Head Kick Setup from Clinch with Push

The roundhouse kick to the head is effectively set up from a clinched or close-range position by pushing the opponent away. Cross-facing the opponent during the push typically creates better separation. Once distance is established, the rear leg is brought over in a roundhouse motion to target the head.

Disguising the Stance Switch While Stepping

When pushing an opponent back farther, the practitioner steps forward with the rear foot simultaneously with the push to disguise the stance switch. This forward step repositions the rear leg to be ready for the following roundhouse kick without telegraphing the technique.

Push and Switch Without Forward Stepping

If the opponent doesn't require significant backward distance, the stance switch can be performed stationary by pushing and switching simultaneously. This variation maintains position while still setting up the rear leg roundhouse kick.

Head Kick Against the Cage or Wall

When the opponent's back is against a barrier, a standard push creates no distance. Instead, the practitioner steps backward while pushing to create separation in the upper body, allowing the roundhouse kick to arc over properly without being stuffed.

Close-Range Mawashi Gari Technique

The mawashi gari, a karate roundhouse, is thrown from close quarters with a wide arcing motion rather than a straight path. This wide arc allows the kick to clear the opponent's guard and reach the head from compressed distance, common in Kyokushin striking.

Vertical Entry for Close-Range Head Kick

An alternative to the wide arc is lifting the leg nearly vertically, similar to an axe kick motion, then rotating and sweeping around the back of the head or neck once sufficient height is achieved. This straight-line entry reduces the arc needed in extremely close quarters.

Front Leg Snap Roundhouse to Head

The front leg roundhouse employs a snap motion where the leg extends, retracts, and steps back down. This technique is more common in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese martial arts than Muay Thai and generates power through rapid extension rather than hip rotation.

Head Kick Counter to Inside Leg Kick

By recognizing a pattern of inside leg kicks, the practitioner lifts the rear leg over the incoming kick and counters with a roundhouse to the head simultaneously. Timing and recognition of the third repetition typically provides the optimal moment to execute the counter.

Punch Combination Setup with Cross and Step

A cross followed by a forward step sets up the rear leg roundhouse kick. The stepping forward increases forward momentum and range, allowing the back hand cross to precede the kick naturally. This combination can be executed on both sides by alternating which hand leads.

Various ways to set up the Head Kick (Roundhouse) tutorial.

Have Gi. Will Travel.

Head Kick

2 min read·9 key moments·PT18M6S video

Key Takeaways

•Head Kick Setup from Clinch with Push
•Disguising the Stance Switch While Stepping
•Push and Switch Without Forward Stepping
•Head Kick Against the Cage or Wall

This is a requested follow up to a previous video compilation in which I introduced several ways to set up a high roundhouse kick to the head. This video aims to breakdown each setup and give a little bit of detail on how they work. UPDATE: Only a real "freakasaurus" like myself would be so convoluted as to ask people to simply "lean back and kick" when showing the up close mawashi geri. This is just what has always worked for me. There is really no need to keep your leg extended when raising it before turning over and kicking. In fact, its more commonly thrown by raising just your knee out sideways before kicking like so: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76MgBFVGjiE UPDATE: You don't have to stop in front of you after throwing the Brazilian kick. You can also follow through and rotate your body around Thai kick style. Whatever is comfortable for you. My Personal Disclaimer: Please keep in mind when watching my videos that I am merely showing what works best for me, not what would work best for everyone else. Its up to you to figure out what woks best for you and what doesn't. Also, I only show techniques that I have tested and landed successfully in live sparring or competitive situations. If you are interested in more, I will be adding more videos in the future however I think you will also find that a quick Google or YouTube search will reveal a ton of videos by people who are much more competent than I am.

Related Techniques

360 Spin-Back Roundhouse Kick Bent-Body Long Roundhouse Kick Bituro Chagi Downward Roundhouse Kick Drop Roundhouse Kick

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about head kick?

This video covers head kick setup from clinch with push, disguising the stance switch while stepping, push and switch without forward stepping. It provides detailed instruction from Have Gi. Will Travel..

How long does it take to learn head kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.