Getting hit with the sidekick too much

[bigboywasim]

When I spar against the faster guys I get hit with the sidekick too much. Any suggestions on how avoid or block it before getting hit .

[MidSouthMMA]

i just take a step back, and do a down block, or outside in block, you may can cover up your midsection with both arms..its ok to back up, you dont always have to be on the attack.... one thing is for sure, as soon as you reach out with a punch, they gonna come up with a side to your exposed ribs, so soon as you throw, be ready to come back down for the block.,, and dont forget about their opppsite hand that will probably follow there side kick.......... hope that helps.... oh,, some people "jam" there body up to theres real fast so that wont have room to unleash to kick.,,

IF the throw a sidekick with the right leg, you may can do an inside/out block while stepping to the left.,, then clock them with a left!! ha.

[Hikage]

Simply drop your front leg back as the kick comes in. This will move your midsection back at least a foot. Be prepared to move laterally or on a 45 degree angle towards your opponent. Avoid continually moving backwards.

-Hikage

PS> Forgive me for being daft, but is that you in your pic?

[Slavez3ro]

There can be maybe a couple of things u can try ..
1.Work on your reflexes
2.Awareness[body language]
3.Check for the left/right shoulder drop[indication of kick.]

[sojobow]

When I spar against the faster guys I get hit with the sidekick too much. Any suggestions on how avoid or block it before getting hit .

Just take your time and practice a lot. A sidekick is probably one of the the slowest kicks so if you're getting hit with them, you just need more practice and experience. Timing is a good start and a simple Jam is all you need do. The other suggestions above are also good but I wouldn't want to get in the habit of using my hands/arms to block anything below the waist. If you also learn to catch the kick, you're in control. I think you've already found that the kick doesn't really do much damage to you as only technically very good to excellent kickers will have any effect worth your concern but practice your timing and those slow kicks will stop coming your way.

[UNBROKENFLOW]

Train harder no here can really help you need to find your our way

[Eddie_Boston]

Distance. You need to practice maintaining a healthy distance. Enough for you to divert and offset attacks but enough for you to get in without a telegraph. Getting out of the way of a sidekick is just as good as blocking it.

[Eddie_Boston]

Just take your time and practice a lot. A sidekick is probably one of the the slowest kicks so if you're getting hit with them, you just need more practice and experience. Timing is a good start and a simple Jam is all you need do. The other suggestions above are also good but I wouldn't want to get in the habit of using my hands/arms to block anything below the waist. If you also learn to catch the kick, you're in control. I think you've already found that the kick doesn't really do much damage to you as only technically very good to excellent kickers will have any effect worth your concern but practice your timing and those slow kicks will stop coming your way.

I do agree with most of your post!

although catching a sidekick is hmmm, kinda dangerous. Although its one of the slow(er) kicks its also the most powerful.

The weakness with a side kick is that it takes longer to reset yourself after thowing one. The 2 second window between him throwing the kick and him placing it down is GOLD. If you can take advantage of that small window of time, he'll be golden.

[sojobow]

I do agree with most of your post!

although catching a sidekick is hmmm, kinda dangerous. Although its one of the slow(er) kicks its also the most powerful.

The weakness with a side kick is that it takes longer to reset yourself after thowing one. The 2 second window between him throwing the kick and him placing it down is GOLD. If you can take advantage of that small window of time, he'll be golden.

I also agree with most of both posts. In fact, it is irony that we (my class) looked at the advantages/diadvantages of the two resets necessary in a sidekick very recently. My personal first choice is jamming/blasting the sidekick.

Looking at your signature, I see you have some experience in at least two different martial arts systems. Therefore, you probably know that there are more than 2 acceptable ways of delivering a sidekick depending upon which style you use. I would think that the reset is also different depending on style and, more particular, the next move after the sidekick. Sure, the kick is also one of power but because the kick requires being properly set up, opportunity presents itself before, during and after the kick. If we are being caught with this sidekick, we are 1) not recognizing our being set up, 2) too slow in attacking/evading/triangulating and 3) haven't practiced counters expecially knowing the proper areas to move to rendering the kick almost harmless.

You do however, make some very knowledgeable post. Learned a couple of things myself. Now, to get up and work on them. thanx.

One question that will help me work on a couple of things you've said: besides the reset, do you also recoil the kick resetting the foot back to the original stance and do you also reset by placing the foot down in a forward motion (in front of you)? Again, thanks for the time thoughts.

[Eddie_Boston]

One question that will help me work on a couple of things you've said: besides the reset, do you also recoil the kick resetting the foot back to the original stance and do you also reset by placing the foot down in a forward motion (in front of you)? Again, thanks for the time thoughts.

Me personally, I reset the foot back in the original stance ONLY when Im practing in a standing motion. Its a good way to practice balance & control.

When Im sparring, I follow through with the kick. Momentum kinda forces you to put your foot back down in a forward motion in front of you. There's nothing wrong with that. Your opponent HAS TO either (a) step back and block or (B) get outta the way. In either case, you won't have to worry about being "too close". Most people arent going to attack a sidekick. If they do, they're crazy.

Now, as you may have already figured out, resetting back to the original stance does leave you a litttle more vaunerable to that "window of time". My advice is, just follow through with the kick.

[sojobow]

Most people arent going to attack a sidekick. If they do, they're crazy.

Now, as you may have already figured out, resetting back to the original stance does leave you a litttle more vaunerable to that "window of time". My advice is, just follow through with the kick.

The only point I somewhat disagree with is being crazy for attacking he sidekick. My point, if he turns his shoulder across my center of power, I'm comming as fast as I can to jam the kick. Usually, if someone attempts to deliver a sidekick with the rear leg (right leg), they will first rotate/turn the right shoulder counter-clockwise. When the shoulder passes you, start the jam during the time the leg chambers and before it starts to extend. You're right regarding the "window of time". Resetting the foot gives it away. Good to practice the balance by resetting but in sparring etc, just put the foot down fast.

[matsushorinryu]

While I agree with most of the posts, one of the things that could be causing you to get kicked is your stance or your change of body on attack. You need to make sure you are not "squaring up" to your opponent too much. Try to keep your stance to that your midsection points more toward the side and not directly at your opponent. Probably the main reason you are getting hit is needing more experience.

[Eddie_Boston]

The only point I somewhat disagree with is being crazy for attacking he sidekick. My point, if he turns his shoulder across my center of power, I'm comming as fast as I can to jam the kick. Usually, if someone attempts to deliver a sidekick with the rear leg (right leg), they will first rotate/turn the right shoulder counter-clockwise. When the shoulder passes you, start the jam during the time the leg chambers and before it starts to extend. You're right regarding the "window of time". Resetting the foot gives it away. Good to practice the balance by resetting but in sparring etc, just put the foot down fast.

the reason I say its crazy because (A) if your not well conditioned then that JAM is going to hurt. (B) if by chance you miss the block, uh oh!

Ive been to seminars where they urge you (the artist) to "atttack the sidekick" but for me, I just rather get outta the way then come in with a quick counter during the reset. ALOT less risky.