is very similar to a standard 540 kick except that it lies a bit more horizontal. After rotating about 180° in the air, the body then the assumes the normal mechanics of a standard twist, add twists a total of 540°. 1080 Twist A triple butterfly twist. The first successfully recorded and landed Triple Butterfly Twist was done by John Vanek. California Roll Is Cheat 720 twist with an added rotation, or a Cheat 1080 twist. The take off is very similar to a Cheat 720, but instead of twisting 540°, the practitioner twists 900°. Popularity The spectacular appearance that is both graceful and powerful as from its martial arts origin has made the Butterfly kick versatile in a wide range of performing arts such as breakdancing, tricking, martial arts films, various video games (such as the Tekken series, the Mortal Kombat series and The Matrix Online), gymnastics and even on the ice as seen in Olympics figure skating. It has also appeared in the sport of professional wrestling by trained martial artists like Low Ki. It also appeared in The Phantom Menace as one of Darth Maul's signature techniques, Ray Park being a wushu champion. Though not as well known as some of the other tricking moves such as aerials and flips, the Butterfly kick holds a unique position in the acrobatic world for being a traditional defensive move incorporated into the modern popular arts and international sports. See also Kick References External links Flash Tutorials for Butterfly and Twists 360 to 720 Butterfly Kick Tutorial with photos and commentary How to Butterfly Twist Kicks Martial art techniques Wushu (sport)