Mae Geri Meaning in Karate

Mae Geri is the front snap kick delivered with the ball of the foot. A student lifts the knee high before extending the leg in a snap. The toes must curl back to avoid injury during the point of impact. This kick travels in a straight line toward the midsection of the opponent. A practitioner uses this strike to keep an opponent at a safe distance. The supporting leg remains slightly bent to maintain balance during the high kick. Snapping the foot back quickly prevents the opponent from grabbing the kicking leg. The hips push forward slightly to add extra reach and power to the kick. This is the most basic and common kick used in karate training.