low side kick

[kwai chang pain]

Just curious...Are low side kicks allowed in MMA? I can't say that I've ever seen one attempted. I'm wondering if they're considered too damaging or if MMA'ers just feel they're ineffective (and, if so, why?). Thanks.

[bigboywasim]

I think they allowed are as long as you don't hit the knee. The reason why sidekicks are not used so much in MMA is because not many people have trained in Karate or even if they have it leaves you open and you can get taken down easily with it. Also the stance makes it kind of hard in MMA. It is not done from the Muay Thai stance.

[Tom Yum]

Keith Hackney used low side kicks against Yarborough (the 600-lb sumo) in UFC 6, I think. He targeted them right above the knee. Against Yarbrough, it was more like a jab to check distance...against anyone smaller, it would have probably made walking difficult.

[Troll Virus]

Originally Posted by kwai chang pain

Just curious...Are low side kicks allowed in MMA? I can't say that I've ever seen one attempted. I'm wondering if they're considered too damaging or if MMA'ers just feel they're ineffective (and, if so, why?). Thanks.

The main reason is;
Throwing a side kick, you offer yourself side-on, maybe even with you back showing.
You might get away with it once, but not twice.

It's a gift for a grappler, shooter or even half decent boxer.

File under 'Low Percentile'.

[Nick]

Also, a side kick to the knee is most effective against a straight leg, or to the side of the knee, but most fighters fight with bent, forward pointing knees, making an opening unlikely.

[kwai chang pain]

Cool. Thanks for the feedback. I see the low Thai roundhouse a lot. I see what you guys are saying about different reasons for not attempting it.

[Tom Yum]

Originally Posted by kwai chang pain

Cool. Thanks for the feedback. I see the low Thai roundhouse a lot. I see what you guys are saying about different reasons for not attempting it.

Don't discount it yet. Most MMA matches are done barefoot.

If you're wearing boots or hard soled shoes, the low side kick to the knee is stronger.

[Garland]

Originally Posted by bigboywasim

I think they allowed are as long as you don't hit the knee. The reason why sidekicks are not used so much in MMA is because not many people have trained in Karate or even if they have it leaves you open and you can get taken down easily with it. Also the stance makes it kind of hard in MMA. It is not done from the Muay Thai stance.

Muay Mae Mai teaches a stomp on the knee cap

YouTube - Mae Mai Muay Thai

check 3:04 and 4:40...I'll be damned...is that a side kick? 5:48 seems like it would work.

...you can also teap the leg.

YouTube - Mae Mai Muay Thai

and god forbid somebody stands with their knee out far enough to use their thigh as a spring board.

YouTube - Panphet Teaching Mae Mai

and...they used to go to the ground too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyRSx0qZs84
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eVWmKzYjCo

[DickHardman]

good clips garland, this makes up for some of the pics you posted in the asian women thread.


btw, i like the music in first video. what instrument makes that funky noise?

[Tom Yum]

The side kick can be used like a jab, but if you don't have a kicking arsenal that works of the side-forward stance you could get your back taken.

If you land a side kick to the knee cap, follow up with another side kick aimed at the solar plexus/ribs or a hook kick to the jaw.

With shoes or boots on and tkd kicking speed/power, you'll earn your opponents respect.

You can also follow up with a spin kick, or another low kick.

[Mephariel]

Side kicks are utilized in San Shou matches a lot. But in MMA I think most people prefer not to shift their balance.