In the previous blog, we looked at the Kata Heian Nidan. Now we will cover the crescent kick in Karate, and its two primary forms – inner crescent kick and outer crescent kick. It is an intermediate and powerful kick to attack an opponent in Karate practice as well as self-defence. The crescent kick mainly aims at hitting the face/head of the opponent using the in-sole or outer sole of the foot.

The crescent kick requires flexibility of the legs and balance of the body while kicking, to hold the weight of the entire body supported on the non-kicking leg. For this reason, Karatekas go through a lot of balance and leg flexibility and strengthening exercises.

This is a very effective kick when you want to maintain distance, 1 or 2 metres, with your attacker and block the incoming attack. Variations of the crescent kick are described below.

Back Leg Inner Crescent Kick

Assuming a forward stance position, the Karateka lifts his back leg with his knee to his chest, thrusts his leg forward in an inward crescent sweeping motion, basing his attack on the opponent's head/ face. The back leg then lands back to form a forward stance.

Back Leg Outer Crescent Kick

Assuming a forward stance position, the Karateka lifts his back leg with his knee to his chest, thrusts his leg forward in an outward crescent sweeping motion, basing his attack on the opponent's head/ face. The back leg then lands back to form a forward stance.

Front Leg Inner Crescent Kick

Assuming a forward stance position, the Karateka lifts his front leg with his knee to his chest, thrusts his leg forward in an inward crescent sweeping motion, basing his attack on the opponent's head/ face. The front leg then lands down to form a forward stance.

Front Leg Outer Crescent Kick

Assuming a forward stance position, the Karateka lifts his front leg with his knee to his chest, thrusts his leg forward in an outward crescent sweeping motion, basing his attack on the opponent's head/ face. The front leg then lands down to form a forward stance.

There are a few remaining and similar moves.

1. Scissor move inner crescent kick – similar to front leg inner crescent kick, but with a scissor move
2. Scissor move outer crescent kick – similar to front leg outer crescent kick, but with a scissor move
3. Jumping inner crescent kick – similar to back leg inner crescent kick, but with a jumping move
4. Jumping outer crescent kick – similar to back leg outer crescent kick, but with a jumping move

These kicks are used in varied applications in Kihon, Kata and Kumite. They are a great weapon for the Karateka to attack the opponent. With the kicks you have learnt in this blog, it's time to practice, practice, and practice until you get them right. Our next blog will be on the Hook & Spinning Kick.