Side Kick question

[marie curie]

Ok, so in my original style I learned that a side kick starts facing forward, the leg is chambered like for a front snap kick, you pivot on your non-kicking leg so that "forward" is now the side that you are kicking, and your foot (on the ground) is rotated 90 degrees. (then of course the extention)

Well, in TKD, I learned that when doing this the supporting foot is turned 180 degrees- so it is facing the opposite direction.

Now that I'm in Kajukenbo, my instructor is teaching the TKD version. I'm not as stable when doing this (and I can't get the same power)- not for lack of practice (I did TKD for a little bit, and had to learn it). Looking on the forum for that style and through all the info I can find- there is no set Kajukenbo side kick. But, alas, my instructor started out in TKD, and so I'm stuck doing it in practice. Of course, in Kaju, you use what works for you when you are actually fighting, but I wish that I could not waste my time practicing something that just doesn't work that well for me.

Anyway, does anyone have any opinon on these kicks? Should one be used in some cercumstances and the other in others?

Thanks for your time!

[glockmeister]

Well, I really like the side kick, However, if I am using kicks to keep distance, I would prefer to use a frint push kick or Teep. I would rather to a defensive side kick for threat that is, well coming in on either side. I trained in TSD for awhile and with side kicks, we had to do them with like you said turning your supporting foot 180 degrees and kind of chambering the kicking leg and then executing the kick. We also did the spinning back side kick which is effective when it's landed, but if not, is a real waste of energy.

What part of Pa you from BTW?

[younwhadoug]

in our system of tkd the sidekick is executed with the pivoting foot turned 110 degrees almost perpendicular to the target head and body are erect aas possible not leaning away from the target. for me it is very useful as i am a small guy aboout 150 5'8'. i can jab it out there twice in the time you throw a roundhouse. i use it to keep distance and also back kicks which are close to the same. the two are my most used. i would put my trust in it to keep an attacker at a distance.

[Orion]

This is my favourite kick. In our style we twist our foot 180 degrees, it is very unstable until you gain your balance. But the twist of the foot enables the hips to provide some extra power (i think).

[Sohan]

It does take a certain degree of balance to pull off the kick successfully the way you describe. I would try some superslow rep kicks without putting the leg down to develop balance.

Normally I use a side kick in combination with hand techniques. I rarely throw it "cold" because it can be easy to evade or grab. But it is wonderful to use as someone comes in to counter my hands--the look of surprise they get when my foot meets their solar plexus is priceless.

With respect,

Sohan

[lordtariel]

I would try some superslow rep kicks without putting the leg down to develop balance.

We had a guest sensei that came down not to long ago and had us do the same thing. After even just a little bit of practice my kick is gaining speed and power.

[cathal]

For us we chamber the hands and leg to prepare. Then point our knee toward the intended target. As we extend, and only during the extension of the snap do we move the supporting foot slightly. This allows us to change direction before striking, in case the attacker changes position, or repositions so we have to aim higher/lower.

[aefibird]

Keep practising just chambering your leg to the correct position without actually kicking. Practice slowly but with lots of reps and it will help you with balance and help you to adjust to turning your supporting foot so much.

Also, practice holding the kick out for periods at a time. Kick slowly, hold out for 5-10 seconds and then return your kicking leg slowly to the ground. Keep repeating, and see if you can build up your time holding out the kick. Work on correct footshape and body posture (turn of the hips, head facing towards target, correct shoulder positioning and the like) during the extension period.

Another good exercise to practice is to get a couple of chair and balance a pole (a bo, a sweeping brush etc) on top of them, making like a 'bridge' with the pole. Stand parallel to the pole and practice bringing your leg up into the correct chamber position then slide the length of your leg down the pole. Hold out briefly and return to starting position. Try not to knock or move the pole at all. This can also be a good partner exercise.

[marie curie]

Thanks for all the responses!!!

As for the practicing- this 180 degree kick is really hard on the knees and I have knee problems right now (going to have good mri fun friday) and they probably wont go away anytime in the next couple months.

Its not that I can't execute the kick- I've been doing it in class, plus when I was in tkd, and it is strong and it is actually pretty fast. My only problem is that it isnt as strong or as fast as the other side kick. Also, it seems to open your back up a bit more to attack if the kick is defended. It's harder to balance forward to rear, and espcecially if anyone (a second fighter) throws anything from either side- since your foot is at 180 to the force instead of 90.

My question is, Are there any advantages to this 180 kick as opposed to the 90?

[ninjanurse]

As with any technique it takes a lifetime to master.