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The best kick for self defense


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The topic of using kicks in self-defense is a hotly ongoing debate in the Martial Arts community. Should you, or shouldn't you kick? Should you kick high? What target?

In light of this debate, I thought I would offer what I feel is the best kick to be used in self defense, and why.

I think the best kick to use in self defense is the low round kick, preferably with the shin. By low, I mean below the waist, on the common peronial (the nerve on the outside of the upper leg). Here are my reasons why:

1. It is quick, and I feel easier to target than a front or side kick to the low section of the body. You can throw it, and then turn your body after you hit, loading your body weight into it. It does not require very much chamber action, and won't telegraph as much as the other kicks, IMO.

2. The shin is a very sharp and damaging striking tool. This kick will most likely drop anyone who is not a Thai boxer.

3. By not striking the knee, but hitting the nerve, you can temporarily debilitate your opponent, and not bring excessive repercussions on yourself from lawsuits that would ensue from breaking the opponents knee.

These are just my two cents worth. I don't claim to be right, but I feel very strongly about the effectiveness of this kick. An instructor of mine was demonstrating it one time, and I was holding a kicking shield over my leg when he did it. I could still feel the thrum through the shield, and I still buckled.

A note about the common peronial strike. If you strike hard enough, you will elicit what is called a sympathetic nerve response, in which the other leg will buckle as the leg that strikes does.

What do you guys think? I am looking forward to your ideas, points, and comments.

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I agree with you partially. There is also a place in the inside of the lower leg 3 finger widths up from the ankle joint.The point is know as splen 6 is can be struck or rubbed.When rubbed it causes a numbing sensation followed by extreme pain.When it's struck it causes the ankle to roll and there's no real way to brace for it.If struck hard enough and at the right angle the roll will be so violent the ankle will break.But most likely the ankle will roll causing your attacker to fall and have a sprained ankle.

I prefer to kick low you generate more power in a low kick,most times you attacker won't see it coming,and it doesn't disrupt your balance as much.

These are my thoughts but I agree with you as well.

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That is a good one, too. I had never heard of that spot. However, you would have to be awfully close to hit that target, wouldn't you? Like maybe in a clinch or something?

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Low front kick works.Easiest to right when kicking cross body ex:left to right.One can use the point of the toe also just like taking a fast step toward them.

Cool.

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Um, me personally I would kick if It were self defense...Just because I love to kick and Im good at it. My hands are decent but, Im comfortable kicking. So, if you are good at kicking than kick....if not than dont kick. But, its self defense for christ sake so do what you gotta do to protect yourself :) (The low shin kick is good too!!!)

A wise man once said..."Courage is not the abstinence of fear. It is what is done when the emotion of fear is present....That is courage my friend" -Jordan Galendiez

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If it's self defense, groin kick, or to the knee.

"What we do in life, echoes in eternity."


"We must all fear evil men. But there is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men."

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If it's self defense, groin kick, or to the knee.

The problem that I have with kicking the knee is that, although it is a good target, is the possibility of a lawsuit being thrown your way.

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I think that a low maswashi-geri (or Ashi-beri) to the lower part of the leg (so that it hits the side of the leg) would be effective, as there are about 8 different pressure points there, and with a good, powerful kick would be good...

Anyone agree? :D

To know the road ahead; ask those coming back... ~ Chinese Proverb



" The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants. " ~ Master Funakoshi

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I think that a low maswashi-geri (or Ashi-beri) to the lower part of the leg (so that it hits the side of the leg) would be effective, as there are about 8 different pressure points there, and with a good, powerful kick would be good...

Anyone agree? :D

You are going to need to translate that for me, as my Japanese is a little, well, non-existent. :)

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