Learn How to Kick Up / Kip Up | Beginner Breaking Tutorial

The kick up, also known as a kip up, is a fundamental move that bridges the worlds of martial arts, gymnastics, and breakdancing. This dynamic technique allows dancers to explosively transition from a supine position to standing, adding flair and energy to routines. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the kick up into manageable steps, helping beginners master this essential breaking move.

The Importance of the Kick Up in Breaking

Before diving into the technique, let’s understand why the kick up is crucial for breakers:

Versatility: The kick up can be incorporated into various dance sequences and transitions.
Energy: It adds a burst of dynamism to your routines, captivating audiences.
Efficiency: Quickly gets you back on your feet, maintaining flow in your dance.
Foundational skill: Mastering the kick up builds body awareness and control necessary for more advanced moves.

Historical Context

The kick up’s origins extend beyond breaking:

Martial Arts: Frequently seen in action movies, particularly in kung fu films.
Gymnastics: A basic skill for floor routines and dismounts.
Breaking: Adopted by b-boys and b-girls to add flair to their sets.
Pop Culture: Popularized by performers like Chris Brown in music videos.

Prerequisites

Before attempting the kick up, ensure you have:

Basic core strength
Flexibility in the back and hips
Comfortable with basic floor work

Step-by-Step Guide to the Kick Up

Step 1: Mastering the Bridge

The bridge forms the foundation of a successful kick up:

Lying position: • Lie on your back • Bend your knees, placing feet flat on the ground • Position your hands by your ears, palms down, fingers pointing towards your shoulders
Lifting into the bridge: • Push through your feet and hands simultaneously • Lift your hips and chest towards the ceiling • Keep your arms straight, supporting your weight
Practice tips: • Start with short holds, gradually increasing duration • Focus on creating a smooth arc with your body • Breathe steadily throughout the movement

Step 2: The Rolling Bridge

Now, we’ll add momentum to the bridge:

Starting position: • Begin lying on your back, as in the basic bridge
The roll: • Rock your weight slightly towards your shoulders • Quickly roll your hips and legs off the ground • As your legs lift, push into a bridge position
Key points: • The movement should be fluid and continuous • Timing is crucial – push into the bridge as your legs lift

Step 3: The “Chris Brown Technique”

This step focuses on using your neck for added momentum:

Neck whip: • As you begin to lift, tuck your chin to your chest • When your legs start to come down, quickly extend your neck • This whipping motion helps propel your upper body forward
Practice safely: • Start slowly to avoid strain • Gradually increase the speed and force of the neck movement

Step 4: The Full Kick Up

Now we’ll combine all elements for a complete kick up:

Starting position: • Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the ground • Arms by your sides, palms down
The movement: • Rock back slightly, lifting your hips and legs • As your legs reach their peak height, forcefully kick them down towards the ground • Simultaneously push through your hands and whip your neck forward • As your feet approach the ground, push off with your hands
The landing: • Initially, aim to land with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width • Bend your knees to absorb the impact • As you improve, work towards landing with feet closer together

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Insufficient momentum: • Problem: Not generating enough force to complete the move • Solution: Focus on explosive leg drive and timing the hand push
Poor hand placement: • Problem: Hands too far from shoulders or pointing outwards • Solution: Keep hands close to ears, fingers pointing towards shoulders
Weak core engagement: • Problem: Difficulty in lifting the lower body • Solution: Incorporate core strengthening exercises into your training
Hesitation in the roll: • Problem: Pausing at the peak of the backward roll • Solution: Think of the movement as one fluid motion, not separate parts
Landing too narrow: • Problem: Feet coming together too soon, leading to instability • Solution: Start with a wider stance and gradually bring feet closer as you improve

Progressions and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic kick up, consider these variations:

No-handed kick up: Performing the move without using your hands
One-handed kick up: Using only one hand for support
Twist kick up: Adding a 180 or 360-degree rotation during the kick up
Continuous kick ups: Performing multiple kick ups in succession

Incorporating the Kick Up into Your Breaking

The kick up is versatile and can be used in various ways:

As a transition between floor work and standing moves
To recover quickly from drops or falls
As part of a power move combo
To add flair to freezes by kicking up into them

Safety Considerations

While practicing the kick up:

Always warm up thoroughly, especially your back and neck
Start on a soft surface like a mat or grass
Use a spotter when first learning the move
Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain

Training Tips

To improve your kick up:

Practice regularly, even if just for a few minutes each day
Film yourself to analyze your technique
Break down the move and practice each component separately
Strengthen your core, back, and leg muscles with supplementary exercises

Mental Approach

Remember these psychological aspects:

Confidence is key – believe in your ability to execute the move
Visualize successful kick ups before attempting them
Stay patient – mastery takes time and consistent practice
Celebrate small improvements along the way

Conclusion

The kick up is more than just a flashy move; it’s a fundamental technique that can elevate your breaking to new heights. By breaking down the movement into manageable steps and practicing consistently, you’ll soon find yourself popping up from the floor with ease and style.

Remember, every great b-boy and b-girl started as a beginner. What sets them apart is their dedication to mastering the basics. The kick up is your gateway to more advanced techniques, so take your time, practice safely, and enjoy the journey of improvement.

As you continue to develop your breaking skills, always keep in mind the rich history and culture of Hip Hop. By learning and perfecting moves like the kick up, you’re not just becoming a better dancer – you’re helping to keep the art form alive and thriving.

Stay motivated, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun as you embark on your breaking journey. Before you know it, you’ll be incorporating smooth kick ups into your routines and impressing your crew and audiences alike. Keep practicing, stay passionate, and watch your skills soar!