Crescent Kick (Inside to Outside)

General notes:

Primarily used as a defensive kick, the inside to outside crescent kick is similar to the other crescent kick in that it is more useful to bring down an opponents guard than to use as a kick. I have also found that compared with other kicks that are similar in execution and in speed have much more power (i.e. the hook kick), but this kick is definitely worth learning, if not just for the defensive aspect, but because it is one of the more simple kicks to learn.

	1) Stand in the ready stance. This kick is only really effective if it is executed from the leading foot. Otherwise, the body must spin through 180 degrees - (see Spinning Crescent kick- (Inside to outside)).
	2) Firstly, the hips must be in the right position before this kick can be executed properly. To do this, the kicking leg has to move slightly away from its target, (i.e. bring it towards the rear/supporting foot. The supporting foot should be facing slightly away from the opponent so as to accommodate the change in position of hips.
	3) Then start to bring the leg around in front of the body in an arching motion, keeping the leg slightly bent at the knee. Also start turning the supporting foot towards the opponent while arching the leg by pivoting on the ball of the foot. This is only a slight movement, but necessary to prevent injury to the hamstrings.
	4) This is the point of contact. Contact should be made with the side of the foot. The foot should be under complete tension so as not to cause jarring when the impact is made. I find that I can achieve this quite easily by pulling the toes up, and pushing the heel out. Remember that this is a front facing kick, so the back should be up straight in order to increase power of the kick, and balance of the body.
	5) Carry on arching the leg round (with the hips). This is to ensure that you kick 'through' the target. Remember to keep the arms up.
	6) Continue to bring the leg round to the rear foot
	7) Continue to bring the leg round to the rear foot
	8) The kicking leg has now become the rear foot.

Click here to see the kick in action !

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