Defending the side kick/front thrust kick

[bushido_man96]

I tend to "absorb" a lot of these kicks. I can get a partial block on them, and start pushing them out of the way, but they still tend to catch me a little. It is annoying. Sometimes I don't get a block down, and just end up taking off of my elbows and into the gut. That is not bad, because the attacker usually tears his foot up on my elbows, but I despise the contact being made.

I try to side step, but still get snagged at times. Maybe need to work on my timing here.

One thing that has worked: block/hook the leg and push it off to the side, making them off balance while sliding backwards about half a stance length. Then, I follow it up with a stepping in outer crescent up to the noodle. It works, but I don't like going backwards....I would rather gain ground than give it.

Any suggestions would be great!

Also, what is your favorite counter to use against the back leg round kick? I have a couple, but would like to hear yours. I usually block and then counter, but try to just counter sometimes. How about y'all?

[MizuRyu]

For a side kick I paak (relaxed slap) it and do a turning step at the same time. Be sure to slap it 'hard' to throw them off, then take the knee. It's really a 2 part harmony, because you need to turn as you block for it to be fully effective.

For a back leg round kick, depending on the height, I'd just kick them in the hip/pelvis when you see the intention.

All of this is Wing Chun... because I see it as the most sensible way to block.

IF you're talking about tournament stuff, I can't help ya there.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks, MizuRyu. Those are great....but would not apply for my class. I guess I should have specified my situation.

When sparring in class, there is no back contact, and none below the belt. Sorry to confuse!

[alsey]

usually i try to sidestep and deflect it away with my hand while countering with a hook kick or roundhouse depending on which side i go. sometimes it works, sometimes not. sometimes i can move in with punches or go for a throw, it all depends on the exact situation the kick is thrown in. i generally prefer to stay at closer than kicking range though.

[parkerlineage]

Is the side kick thrown with the front or back leg?

In either event, a simple drag-step (front foot drags back to the rear foot, which moves as though kicked out of the way into your stance again) to the outside corner (whichever puts you at their back) usually works for me, followed by a pretty roundhouse kick or front hand jab to the back/side of the head (is that legal in your classes?).

As for a rear leg roundhouse, if you step up the circle and away from the kick (so, if you're standing in your stance, up the cricle means back foot making either side of the bottom half of a circle in which your front foot is the center), it's fairly easy to lunge in and use your hands while their foot is coming down. Of course, my favorite is to throw a spinning back kick to the chest/stomach/face, but that takes some accuracy and tricky timing, plus long legs helps.

Hope those ideas can stimulate some of your own!

[shotochem]

Also, what is your favorite counter to use against the back leg round kick? I have a couple, but would like to hear yours. I usually block and then counter, but try to just counter sometimes. How about y'all?

Best defense not be there.....

rear leg round house (right rear leg):

You have to move in quickly without hesitation or you will get hit.

Step in towards attacker right foot foward while throwing a jab to attackers face. Right hand knife hand to side of neck as you follw past attacker. (should be quite legal)

Simple but effective....my favorite defense. (illegal)

quick snap kick straight into attackers testicles.

Everything is just wide open and easily accessible. This is why I rarely throw a roundhouse higer than waist high.

[Rick_72]

I tend to "absorb" a lot of these kicks. I can get a partial block on them, and start pushing them out of the way, but they still tend to catch me a little. It is annoying. Sometimes I don't get a block down, and just end up taking off of my elbows and into the gut. That is not bad, because the attacker usually tears his foot up on my elbows, but I despise the contact being made.

I try to side step, but still get snagged at times. Maybe need to work on my timing here.

One thing that has worked: block/hook the leg and push it off to the side, making them off balance while sliding backwards about half a stance length. Then, I follow it up with a stepping in outer crescent up to the noodle. It works, but I don't like going backwards....I would rather gain ground than give it.

Any suggestions would be great!

Also, what is your favorite counter to use against the back leg round kick? I have a couple, but would like to hear yours. I usually block and then counter, but try to just counter sometimes. How about y'all?

Don't step backwards away from front kicks, your just giving your opponent time to set back up for another one. Use your side step, however, move forward at the same time (preferably towards whichever side he threw the kick from, that way your behind his leg). When your fighting a kicker you want to jam him up, take away the legs. Once your close he's going to be off balance because his kick hit nothing but air, and your inside of his legs. Go to work with your hands, and as he attempts to back away, use your kicks.

Back leg round kicks are just about the slowest techinique there is, besides spinning techiniques. You can either move out of the way, or you can step into your opponents body (this won't allow anything that hurts to land on you, maybe his thigh), and go to work on his guts with your hands.

[Jiffy]

Depends on what you are talking about. If you are talking street effective, just step on the outside of the leg and kick out the supporting leg, problem solved.

If you are talking dojo, that will depend a little more on the style...

[Zorbasan]

i beleive the defence to a front kick is "sand the floor"

seriously tho, my favourite is the cross block for front kciks, and downward tiwn palm block for side kick (dont know what its called)

but easiest would be a low block with a sidestep, and always step to the outside.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks, everyone. All good advice.