Mae Geri

Mae Gei is a karate kick. Pronounced 'may-gery'. This is the basic front kick used throughout the world in nearly all styles and types of karate, including Shotokan and GoJu Ryu.

The kick is usually performed and taught in either 3 or 4 stages. Initially, the knee is brought up to the front, just like a Hiza Geri knee strike. In the second phase, the foot is shaped by pulling the toes back and exposing the ball of the foot to the front. The leg is then extended out to the front to perform the kick, using the ball or underside of the foot to kick with. In the third stage, the leg is then brought back to the knee. In the final step the knee is then returned to the original standing starting position.

As a 3 step technique the motion is just the same only the kick is extended and brought back to the knee in one fluid motion, in a quick snapping or flicking motion.

The most important aspect of the Mae Geri front kick is remembering to shape the foot correctly by bending back the toes, this is essential to protect you from breaking any toes during kicking, as the ball of the foot is much better suited to impact than that of the toes.