Kicking is an effective art if kept in context, i.e. used as part of the support system rather than as an initiating, attacking tool.
Kicks are best used in one of four ways:
1) If you are outside of punching range and find that there is a large gap between you and your attacker (there very rarely is) martial arts kicks may be used to bridge that gap. Even the kick should never be the end of your technique or attack. The kick is best utilized to setup other attacks, such as a punch or a grappling clinch. If you want old Gracie Jiu-Jitsu challenge footage or the first UFC fights, you will see Royce Gracie and other Gracie Fighters using front stomp kicks to setup and close the distance for the grappling clinch.
2) Short range kicks can sometimes be used whilst inside vertical grappling range to weaken an opponent before throwing him, or using sweeping kicks from the same range. Knees can also be used in this range. A good drill for this is get in grappling range with your partner and train short range kicks and knees. Use stomp kicks, knees, short roundhouse kicks, etc.
3) In the many fights I have been in, I have never squared off with anyone. That is child's play. Most street fights just errupt. But, in the rare case where you "square up" against your opponent, kicking can b
Kicking in a real fight
Summary from Geoff Thompson's Book: Real Kicking
To be a complete martial artist you must know all fighting ranges. Many think kicks are along used for long range attacks. But in reality kicking can be used in any range, as well as a setup for other fight ending techniques. If you only ever employ kicking technique once in your lifetime in a real fight and it works for you, then it will have been worth the years training kicking techniques.
Kicking is an effective art if kept in context, i.e. used as part of the support system rather than as an initiating, attacking tool.
Kicks are best used in one of four ways:
1) If you are outside of punching range and find that there is a large gap between you and your attacker (there very rarely is) martial arts kicks may be used to bridge that gap. Even the kick should never be the end of your technique or attack. The kick is best utilized to setup other attacks, such as a punch or a grappling clinch. If you want old Gracie Jiu-Jitsu challenge footage or the first UFC fights, you will see Royce Gracie and other Gracie Fighters using front stomp kicks to setup and close the distance for the grappling clinch.
2) Short range kicks can sometimes be used whilst inside vertical grappling range to weaken an opponent before throwing him, or using sweeping kicks from the same range. Knees can also be used in this range. A good drill for this is get in grappling range with your partner and train short range kicks and knees. Use stomp kicks, knees, short roundhouse kicks, etc.
3) In the many fights I have been in, I have never squared off with anyone. That is child's play. Most street fights just erupt. But, in the rare case where you "square up" against your opponent, kicking can become effective for taking a boxer or grappler to his or her weaker range.
4) Kicking technique is an unparalleled ‘finisher’ when employed on a falling or felled opponent. Lets face it, if you opponent is down and you are up.... you're gonna kick the bastard.
Some of the best real combat kicks are:
1.) Front or Side Stomp kicks to the knee. The knee is one of the most important targets when it comes to kicking. It is a fairly weak target, and the damage is devastating. Use a side or front stomp kick to attack the front of the knee.
2.) Shin Kick or Low Thai kick to the knee. Destroy your opponents knee with a shin kick.
3.) Groin kick, toes pointed UP. The groin kick is often an underrated technique. Some call it a cheap shot. But when you're in a real fight scenario, it is effective. Point your toes up though and aim for the sack. If you keep your toes flat and inline with the shin and left, there is less chance for damage. I actually saw one of our bouncers get kicked square in the nuts, but because his attackers foot was pointed straight ahead, it was more of an annoying blow, then a fight ending blow.
4.) Liver kicks - if you are a trained kicker and are good at targeting your kicks, aim for the liver. It can drop your opponent quicker then you would think.
5.) Front Stomp Kick - Pretend like you are trying to bust down a door. Aim for the solarplex or use as a setup technique.
A lot of this information came from Geoff's Thompson's eBook on Real KIcking. It is a great read and you don't have to wait for it to be delivered to your house. It is one of the best realistic kicking books out there.
4) Kicking technique is an unparalleled ‘finisher’ when employed on a falling or felled opponent. Lets face it, if you opponent is down and you are up.... you're gonna kick the bastard.
Some of the best real combat kicks are:
1.) Front or Side Stomp kicks to the knee. The knee is one of the most important targets when it comes to kicking. It is a fairly weak target, and the damage is devestating. Use a side or front stomp kick to attack the front of the knee.
2.) Shin Kick or Low Thai kick to the knee. Destroy your opponents knee with a shin kick.
3.) Groin kick, toes pointed UP. The groin kick is often an underated technique. Some call it a cheap shot. But when you're in a real fight scenario, it is effective. Point your toes up though and aim for the sack. If you keep your toes flat and inline with the shin and left, there is less chance for damage. I actually saw one of our bouncers get kicked square in the nuts, but because his attackers foot was pointed straight ahead, it was more of an annoying blow, then a fight ending blow.
4.) Liver kicks - if you are a trained kicker and are good at targeting your kicks, aim for the liver. It can drop your opponent quicker then you would think.
5.) Front Stomp Kick - Pretend like you are trying to bust down a door. Aim for the solorplex or use as a setup technique.
A lot of this information came from Geoff's Thompsons eBook on Real KIcking. It is a great read and you don't have to wait for it to be delivered to your house. It is one of the best realistic kicking books out there.
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