kicking

[Movement]

wild west seriously track down one of my schools branches in auckland, I think you might like it alot, been following your posts some what and it may just suit you. and if you do like it and want to continue you'll be encouraged to train in any other martial art you wish.

just from one cuz to another bro

[WildWest.]

Yeah pretty much the front and round kicks are it and there are just variations of them.

The spinning back kick is used a bit depending on fighter to fighter. There are no rules against them or using a spinning heel kick either which is sometimes used.

Side kicks are hardly ever used or trained. They don't land easy and, IMHO, are too slow especially off the back leg. In saying that however, a nice low and explosive side kick to an opponents knee is quite valid and effective in a SD situation.

[Hardball]

Muay Thai

After doing TKD as a teen and then onto MT for 12 years, I would have to say I prefer the MT kicks over TKD ones. Pros and cons in both, but the level of repetition, simplicity and power developed in the MT kicks are awesome.

I heard that the Front Kick and the Roundhouse are the main kicks used in MT. Do you guys ever use any other kicks? Which ones? What is the muay thai philosophy on side kicks?

[WildWest.]

After doing TKD as a teen and then onto MT for 12 years, I would have to say I prefer the MT kicks over TKD ones. Pros and cons in both, but the level of repetition, simplicity and power developed in the MT kicks are awesome.

[mellow]

Don't you worry about someone catching your kick when you kick that high? Saturday, a guy 6 inches shorter than me, caught one of my front kicks but it still work out good because I pulled him into a vicious combination with my fist. LOL.. Of course we were wearing headgear and gloves.

It can happen I suppose, but for some reason I've been real successful in landing them. It's problably because I practice them alot so they are my fastest kick. The last time someone caught my foot I was able to make them pay for it (with my fists)

[Hardball]

Catching your kick

I try to keep up with it. I can still front kick to the head while cold.

Don't you worry about someone catching your kick when you kick that high? Saturday, a guy 6 inches shorter than me, caught one of my front kicks but it still worked out good because I pulled him into a vicious combination with my fist. LOL.. Of course we were wearing headgear and gloves.

[mellow]

Just be sure to stretch as much as possible. It would be a shame if those kicks were not available when you really need them.

I try to keep up with it. I can still front kick to the head while cold.

[Hardball]

Self Defense

I'm having sort of the same experience ever since arthritis has flared up in my knee. I can still kick pretty hard and high but nothing like I used to. Now I like low and mid section

Just be sure to stretch as much as possible. It would be a shame if those kicks were not available when you really need them.

[mellow]

I did some sparring saturday. It seems that at the age of 52 all I can land is front kicks. I'll take that if it's going to help with street self defense. I believe I can still land the front leg side kick but it would be to the knees or the groin both illegal in sparring.

I'm having sort of the same experience ever since arthritis has flared up in my knee. I can still kick pretty hard and high but nothing like I used to. Now I like low and mid section

[Hardball]

Recent Practice

I did some sparring saturday. It seems that at the age of 52 all I can land is front kicks. I'll take that if it's going to help with street self defense. I believe I can still land the front leg side kick but it would be to the knees or the groin both illegal in sparring.

[kingoftheforest]

Yeah instep you have to be very careful with. They are great for the sides of the neck though if you want to get a knock out.

I'll be honest, the only time I kick to the head is if the person is bent down.

I'm not saying don't kick to the head, to each his own.

I just feel if it's that high up, my hands are better experts in that field.

I try to avoid kicking higher than my own waist.

[Hardball]

Stomp Kick

Sorry, I do the drag down the shin when I have my boots on.

Bare foot yeah 100% with ya.

Yea, that's a nice kick for short range.

[kingoftheforest]

When kicking with the instep, aim for soft targets like the ribs or the side of the knee.

Sorry, I do the drag down the shin when I have my boots on.

Bare foot yeah 100% with ya.

[Hardball]

Soft Targets

I love to drive the ball of my foot into the side of the knee and then drag the instep down the shin and stake the foot.

Works real well with boots on.

One thing I never do is kick with the top of my foot though. Too many small bones, not enough protection from impact either.

When kicking with the instep, aim for soft targets like the ribs or the side of the knee.

[kingoftheforest]

I did alot of yoga-type leg and hip stretches before each class.

The biggest help for kicks was practice, practice, practice - working on form and repetition. As I got better, I was able to speed up and snap them out.

Holding onto the chair was good. As was leaning against the wall.

I don't kick as much these days - if so, they are low-line or to the center of mass.

I love low line kicks. Stomp kicks to the center of mass too.

I love to drive the ball of my foot into the side of the knee and then drag the instep down the shin and stake the foot.

Works real well with boots on.

One thing I never do is kick with the top of my foot though. Too many small bones, not enough protection from impact either.