Defending against the cut-kick

[deltron3030]

As I train for the TBA Thai test I know that I'm going to take a few cut kicks as I'm trying to hit the 60/40. What do you guys think are the best ways to defend against that attack and if there is any conditioning that I can do to strengthen those vulnerable areas.

Thanks again.

[Gmantom]

I'm from the Japanese system. What is a cut kick?

[Khun Kao]

From what I've seen of that particular part of the test, there really isn't a definitive way to defend against it, because your testing partner will have the luxury of "timing" you.

Under "normal" circumstances, you'd want to setup your round kicks, either with a feint or in combination. But undererstand you will be facing a time limit which will make using combinations and feints a bit impractical.

If you want to try SOMETHING to minimize the "cut kicks", there are two things you can do.....

1. Make sure that you get your hand in the pad holders face as you kick. It's a distraction that works great in sparring/fighting, but is only likely to work for a little while against an experienced pad holder.

2. Push Kick (foot jab)! This is the most effective way to defend yourself, but understand that each Push Kick/Foot Jab will take away time crucial to your testing round. There are a few different ways to utilize the push kick in conjunction with your round kicks to minimize the cut kicks.....

a) Just prior to your Round Kicks, throw a Push Kick to "stabilize" the pad holder in position for a quick 2 or 3 round kicks before returning to your stance.

b) FEINT with the Push Kick just prior to throwing a quick Round Kick or two.... The feint will typically get the pad holder to freeze in place in anticipation of the being Push Kicked, which will give you an extra moment to fire off a few quick Round Kicks.

c) Push Kick right after throwing a Round Kick or two..... If you time things right, you will hit the pad holder with a Push Kick before they are able to take advantage of your position. AND, if you time it right, this will discourage them from attempting the cut kick as often throughout the round, as they will become wary of your Push Kick follow-up..... There are two different "rhythms" to the follow-up Push Kick.... Either return to stance after the Round Kick and IMMEDIATELY hop in towards your opponent to hit them with the Push Kick for the dreaded "Double Impact", or you can follow your Round Kick with a Push Kick without ever putting your foot back down....

In any event, good luck on your test!!!!!!!

My advice is to just suck it up and take your lumps

[chalambok]

The most effective technique for me has been to alter my kick from a typical roundkick to the half-knee/half-shin kick when I see the opponent going for the cut, and work on his ribs. That is, if he is doing the back cut, or to the back of my leg. If he is doing the older-style, front cut, I will probably have to give up my balance to save my leg; falling or rolling out.