Flying kick
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For use in football, see flying kick (football).
A flying kick, in several disciplines of martial arts, is a general description of kicks that involve a running start, jump, then a kick in mid-air. Compared to a regular kick, the user is able to achieve greater momentum from the run at the start[citation needed]. Flying kicks are not to be mistaken for jumping kicks[citation needed], which are similar maneouvres. A jumping kick is very similar to a flying kick[citation needed], except that it lacks the running start and the user simply jumps and kicks from a stationary position. They are commonly practiced in Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Wushu and Muay Thai for fitness, exhibitions, competition, as well as self defence[citation needed].
[edit] Types of flying kicks
Flying kicks are often derived from the basic kicks. Some of the more commonly known flying kicks are the: flying side kick, flying back kick, flying front kick, and the flying roundhouse kick, as well as the flying reverse roundhouse kick. Others include Flying Stamping Kick (tobi sakuto)[citation needed]
[edit] Popularity
Flying kicks are a common element in martial arts films and television shows for their acrobatic and spectacular nature. Actors such as Bruce Lee, Jet Li and Jackie Chan are just a few of the stars known to display airborne kicks. In the Kamen Rider TV series, many Rider Kicks performed by the heroes are flying kicks as well. The famous Mivalekan has been widely known to criticize the flying kick, stating "It could never be used in real combat" opinions are divided about the matter.[citation needed]
Variants analogous to flying kicks are also seen in tricking, break dancing and gymnastics.[citation needed]
