How to Do a Whirlwind Kick

The whirlwind kick is an exciting martial arts maneuver where the performer jumps through the air, spinning a complete revolution about her axis while kicking one leg up high over her head. While the whirlwind kick, also known as a tornado kick, is not commonly used in a defensive situation, it is a popular element as part of a martial arts floor routine. During floor demonstrations, martial artists perform acrobatic maneuvers like the kick, often set to music, and are critiqued on their technique.

Instructions

    • 1

      Run forward with the arm opposite your kicking leg held straight up and the arm that matches your kicking leg held straight down.

    • 2

      Turn the foot that will be kicking in at a 90-degree angle to the direction you were running as you plant to jump. For example, to kick with the right leg, plant your left foot turned 90 degrees to the left.

    • 3

      Jump straight up off the planted foot, turning your opposite shoulder back as you do so to initiate the turn in the jump.

    • 4

      Maintain erect posture in your back as you rise.

    • 5

      Kick your jumping leg up as high as you can as you spin, driving the foot into your raised hand.

    • 6

      Land with your body facing in the direction your jumping foot was pointed when you planted to jump.