Sam's Blog: How to Kip Up Like a Kung Fu Master

Flipping from the ground to a standing position is also known as "kipping up." While it's not usually a very useful move in daily life, the kip-up has appeared time and time again in countless kung fu films and action flicks and can be fun to do to show off to friends or if you're making your own movies.

There are number of different techniques you can use to accomplish the maneuver and they're all acrobatic and explosive but this article focuses on just one of those approaches.

Note: Although this action is just for fun, it is a challenging exercise and you must be in good physical condition, with no injuries, to try it. It is also a good idea to have someone to help you.

Edit Steps

Lay your body on your back.
Lay your body on your back. Choose a smooth surface to lie on, preferably carpet, or even a trampoline is helpful.
Bend your elbows so that your fingers are pointing towards your shoulders.
Bend your elbows so that your fingers are pointing towards your shoulders. Your palms should be resting against the ground by your head.
- If you experience difficulties with the actions first, it may be easier to place your hands about 6 inches (15cm) away from your head rather than right next to it.
Swing your knees up to your chest, while rolling back a little bit so that you're weighted more on your upper back.
Swing your knees up to your chest, while rolling back a little bit so that you're weighted more on your upper back.
Swing your legs up and forward while pushing off using your hands.
Swing your legs up and forward while pushing off using your hands.
- You may need to sway three or four times and then kick your legs forward. The swaying builds up momentum.
Arc your back.
Arc your back. Now swing your hands forward while your feet touch the ground.
Use your abdominal strength and leg muscles to pull you into an upright position.
Use your abdominal strength and leg muscles to pull you into an upright position. If you find you lack the strength, use your hands to push off from initially, until you are more practiced.
- When you land, you don't want to put all your force on your feet––you want to keep on moving your upper body so that you land it without falling back. If you do all this right you will for sure land it in five to six tries.

Edit Video

Edit Tips

Always learn this on soft surfaces.
This action takes many tries before you get it.
It's highly recommended that you have a spotter to help.

Edit Warnings

Avoid learning on hard surfaces in case you land heavily or fall.
If you have back or other body injuries, do not try this action. You need to be in good, flexible physical shape.