Which kick do you rely on defensively

[The Saint]

I use the side kick, it works well and jams people up. It works great for creating openings.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

I use the side kick, it works well and jams people up. It works great for creating openings.

 

If the side kick is working well for you, keep using it. I've found however, that the side kick can leave you much more open to a counter because when it is swept to the side (pretty easy to do actually) you end up with your back to your opponent and off balance. With the front snap kick you are much more stable and less likely (but not always) to be in such a situation.

[Martial Boy]

It really depends on your opponet but side kick in the guts is enough to make them feel kinda hurt.

[The Saint]

If the side kick is swept to the side, a back kick is quick to follow. I can relate to this but defensively usually refers to someone rushing in. Kinda hard to sweep something away when rushing in to attack. A front snap kick would work well too.

[Shorinryu Sensei]

If the side kick is swept to the side, a back kick is quick to follow. I can relate to this but defensively usually refers to someone rushing in. Kinda hard to sweep something away when rushing in to attack. A front snap kick would work well too.

 

Actually, not if it's done properly and fast. The side-kicker will generally fall down on his back because he is "spun" by the block and since he's on one foot, will fall to the side, landing on his back. I've done this many times while sparring. If you, the side-kicker, knows it's coming, you can compensate for it...but not if you have surprise on your side.

 

Ask another student/instructor to throw a hard side kick at you. As he does, step back 1/2 a step and use both hands, fingers extended and reach behind the heel and slap the kick to the side quickly. it will cause the kicker to lose balance and fall backwards. It's easier to show than to explain....and be careful not to try to use your fingers to stop the kick...makes for broken fingers real easily!

[Red J]

front kick

[Martial Boy]

My front kick is loaded with atoumatic. My side kick will make my opopnet think more wisely.

[The Saint]

My front kick is loaded with atoumatic. My side kick will make my opopnet think more wisely.

 

I agree.

[aefibird]

I'd pick front kick, especially to somewhere painful like the groin!

 

Kicking to the knees and shins is also effective too..

 

[benkendrick]

I'm a front leg front kick man myself. It works really well for me because I usually fight from a southpaw stance to begin with. Though I learned a kick in TSD that is great for getting your opponents attention. It's called Peek(sp?) Chagi. It's basically a cross between a front kick and an inside crescent. Works almost all the time cause they usually don't see it coming - but kills the knees if your not flexible...