The Turn Kick is typically one of the more difficult “beginner” kicks.  I use the word beginner because it’s simply one of the kicks taught to new students.  It may take years to gain proficiency with this kick, however.  The kicks range is typically from knee to head.  It can be thought of as the leg’s equivalent to a hook punch as it is coming from the side.

The Turn Kick:

• From a forward bow stance, move your weight forward onto your front foot and pick up the knee of the back leg.  As you are shifting weight forward, TURN (hence the name Turn Kick) the waist to parallel the target while releasing the kick and extend the leg completely (avoid cutting the kick short.)
• The non-kicking foot turns and grinds into the ground on the ball of the foot.
• The hip of the kicking leg is forward of the hip of the standing leg – the hips are parallel to the target.
• The same arm as the kicking leg counter-balances the kick by going the opposite direction of the leg.
• The higher the knee is lifted, the higher the kick can go.
• Contact is made with the ball of the foot.

  

  Brea Shaolin Kung Fu Kicking – Ball of Foot

• Always try to deliver 100% of power to each kick during practice, as well as kick as high as possible.  If you can kick high with power and balance, then you can certainly kick to the lower and mid-range targets with confidence.
• Power, speed and balance are generated from proper form, strong “core” and leg muscles, and a relaxed body.  Those characteristics are attained by practicing the kick thousands and thousands of times.