Inward Crescent Kick

Table of Contents

Let’s talk about this powerful and amazing kick. One of the nicest kicks in Martial Arts for sure, very effective in sparring and self-defense techniques. You will find this kick in most martial arts such as Taekwondo, Karate, Kung Fu, Tang Soo Do, Capoeira, Kickboxing, Savate, and other styles.

This kick requires a certain level of flexibility, that is why a full stretching routine is required to be able to kick high. The most desired target is the head and face, that is why you must stretch your lower back, hips, and legs.

If you would like to try this kick but still need to improve your flexibility and stretching we recommend the following article with exercises and pictures to guide you:10 Best Hamstring Stretches

Inward Crescent Kick Step by Step

Start on a fighting stance with your hands up, right foot back
Lift your right knee and raise it aiming with your knee to the target
now extend your leg into the inside of your body reaching the desired target
Do not hit the floor with your foot and go back to your fighting stance

“Inward Crescent Kick” tutorial broken down and explained by Aaron Gassor, a 2nd Degree Black Belt in ITF Taekwon-do. Aaron explains how for it to be effective in light/semi sparring, full contact, and street fighting.

Recommendations

Always keep your hands up.
Once you have your target prepare to kick lifting your knee.
As you get close to stretch your leg to reach the desired target.
Use your hip to increase the power of the kick
Keep your arms close to your body to allow yourself to move faster
This kick should be stopped once it reaches its target because you might make an impact on your knee.
As you finish the technique step back in a fighting stance.
This kick is very effective in close sparring but only if you have proper training, timing, and have good stretching.