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Kicks
Practical Kicks
Other Kicks
Kicks
often lead inexperienced martial artists open for an easy attack.
The most practical kick in a self-defense situation is the Stomp
Kick and the Foot Stomp. These
kicks do not require much flexibility and are usually less obvious
to an attacker.
Stomp Kick
Pick up your knee. Then stomp in the direction of your target. You
want to strike with either the inside or outside edge of your foot.
The knees are your #1 target for this technique. When you strike
them you want to force them sideways, then down to the floor.
Foot Stomp
You don't need to lift your knee as high as you do for the stomp
kick because your target is on the ground. Lift your knee. Then
stomp on your opponent's foot using your heal. Put all your
weight into it. A simple stomp can send your opponent groveling
to the mat.
Other
Kicks
If you still want to learn other martial arts kicks to add to your
self-defense tool box, here's some more information:
Flexibility
and Practice
The two best ways to improve your kicks. Stretching the hamstrings,
quadriceps, groin region, calves, gluteus maximus and lower back
all increase your control and range of motion for kicking. When
you work out, you should always stretch before and after. Stretching
before loosens you up for your workout and helps
avoid injuries due to hyper-extension. Stretching after your
workout is the best way to improve your flexibility
and vital if you want to improve your kicks.
Front Snap
Kick
The front snap kick is directed forward toward the opponent's
stomach, sternum or crotch, and with practice toward the face. Without
shoes the striking surface is the ball of the foot. However, with
shoes on, which is the more likely state you'll be in when using
self-defense, you should kick with the toe of the shoe if it has
enough support. You begin the kick by lifting the knee directly
in front of you. Then extend the foot to strike. To speed up this
kick, concentrate on lifting your knee as fast as you can. This
will naturally increase the speed at which your foot extends toward
the opponent.
Round House
Kick
This kick requires you to pivot on your back foot so that your planted
foot points backwards. As you pivot you point your butt toward the
opponent while raising your other leg and swinging your foot across
the face of your opponent. When wearing protective shoes, you strike
with the top of your foot. Martial artists may strike with the ball
of their foot, but this is very difficult without proper training
and instruction.
Back Kick
This kick is used usually for someone behind you. You simply lift
the leg farthest from the target (your front leg), and kick back
with the heal of the foot. This kick is extremely powerful. However
it is more difficult to aim and should be practiced with a heavy
bag or other target.
Side Kick
This is much like the back kick except its aimed toward your side.
You must pivot, as you do for a round house kick, so that your planted
foot is pointed away from the opponent. Lift your knee, and strike
with the outer edge of the foot and heal. As you kick rotate your
hips for added power.
It's also possible to spin when using these
kicks.
Dragon tail
This kick is effective when you are extremely
close to the attacker as when the attacker is grabbing or holding
you. Grab the attacker's upper body and pull him in to you. This
decreases the attacker's mobility and downward visibility. Then
strike the outside of the attacker's knee with your knee or shin.
The outside of the attacker's knee is a very vulnerable spot. You
can also stomp on his foot, knee him in the crotch or eagle claw
his sides while in this position.
 
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