Video: Andy Hug's Axe Kick - Technique Breakdown by The Modern Martial Artist. Not affiliated with MatRecap; their version may differ from this drill.
Technique recap
The axe kick swings the leg up high and drops the heel down onto the shoulder or head. It catches opponents who shell up.
3 key details
- Lift with a straight or slightly bent leg along the centerline.
- Drop the heel down with the hips forward.
- Recover your stance immediately.
Your 10-minute home drill
- 2:00Front leg swings
- 2:00Slow axe kicks
- 3:00Shadow axe kicks
- 2:00Jab-cross axe combo
- 1:00Hamstring stretch
Safety
Never drop the heel onto a partner's head in drills; target pads only.
Instructor disclaimer
Follow your instructor's version. Schools and styles teach this technique differently. This page is general education, not a substitute for qualified instruction.
