wado-ryu Karate

History & Origin

The hopping or sliding front kick has been a fundamental technique in competitive karate and taekwondo since the early tournament era of the 1960s and 1970s, developed as a solution to the universal problem of closing distance while maintaining kicking power. ^[1],[2] In Shotokan karate, the technique is called surikonde mae geri and was popularised by competition fighters who needed to bridge the gap against opponents maintaining long-range defensive stances. ^[2] The technique achieved its greatest fame in MMA through two back-to-back UFC knockouts in 2011: Anderson Silva knocked out Vitor Belfort at UFC 126 (February 5, 2011) with a hopping front kick to the chin, and Lyoto Machida (a Shotokan karate black belt) knocked out Randy Couture at UFC 129 (April 30, 2011) with essentially the same technique. ^[3] These two knockouts, occurring less than three months apart, revolutionised MMA's perception of the front kick — previously considered a basic distance-management tool, the Hopping Front Kick was suddenly recognised as a legitimate knockout weapon at the highest level. ^[3] De Bremaeker and Faige documented the technique in their 2010 cross-style kick compilation, noting its universality across karate, taekwondo, and kickboxing. ^[1]

Effectiveness

The Hopping Front Kick is one of the most effective distance-closing kicks in martial arts competition because it adds forward momentum to a powerful rear-leg kick without the telegraphing associated with stepping forward or lunging. ^[1] In tournament karate, the technique accounts for a significant percentage of front-kick scores because it bridges the gap that static front kicks cannot reach. ^[2] In MMA, the Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida knockouts demonstrated that the technique can produce fight-ending power even against world-class opponents, particularly when targeting the chin with a snap kick trajectory. ^[3] The perceptual advantage (the skip-step is difficult to detect because it occurs at foot level, below the typical visual focus) makes it consistently effective even against experienced opponents. ^[1]

Lineage

Traditional karate (surikonde mae geri, 1960s competition era) → adopted across taekwondo and sport karate → documented by Nakayama (1966) and De Bremaeker & Faige (2010) → demonstrated in UFC by Anderson Silva (2011) and Lyoto Machida (2011) → now a standard technique in MMA striking. ^[1],[2],[3]

Competition Record

Anderson Silva vs Vitor Belfort, UFC 126 (Feb 5, 2011) — hopping front kick to the chin, KO in Round 1 (one of the most famous knockouts in UFC history) || Lyoto Machida vs Randy Couture, UFC 129 (Apr 30, 2011) — hopping front kick to the face, KO in Round 2 || These two knockouts, weeks apart, transformed MMA's perception of the front kick as a fight-ending weapon || The technique is a standard scoring technique in WKF karate and WT taekwondo competition at all levels.

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Two-phase: Phase 1 (skip-step) — the rear foot slides forward to replace the front foot, closing approximately 18-24 inches of distance while the upper body remains stationary (no telegraphing). Phase 2 (kick) — the formerly front foot, now in the rear position, delivers a standard rear-leg front kick with full hip rotation.

Joints Involved — Both ankles (the skip-step slides both feet forward close to the floor), rear knee (extension to push the body forward during the skip), lead hip (flexion for the kick chamber), lead knee (extension for the kick delivery), rear hip (rotation forward to power the kick)

Force Vector — Forward and slightly upward (for a standard penetrating front kick) or directly upward (for a snap kick to the chin). The critical addition is that the forward momentum from the skip-step adds approximately 15-25% to the kick's forward force compared to a static kick.

Leverage Principle — The skip-step exploits a perceptual vulnerability: the opponent tracks the upper body and hands for attack cues, but the skip-step occurs at the feet (below the typical visual focus). By the time the opponent perceives the distance closure, the kick is already in flight. The forward momentum from the skip also means the kicker's body weight is traveling TOWARD the target, adding mass-in-motion to the kick's impact force (the same falling-step principle Dempsey identified for punches, applied to a kick).

Position & Entry

From fighting stance at long range — Quick shuffle: rear foot slides forward to replace front foot, front foot immediately lifts and delivers the kick — the entire sequence takes less than 0.3 seconds

From after a jab — Throw a jab to draw the opponent's attention high, then immediately skip and kick to the body or chin — the jab masks the foot movement

Against a retreating opponent — When the opponent steps backward to avoid a combination, the skip-step closes the gap they created and delivers the kick before they can set their feet

As a counter-entry — When the opponent advances with punches, time the skip to enter during their forward movement, using the kick as a stop-kick that meets their advance

From cat stance (neko ashi dachi) — In traditional karate, the skip-step can be initiated from a back-weighted stance where the front leg is already largely free of body weight

Variants

Short hop — minimal skip-step for close range adjustments, sacrificing distance closure for speed

Long hop — extended skip covering 24-36 inches, sacrificing speed for maximum distance closure

Hopping penetrating front kick — the skip-step version of mae geri kekomi, driving the ball of the foot forward into the midsection

Hopping snap front kick — the skip-step version of mae geri keage, snapping upward to the chin or groin

Hopping teep — the Muay Thai version, using the skip to close distance for a push kick

Switch hop — switching stance (rear foot comes ALL THE WAY past front foot to become the new lead) combined with a kick from the new rear leg, creating maximum deception

Videos

Hayabusa

How To Throw A Front Kick | Striking Basics Series | Kickboxing

Hopping Front Kick·Hayabusa

The Striking Basics series is all about the fundamentals for kickboxing beginners. Gabriel Varga and Hayabusa develope…

Akiko Yoshii-Johnson

Front Snap Kick Training Tips for Beginners

Hopping Front Kick·Akiko Yoshii-Johnson

Six Harmonies United

Eagle Claw Kung Fu Ying Jow Pai Front Kick and Jump Front Kick Partner Kick #1

Hopping Front Kick·Six Harmonies United

this partner striking drill develops the front kick and the jump front kick on the attacking side while the cat stance t…

1 / 2

3 videos

What Instructors Say

The hopping front kick, also called the jump front kick or double front kick, represents an advanced progression of the standard front kick that incorporates explosive footwork and distance-closing mechanics. Hayabusa emphasizes foundational elements applicable to hopping variants: establishing proper distance just outside jab range, chambering with a high knee raise, pivoting on the standing foot's ball, and striking with the foot's ball rather than the heel while leaning back slightly for power and range. For techniques requiring forward momentum, Hayabusa describes a shuffle step where the back foot closes the gap to the front foot, enabling the kick to land from the lead leg. Six Harmonies United provides contextual instruction on partner-drilled hopping front kicks, specifically within Eagle Claw Kung Fu's partner training system, where the technique transitions from a slow, controlled single kick to a fast double-kick combination executed in cat stance. The progression involves kicking once with balance, then performing a hopping/jumping second kick before landing back into cat stance. Six Harmonies United stresses maintaining proper stance positioning after each kick iteration and emphasizes kicking "inward with the direction of energy" rather than swinging upward, distinguishing combat application from flexibility-focused practice. Akiko Yoshii-Johnson addresses chambering precision, noting that knee height determines kick height and cautioning against lazy knee positioning or balletic forms. All three instructors converge on the importance of proper chamber position and controlled, repeatable footwork as prerequisites for executing effective hopping front kicks.

Synthesized from 3 instructors

Hayabusa — How To Throw A Front Kick | Striking Basics Series | Kickboxing: Establishes distance management, chambering mechanics with standing foot pivot, striking surface (ball of foot), backward lean for power, and shuffle-step footwork to close gaps for lead-leg kicks.
Akiko Yoshii-Johnson — Front Snap Kick Training Tips for Beginners: Emphasizes chamber quality in kihon practice, highlighting that knee height determines kicking height, and warns against common beginner errors including drooping legs and improper foot positioning.
Six Harmonies United — Eagle Claw Kung Fu Ying Jow Pai Front Kick and Jump Front Kick Partner Kick #1: Provides partner-drill progression for hopping/jump front kicks from cat stance, distinguishing single-kick to double-kick combinations performed fast, and emphasizing kicking with inward energy direction while maintaining stance recovery.

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Very High7/10

The forward momentum of the skip-step adds significant force to the kick. When targeting the chin (as in the Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida UFC knockouts), the Hopping Front Kick can produce spectacular knockout-of-the-year impacts. To the solar plexus, it produces winding and doubling-over. The surprise factor (the distance closure is difficult to perceive) means the kick often lands flush on undefended targets.

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal

WBC/Boxing — All kicks prohibited in boxing {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}

Legal

— Unified MMA — Legal striking technique

Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF

— body

WKF Competition Rules 2024PDF

Kyokushin — Legal at full power to body and head {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}

— WT — Legal, body kick 2 points, head kick 3 points, spinn...

WT Competition Rules 2024PDF

— WAKO — Legal in Full Contact and Low Kick formats

WAKO Competition RulesPDF

K-1/GLORY — Legal {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}

— IFMA — Legal — kicks are a core Muay Thai technique

IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDF

Training Notes

✓The skip-step must be practised in isolation before adding the kick — drill the foot replacement (rear foot slides to where front foot was, front foot lifts) hundreds of times until it becomes a single smooth motion, not two separate movements (De Bremaeker & Faige, 2010). ^[1] The upper body MUST remain still during the skip-step — any bobbing, rising, or forward lean of the torso telegraphs the distance closure. Film yourself from the front: if you can see your head level change during the skip, the technique is telegraphed. ^[1] The feet must slide close to the floor during the skip — if the feet leave the floor more than 1-2 inches, the hop becomes visible and slow. Think 'slide' not 'hop.' ^[1],[2] Add the kick only after the skip-step is smooth: the kick should fire at the INSTANT the sliding rear foot plants — if there is a pause between the plant and the kick, the window of surprise is lost. ^[1] Progressive distance training: mark your starting position on the floor and practise the hopping front kick at increasing distances — 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet — developing the ability to judge exactly how far the skip-step needs to carry you. ^[1] In sparring, use the Hopping Front Kick only 2-3 times per round initially — overuse allows the opponent to time the skip and counter. Use it as a surprise weapon, not a primary technique. ^[2] The Anderson Silva knockout drill: jab-jab-skip-front kick to the chin — the jabs establish a rhythm that the opponent begins to counter, and the skip-kick breaks the pattern with a different weapon at a different range. ^[3]

Common Mistakes

!Telegraphing the skip by rising upward — the most critical error: any upward movement of the head or body during the skip-step signals the distance closure. The body must glide forward without vertical movement.

!Pausing between the skip and the kick — a visible pause between planting the sliding foot and launching the kick gives the opponent time to react. Skip-and-kick must be one continuous action.

!Hopping too high — the feet should slide along the floor, not jump into the air. A visible hop is slow, telegraphed, and leaves the fighter airborne (unable to change direction).

!Breaking the rhythm — many fighters develop a recognisable pre-skip rhythm (weight shift, small step, then skip). Experienced opponents will read this pattern. Vary the timing and entry.

!Not retracting after the kick — the forward momentum of the skip makes it tempting to leave the leg extended; retract immediately to prevent the opponent from catching the foot

!Skipping without kicking — practising the footwork without completing the kick creates a habit of distance closure without purpose; always finish with the kick in training

Related Techniques

Snap Front KickMae Geri KekomiMae Geri KeageStandard TeepOblique Front Kick

Counter Techniques

Side step — moving laterally as the opponent initiates the skip takes the target off the kick's linear path Stop kick to the body — firing a front kick of your own into the skipping opponent's midsection during their forward movement Rear straight counter — timing a straight punch to arrive as the opponent's kick is in flight (the opponent cannot change trajectory mid-skip)Clinch — if the kick is anticipated, closing to clinch range before the kick can extend neutralises it Low kick to the standing leg — attacking the opponent's base leg during the skip, when their weight is transitioning and they cannot check Read the feet — experienced fighters learn to watch the opponent's feet for the skip-step pattern and preemptively react

Setup Chain

1Establish jab rhythm at long range (2-3 jabs to draw the opponent's attention to their hands) → Opponent adjusts to the jab rhythm and prepares counters → Skip: rear foot slides forward to replace front foot (below the opponent's visual focus) → Front foot immediately lifts and chambers → Front kick fires at the instant the skip is complete → Ball of foot strikes the opponent's chin (snap) or solar plexus (thrust) → The forward momentum of the skip adds power to the kick → Opponent absorbs a full-power rear-leg kick from a distance they thought was safe → Retract and follow up with hands

2Alternative: feint the skip-kick, opponent flinches → throw the jab they're no longer prepared for

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. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0558-4. Section 1.7 'The Hopping Front Kick'. [2] Nakayama, M. (1966). Dynamic Karate. Kodansha International. Surikonde techniques section. [3] UFC fight records: Silva vs Belfort UFC 126 (Feb 5, 2011), Machida vs Couture UFC 129 (Apr 30, 2011).pp. De Bremaeker pp.29-30 (Section 1.7)

description: [1] De Bremaeker 2010 pp.29-30, [2] Nakayama 1966

2OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology

Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords

3Citation[1] De Bremaeker, M. and Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0558-4. Section 1.7 'The Hopping Front Kick'. [2] Nakayama, M. (1966). Dynamic Karate. Kodansha International. Surikonde techniques section. [3] UFC fight records: Silva vs Belfort UFC 126 (Feb 5, 2011), Machida vs Couture UFC 129 (Apr 30, 2011).pp. De Bremaeker pp.29-30 (Section 1.7)

description: [1] De Bremaeker 2010 pp.29-30, [2] Nakayama 1966

Community

Athletics

Requires good footwork coordination (the skip-step must be fluid, not mechanical)

Explosive calves and quadriceps for the rapid slide forward

Good balance — the fighter must maintain stability during the transition from skip to kick

Standard front kick flexibility and hip strength

Accessible to all body types — the technique compensates for short legs by adding forward distance

Notes

Documented in De Bremaeker & Faige, Section 1.15. A front kick delivered with a forward hop — the hopping step closes distance while the rear leg chambers and kicks. Adds forward momentum to the kick. (De Bremaeker & Faige, Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks, 2010)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the correct distance to throw a front kick from?

According to Hayabusa, you want to position yourself just outside punch range, where you can land the kick but aren't too close. This distance allows you to decide whether to extend the kick or re-chamber and retreat if your opponent moves away.

Should I strike with the ball of my foot or the heel?

Always strike with the ball of your foot, never the heel. Hayabusa emphasizes that leaning back slightly as you extend will give you extra distance and power while keeping your hands out of punch range.

How do I kick to head level instead of the stomach?

Lift your knee higher and make the line from your hip to your knee arc upward to head level, then add more head fade (lean back) with your body. Hayabusa notes that doing these two things together allows you to reach head level effectively.

What's the most important part of the front kick to master as a beginner?

Mastering the chamber is essential. Akiko Yoshii-Johnson emphasizes practicing the chambered position repeatedly—keeping your heel close to your butt and your foot flexed—as the foundation for effective kicks.

How does the Hopping Front Kick work?

Where does the Hopping Front Kick come from?

Is the Hopping Front Kick legal in competition?

Unified MMA: legal — Legal striking technique; WBC/Boxing: banned — All kicks prohibited in boxing; WKF: legal — Legal, chudan (body) kick scores 2 points, jodan (head) kick scores 3 points; Kyokushin: legal — Legal at full power to body and head; WT: legal — Legal, body kick 2 points, head kick 3 points, spinning body 4 points, spinni…; WAKO: legal — Legal in Full Contact and Low Kick formats; K: legal — 1/GLORY — Legal; IFMA: legal — Legal — kicks are a core Muay Thai technique

How dangerous is the Hopping Front Kick?

Danger rating 7/10. The forward momentum of the skip-step adds significant force to the kick. When targeting the chin (as in the Anderson Silva and Lyoto Machida UFC knockouts), the Hopping Front Kick can produce spectacular knockout-of-the-year impacts. To the solar plexus, it produces winding and doubling-over. The surprise factor (the distance closure is difficult to perceive) means the kick often lands flush on undefended targets.

How do I set up the Hopping Front Kick?

The standard setup chain: Establish jab rhythm at long range (2-3 jabs to draw the opponent's attention to their hands) → Opponent adjusts to the jab rhythm and prepares counters → Skip: rear foot slides forward to replace front foot (below the opponent's visual focus) → Front foot immediately lifts and chambers → Front kick fires at the instant the skip is complete → Ball of foot strikes the opponent's chin (snap) or solar plexus (thrust) → The forward momentum of the skip adds power to the kick → Opponent absorbs a full-power rear-leg kick from a distance they thought was safe → Retract and follow up with hands → Alternative: feint the skip-kick, opponent flinches → throw the jab they're no longer prepared for.

How do I defend against the Hopping Front Kick?

Standard counters include: Side step — moving laterally as the opponent initiates the skip takes the target off the kick's linear path / Stop kick to the body — firing a front kick of your own into the skipping opponent's midsection during their forward … / Rear straight counter — timing a straight punch to arrive as the opponent's kick is in flight (the opponent cannot ch… / Clinch — if the kick is anticipated, closing to clinch range before the kick can extend neutralises it.

What are the variants of the Hopping Front Kick?

Common variants: Short hop (minimal skip-step for close range adjustments, sacrificin…); Long hop (extended skip covering 24-36 inches, sacrificing speed fo…); Hopping penetrating front kick (the skip-step version of mae geri kekomi, driving the bal…); Hopping snap front kick (the skip-step version of mae geri keage, snapping upward …); Hopping teep (the Muay Thai version, using the skip to close distance f…); Switch hop (switching stance (rear foot comes ALL THE WAY past front …).

How effective is the Hopping Front Kick in competition?

What are common mistakes when doing the Hopping Front Kick?

Top errors to watch for: Telegraphing the skip by rising upward — the most critical error: any upward movement of the head or body during the … / Pausing between the skip and the kick — a visible pause between planting the sliding foot and launching the kick give… / Hopping too high — the feet should slide along the floor, not jump into the air. A visible hop is slow, telegraphed, … / Breaking the rhythm — many fighters develop a recognisable pre-skip rhythm (weight shift, small step, then skip). Exp….

What are other names for the Hopping Front Kick?

The Hopping Front Kick is also known as Tobi Mae Geri, Skip Front Kick, Skipping Mae Geri, Hop Step Front Kick, Sliding Front Kick.

hopping front kick skip kick tobi mae geri surikonde distance closing tournament karate taekwondo anderson silva lyoto machida UFC MMA front kick knockout strike