How to Ninja Kick

On Dec. 16, 2010, Anthony Pettis made history during his WEC Lightweight Championship bout against champion Ben Henderson at World Extreme Cagefighting's final event. With the scorecards even going into the last round, Pettis took a chance and ran toward the cage, jumped off of it with one leg and kicked Henderson in the face with the same foot. The flashy maneuver, called the "ninja kick" by many in the press, helped Pettis take the round and the title. Executing the ninja kick requires timing, flexibility and coordination.

Things You'll Need

  • Wall or fence
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Instructions

    • 1

      Run toward a nearby wall. A fence works well, too, if it is tight enough to provide enough resistance.

    • 2

      Jump off your left foot as you approach the wall. Bring your right foot forward in the air and catch the wall with the ball of your foot as your knee is bent.

    • 3

      Push off the wall with the right foot and swing your right leg around and across your body by pivoting your right hip as you rebound off the wall.

    • 4

      Strike the opponent with the left side of your right foot. If you get enough torque, you can rotate enough to strike the opponent with your right shin bone, but that is more challenging and requires additional practice.

    • 5

      Land on your feet and follow up as needed on the opponent.