Kenpo Karate Kicks Tips

Daily Fit Tips

Kenpo X is a favorite routine for many who are undergoing the challenging extreme home fitness program, P90X – a Beachbody workout with trainer Tony Horton. What’s not to love? Jabs, cross, hook, upercut…kicks, blocks, something different from the usual grueling workouts. That doesn’t mean this workout is for beginners. The kicks alone can make your hips and butt hurt for a couple of days.

I enjoy this workout as much as any other fan of P90X, but I struggled with the back kick. It just didn’t seem right when I attempted this move. For weeks, I just kept trying. I kept doing my best. I kept moving. I focused on this move because it was hard for me.

Then, Tony’s words just hit me one day. He used the phrase “mule kick.” It hit me! The form should be more like the kick of a horse, donkey, cow, or mule. The form should feel more like the kick back machine at the gym that is designed to work the glutes. The difference is the back kick should drive with the heel of the foot. I’m sure if I made contact with anything or anyone, the ball of my foot or toes would be what was hitting.

I gave this some thought and realized that I was doing the same thing on my front kick. I’d certainly break a toe the way I was kicking! I felt silly envisioning myself kicking someone and then, falling to the ground because I’d either broken a toe or had been flipped by my opponent because I threw such a pansy, soft kick.

The key to kicks in Kenpo Karate and is driving with the heel. Lead with the heel. Focus on what it will feel like to make contact. It’s an movement outward from the body, not upward. Watch Wesley on the Kenpo X DVD. He leads with the heel of his foot. He makes it look easy. When I tried kicks this way, I was amazed at how much easier they were for me too. It almost makes me want to get a body bag so I can make contact with my kicks.

Speaking of Wesley, observe how he leans away from the direction of the kick. The further you lean your body away from your kick, the higher you can get your kick. The fitness manual for P90X observes that the “real weapon is not the fist or the foot, but the whole body.” When you learn to use your whole body, not only does the form feel better, you also get a great workout. I’ve never participated in any form of karate as a fitness routine, but I can really get my heart rate up with this workout and still have fun.

This workout is about cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, balance, strenth training, toning, and focusing. The routine starts out slowly and builds momentum as you learn the moves. It’s just under 56 minutes, including the warm up and cool down. And, I’ve read nothing but positive comments from men and women on this routine. Hats off Tony! This is one of our favorites!