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What do you all think are the most effective kicks for a self defence situation? Feel free to list the actual kick and the target. I find that kicks below the waist usually work best. Hit the high targets with your high weapons (hands). And the low targets with your low weapons (feet). Many people think that the mauy thai style round kick is most effective. Although it works great if you can do it properly, I would say that front and side kicks are generally better because they are linear, powerful and you have less chance of injury using these. Targets for the kicks would be: Thigh, knee, groin. (If you want to kick higher then: sternum and head.)

Just wondering how everyone executes different punches(fist position). Here is mine: Lead: Vertical fist with elbow pointing down, Horizontal/three quarter fist with elbow pointed slightly to the side Cross: Horizontal/three quarter fist with elbow pointed slightly to the side Hook: Vertical fist

Judo... Contains good throws, takedowns, pins, locks and doesnt focus on striking. I might also say aikido, but generally this takes a long time to become good at.

At my school you show that you can perform the kihon, kata, and kumite at a level required for the belt.

Does anyone have anything to add to this list?

This is a very good post. One of the best things about kata is that the application can be as simple or has complicated as the practisioner can handle.

Traditional karate (which in my opinion is the most effective) teaches only kicks that go no higher than the waist. How is that fancy?

I enjoy this type of training also. Much different than just standing toe-to-toe pounding each other.

Depends what type of competition it is. Kyokushin comps generally dont use gloves. Also the gloves are much smaller than boxing gloves which gives you less room for bad striking technique. In a self-defence situation you use more than just your hands. And most of the time you wont find 2 guys have a fair fist fight. It just doesnt happen these days. Also Venezolano, what styles have you trained in?

Who's cares what the acting is like.. the best martial arts films of all time have the worst actors of all time.. Just watch it for the fight scenes

Syo, i hope you mean Shin and not "chin" ...

Try making a peice of equipment like described in the following : http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=11140

I think you should give it a go, even if you dont compete. I know a guy who broke his shin in competition and after alot of pain and hard work he can kick hard again.. but he will never compete. There is still a chance for you, just be careful and know your limitations.

So can the attacks and defenses of many other martial arts. But being taught and being able to use them are totally different things.

Also you are a lot more mobile from a shorter stance.

One way to get in close is to draw your opponent into you.. One way to do this is to take a few steps back, making each step smaller has you go. If your opponent follows you he will be getting closer and closer. Then just move forward and you should be in close to him.

I generally wouldnt use the pure karate stances has the are taught in kihon for my constant sparring stance.. they are really ment to be trasitional positions that you take up during sparring. To answer your questions.. with some practise, and trial and error you will find a stance that works for you, but in general feet about shoulder width apart, knees bent, hands up and chin tucked in works pretty good.

Its often hard to see them clearly because of the speed they are used at, and the counters that follow them.

I study karate.. just a couple of things i like about my training is.. everything comes back to the basics and the system can be has complete, or incomplete as the person makes it.

then you dont grade as fast as others.

Aliveness to me basically means practicing in situations that closely resemble those that would occur in real life.... and most of it involves a partner.

Or take them with you and finish them

Its also good when you dont have a partner... so you can get a bit of practise in and try new things.

Not always...

Really... what do u take from karate?? im very intersted..