Complete Kicking (20 page)

SPORT APPLICATION: Use a long pushing kick to the opponent’s torso to create space for a follow up attack.

SELF-DEFENSE APPLICATION: Use a side pushing kick to the rib cage while avoiding the assailant’s lunging attack.

SELF-DEFENSE APPLICATION: A stomping push kick to the groin can incapacitate a downed assailant allowing you to escape to safety.

SPORT APPLICATION: a long pushing kick with the ball of the foot negates the opponent’s punches.

common mistakes

MISTAKE 1: Losing balance during the kick.

SOLUTION: Keep your standing knee slightly bent and don’t overextend your kicking leg. Also, bring your upper body forward with the kick and keep your arms close to your body; don’t lean backward.

MISTAKE 2: Telegraphing your movement.

SOLUTION: Begin your kick like front kick and push at the last moment. Don’t make your initial movement too large.

• remember

1. Push through the target.

2. Bend supporting knee.

3. Use your bodyweight.

4. Control your torso.

• avoid

1. Opening your arms

2. Leaning backward

3. Overextending your kick

4. Kicking above the waist

weight shifting for pushing kick

Pushing kick requires coordination and flexibility to deliver power. Here are examples of exercises for rear (1-3) and front (4-6) foot pushing kicks using a heavy bag.

1. From fighting stance shift your weight to the front leg.

2. Bring your rear knee to the front at chest level and lean your body forward as you come into contact with the bag.

3. Push your foot as far into the target as you can without breaking your posture. Be sure to bring your upper body forward with the kick and keep your guard up.

4. From fighting stance, hop your rear foot to your front foot.

5. Upon arrival of the rear foot, quickly raise your front foot, keeping your body turned slightly sideways.

6. Stretch your kicking leg into the target and lean your body forward as you push the bag.

FLYING SIDE KICK

purpose

Flying side kick is used to strike a runaway or charging opponent. The dynamic appearance of flying side kick makes it popular for demonstrations as well. The ultimate goal of practicing this kick is to attain maximum jumping distance and height. It requires muscular strength and coordination to achieve complete synchronization of the body while in the air.

key points

The main force of flying side kick comes from momentum and the extension of the leg on impact. When you jump, make your body compact and thrust your leg at the target just prior to impact.

striking area

Blade, ball, bottom of the foot, heel

targets

1. head

2. neck

3. chest

4. solar plexus

how to

1. From fighting stance, size up the distance and height of the target.