Why Kick in Kung Fu?

Fut Gar Kung Fu is clearly not a kicking style. In case it is not clear in watching the forms, you definitely can take the hint from the name of the techniques. Within Fut Gar there are a bit over 100 techniques. Kicks in the form are all called Fei Geuk. What does that mean? Flying Foot...the last time I checked, none of the kicks in Fut Gar forms are jumping kicks. The best explanation I have ever gotten is that you foot flies off the ground.

Understanding that Fut Gar is not a kicking style of Kung Fu, we also need to understand why we learn to kick and practice to be proficient at kicking. Here is a list of reasons:

• You could be injured in a fight and lose the ability to use your arm but still need to continue fighting
• Your legs are another weapon that can be used...why not keep the option open?
  
• At certain times in a fight, your legs might be able to reach an open target area that your hands cannot reach
• Learning to kick also allows you to understand the legs as a weapon if you are against an opponent that likes to kick
• Legs are strong - if you train equally in kicking and punching, I believe your kicks would generate more power than your hand strikes
• Kicking training also helps improve your balance
  
• Kicking is cool...the fancier the kick, the cooler you look