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What is the difference between pushing kick and front kick?

We recently recieved this question through our author forum:

Master Kim,

I purchased your Complete Kicking DVD. One quick question: The Pushing Kick is not on the DVD, but it is used in the Top 100 DVD that I also have. Is the Pushing Kick really like a front kick but you push the opponent with the entire bottom of the foot? I can't tell from the Top 100 DVD. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

Matt

Sang H. Kim answers:

Pushing kick is different from front kick in two ways: Front kick's trajectory is simultaneously circular and upward to the target; pushing kick has two segments - you chamber the leg by bending your knee then push the target with either the ball of the foot or entire bottom of the foot. The targets are the lower stomach, pelvis, or chest.

The variations are: side pushing kick and diagonal pushing kick. The diagonal pushing kick is done from fighting stance by pushing the opponent's thigh with your toes facing out/upward and heel facing down/inward. It is often dangerous to use for your own safety, thus rarely used, but effective. Caution: it can hurt your knee joints and your opponents' too.