The techniques of the kicks are grouped into a plurality of sub-groups. These differ according to the direction, shape of motion and used impact surface (ball of the foot, instep, etc.). Here is just a small selection:

• Mawashi geri - half-circle kick, kick in a circular orbit with the instep or the bale
• Ushiro geri - backward kick
• Yoko geri - lateral foot shock/strike
• Tobi geri - general formulation for jumped kicks
• Kansetsu geri - The foot edge is kicked to a joint, preferably to the knee joint

A very effective kicking technique is the shin kick from the Muay Thai. Handled correctly, it is one of the hardest kicks ever. It is entered in a semi-circular arc to the target (e.g. knee, ribs), the impact surface is formed by the shin. Also this technique is performed with the appropriate use of the hips.