How to Do a Moon Kick

A moon kick is an acrobatic martial arts maneuver often used as part of technical routine in competitions. In a moon kick, the performer swings his leg low in an arc, driving the leg across his body, hopping off his other leg, and performing a backward somersault through the air. The move is a crowd pleaser; however, it is an advanced move that should not be attempted until an individual is comfortable performing somersaults and flips.

Instructions

    • 1

      Step forward with your non-dominant leg, moving the leg to the side, as well, so you plant the foot centered between your shoulders.

    • 2

      Step forward with your dominant leg, moving the leg to the side so your feet are a shoulder's width apart again and the dominant leg is forward.

    • 3

      Step forward with your non-dominant leg, turning the foot to the outside so it is perpendicular to your dominant foot.

    • 4

      Kick your dominant leg across your body, causing your body to turn in the direction your non-dominant foot is pointing.

    • 5

      Follow through with the swinging leg so it arcs up toward your non-dominant shoulder.

    • 6

      Leap off of your non-dominant leg as your dominant leg begins swinging.

    • 7

      Turn back over your non-dominant shoulder as you move through the air. This causes you to spin through the air as you are kicking.

    • 8

      Look over your non-dominant shoulder at the ground as you spin to prepare to land.

    • 9

      Land on your dominant leg first.