High Kicks and Strong Side Lead

[thewhip]

I understand that JKD (or the Jun Fan KF side of it) emphasises a quicker and a more efficient route to the target. Why does the emphsis on a strong side lead and no high kicks? If you watch someone like Mirko KroKop in Pride high kicks can be very effective.

I could easily be wrong, just trying to understand the reasoning behind what I've learnt.

[Ghost]

I understand that JKD (or the Jun Fan KF side of it) emphasises a quicker and a more efficient route to the target. Why does the emphsis on a strong side lead and no high kicks? If you watch someone like Mirko KroKop in Pride high kicks can be very effective.

I could easily be wrong, just trying to understand the reasoning behind what I've learnt.

Reject it and find the way that works for you

[thewhip]

The basis of JKD right? Use what works for you. Before I start experimenting though, what is the advantage of a strong side lead, or for that a matter, a weak side lead?

[tribalweapon]

I understand that JKD (or the Jun Fan KF side of it) emphasises a quicker and a more efficient route to the target. Why does the emphsis on a strong side lead and no high kicks? If you watch someone like Mirko KroKop in Pride high kicks can be very effective.

In my experience (very limited by the way) high kicks are very effective...when they land. If they don't then you find yourself on one leg, and off balance (how bad depends on your kicking ability) while your opponent just stands there either looking impressed or looking at you like you're an idiot while he rushes you. Added to that, they are a fairly low percentage move compared to punches, knees, and low kicks.

I'm not saying don't do them, hell I love them, but follow the 80/20 rule when it comes to training them unless you are prepared to do a lot of work in regards to timeing them right.

Oh, and a lot of work defending a takedown after a missed or caught kick.

[g-bells]

why risk it? unless you are lightning quick it will be parried, caught and you'll end up in a bad situation.

[aseepish]

1) If you are properly warmed up
2) If you are wearing non-restrictive clothing
3) You're on even, non-slippery ground
4) You're wearing footwear that allows you to keep your footing yet rotate on your supporting foot
5) Your opponent is in range

High kicks can be spectacularly effective - in the ring. In a self-defence situation you're more likely to be ambushed. Your opponent is more likely to be beyond the inside range of your kicks and pressing the attack.

The bottom line is that high kicks are low percentage - too risky to use in situations where the worst case scenario is death or serious injury.

[tribalweapon]

The basis of JKD right? Use what works for you. Before I start experimenting though, what is the advantage of a strong side lead, or for that a matter, a weak side lead?

In a weak side lead the idea, as I understand it, is to use your lead side to set up your strong side attacks by way of jabs, teeps, and other techniques. The advantage that I have always felt with this is that it makes your strong side even stronger by putting it in the rear and forcing you to add more body mass to each shot. Thus giving you a better chance for a knockout with your rear side.

In a strong side lead, the idea is that you even your sides out. With your stronger more coordinated side foreward, your lead side attacks will have more force and probably be faster. You also strengthen your rear side attacks because, as before, you force yourself to add more body mass to each shot. As an added bonus the southpaw stance is slightly less common so you could possibly have an element of suprise on your side.

I have played with both sides and have never really felt that one side held much of an advantage over the other. The lead side in a weak side foreward stance can become very formidable given time and effort. The advantage of a strong side forewards stance can be taken away by either your opponent adopting the same stance or if they spar with southpaw fighters often.

Just use what works for you and remember F=MA