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Shotokan Technique · Kick

前蹴りMae-geri — Front kick

Mae-geri (前蹴り, “front kick”) is the first and most fundamental kick in Shotokan. The knee lifts high toward the target, the leg snaps out to strike with the ball of the foot (koshi), then snaps back — as a fast snap kick (keage) or a driving thrust kick (kekomi).
TypeKick (geri)
TargetChūdan / jōdan
WeaponBall of foot (koshi)
TypesKeage / kekomi
Introduced~8th kyu

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

  1. Lift the kicking knee high and forward toward the target, foot cocked back.
  2. Pull the toes back and up so the ball of the foot leads (not the toes or instep).
  3. Snap the lower leg out to the target, extending from the knee.
  4. Snap the foot straight back to the raised-knee position (for keage) before setting down.
  5. Keep the supporting leg slightly bent and the hips driving forward into the kick.

Key points

  • Knee up first — the height of the knee sets the height of the kick.
  • Strike with the ball of the foot, toes pulled back.
  • Snap back as fast as you kick out; never leave the leg hanging.

Common mistakes

Striking with the toes or instep instead of the ball of the foot.
Not lifting the knee high enough, so the kick pushes rather than snaps.
Leaning back to gain height, which kills power and balance.

Where you’ll see it

Mae-geri appears across the Shotokan kata syllabus, including:

Heian YondanJionBassai DaiUnsu

Application (bunkai)分解

A direct, fast attack up the centre line to the abdomen, groin or chin, mae-geri also works to check or stop an advancing opponent — the knee lift alone can jam a step-in before the snap even lands.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Mae-geri performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Mae-geri” on YouTube

Related techniques

Oi-zuki追い突きZenkutsu-dachi前屈立ちKokutsu-dachi後屈立ち

Mae-geri — frequently asked questions

What part of the foot strikes in mae-geri?
The ball of the foot (koshi), with the toes pulled firmly back and up. Striking with the toes or the instep risks injury and loses focus.
What is the difference between keage and kekomi?
Mae-geri keage is a fast snap kick that flicks out and back; mae-geri kekomi is a thrusting kick that drives through the target. Both start from the same high knee lift.
Why lift the knee first?
The raised knee sets the kick’s height and hides its timing; snapping from a high knee gives a fast, powerful kick and a quick recovery.