Ever been in awe of Bruce Lee’s step through side kick in Game of Death or Van Damme’s jump spin hook kick in Kickboxer? … yes me too, in fact who hasn’t, it was amazing!
Bruce Lee without doubt inspired a generation, or 2, of martial artists and he was renowned for stating that ‘basics work best’ and of course ‘boards don’t hit back’ ha ha
So, here are some quick considerations to get you started with your kicking –
1. Start position – maintain a strong stance and guard
2. Knee chamber (lift knee) ensuring correct positioning suitable to the kick being performed … include simultaneous standing foot pivot if required
3. Extension of leg … ensure it is a very direct approach – subject to technique of course, slow and smooth to start then increase with further progression and understanding (be mindful of locking your leg out to straight – look after those knees and hips)
4. Foot shape / striking tool … reduce surface area hitting target so as to increase power / force
5. Recoil of knee chamber
6. Reposition of kicking leg into a well balanced stance and guard
There is much more detail that could be added for each specific kicking technique but this blog is just to get your started! So …
Further Tips –
• Maintain guard throughout
• Bend standing leg just very slightly so that you can make balance adjustments easier
• Look where to are kicking – sometimes referred to as ‘spotting’ your technique
Remember –
• Flexibility doesn’t make a great kicker like kicking loads doesn’t either! You need to be smart with how you train – good flexibility, strength as well understanding of technique and how the body functions is key
• ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ – take your time and listen to your body (as well as your instructor) but do make sure you persevere and practice regularly
‘You are a product of what you do everyday’
Incidentally, just because you have reached a senior rank in a martial arts or can kick phenomenally well, it doesn’t mean you can ignore the basics, quite the opposite, they should be in everything you, for those who know … it is in the ‘do’
Respect as Always
Master John Swift