Crane kick

The crane kick is a fictionalized version of the Mae tobi geri (Japanese: 前飛蹴) created by Darryl Vidal for the 1984 martial arts film The Karate Kid. The move involves the user adopting a one-legged karate stance before launching into a flying jumping kick with the standing leg. The movie's success caused the crane kick to became synonymous with karate in the United States and helped popularize the martial art in that country.

In the original film, the move is first performed by the character Mr. Miyagi, and witnessed by Daniel LaRusso, who is then taught the move. The move is more famously used in the final scene of the picture, in which Daniel uses the crane kick to defeat his arch rival Johnny Lawrence in a karate match. The move is temporarily seen again in the sequel film, The Karate Kid Part II, as well as heavily referenced in the TV series Cobra Kai. In the latter, the kick is used by both Miguel Diaz and Johnny at various points as a way to mock Daniel, whilst Daniel himself uses it in the Season 5 finale to defeat Terry Silver.

Usage and effectiveness

The move's effectiveness and practicality have been questioned by critics. The premise of the technique is to lure the opponent to move forward into a counterattack by appearing vulnerable. This vulnerability is created through two obvious tactical errors which an aggressive opponent would immediately take advantage of. First, standing tall with just one foot flat on the ground creates a stationary target for an opponent to strike. Second, spreading arms wide leaves the head and center of mass undefended. It is also worth noting this kick is an extreme feat of athleticism; it takes unusual leg strength and coordination for any fighter to leap off one foot (which is already bearing all their body weight) to deliver an effective strike with that same foot. Modified versions have been used effectively in Mixed Martial Arts, most notably by Lyoto Machida. Starting from a southpaw stance, Machida feinted with his left leg before leaping off his right foot to deliver an upwards right kick to the mouth of former UFC champion Randy Couture, earning a knockout victory. Commentators Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan immediately noted the similarity to the crane kick.

In popular culture

In the videogame Street Fighter Alpha 2, the elderly character Gen uses a crane style. He uses it again when he returns in Street Fighter IV.

See also

• Fujian White Crane
• Tibetan White Crane