Side kicks and supporting legs

[DWx]

The leg should not be locked, but slightly bent. Not severly bent, but along the same lines of the degree of a lock you do on most punches, kicks, etc. Nothing should completely lock; this is too hard on the joints. But, nothing should be bent so severly that it should be very noticible.

Actually I think this is a better description of what I do and a good explanation too I was thinking locked as in an extended and straight leg and bent as being the complete opposite with a noticeable bend.

Slight bend in the leg also helps make balancing easier.

Personally I say locked out so you can drive the kick with the base leg. Bent and soft means you can be driven backwards if your kick isn't strong enough.

If?!? Penetration is important especially with a bent supporting leg. However, you're, imho, right on the money when you say your kick MUST be strong. That comes with knowledge and knowledge comes with experience. I can drive my kicks with the base leg slightly bent supporting leg not because I'm of a big stature, no, but, because of my knowledge/experience.

Again, solid post DWx...solid post!

You're right in that experience comes into it. Once you get the mechanics down you can relax the rules and still have a good kick. Having said that, I usually tell beginners and peoples learning the kick to have a straight leg to develop good form first because they don't have that knowledge and experience to still generate power. Perfect form (for us) dictates that the leg be straighter to drive through so that's what I usually say and what you see in forms and line work. But in sparring you do tend to see a bent leg more in the experienced students because they can still get the power through.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks, Danielle.

[bushido_man96]

The leg should not be locked, but slightly bent. Not severly bent, but along the same lines of the degree of a lock you do on most punches, kicks, etc. Nothing should completely lock; this is too hard on the joints. But, nothing should be bent so severly that it should be very noticible.

Well said. This is a very good explaination.

I've been taught that it is slightly bent with your toes trying to grip the ground. I've tried this with even shoes on and I feel more stable. That is my two cents worth.

Toes gripping the ground...YES!!

Thanks, and kudos to Dobie for adding that good info, too. I don't grip the ground often with my feet, but its mainly because I don't think about it. I have experimented with it, and do think it is a good tidbit to use.