Learning to kick with the ball of the foot instead of shin

[ps1]

All good advise. Something you might consider doing is breaking the kick down into its component parts; the chamber, the kick, the re-chamber, and the return to the floor. After doing it piece by piece, using a wall or chair to balance if need be, try going from chamber to kick to rechamber, and just do lots of reps. See how it feels, and related what you see out of your leg to what you are feeling when you kick. Then try to isolate that spot, makes some changes if you need to, and work the reps again. It should get fixed in no time.

I'm not sure if ps1 is describing a Muay Thai version of a shin kick as compared to a more "traditional" round kick, but it kind of sounds that way (please let me know if I'm off, ps1). If that's the case, does you shin kick only go belt level and under, or do you kick higher with it? If it is a difference in kicking height, then that could be the issue. I think its harder to do the Thai style shin kick higher, but that's from my experience, having short and stubby legs. That could be a spot to check out, too.

Sorry Brian. I just saw this. Yes, you are right. The MT roundhouse is what I'm describing. However, it doesn't change much from low line to high level. The mechanics are the same. Unlike Karate, the MT kick doesn't really need to go up and then over to the target. It can come on a diagonal from the ground up to the head. What's important to facilitate this is the angle you get to your opponent. This way their shoulders and arm won't be in the way.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks for the response here, ps1. No worries on the delay!

[sensei8]

Some great advice has been given already. I'd just want to reiterate that time in any technique will be needed to overcome and/or adjust to be effective. You'll, in time, overcome this temporary setback/frustration by being diligent with your efforts.

Learn to kick both ways and don't disregard either of them unless YOU decide!!

Hang in there...good luck!!

[Harkon72]

Yes, with the roundhouse kick that uses the instep to strike, the feet are in line but pointing in the opposite direction, pointing at 180 degrees away from each other. With the roundhouse Kick that uses the ball of the foot, the feet are in line but parallel, facing the same way. This is true of many Shotokan kicks, front kick, roundhouse kick and side kick. I hope I am making it clear, this is the way I was taught traditional Shotokan. My present style, Shukokai, uses the instep to strike and is very different.

[sensei8]

Harkon72,

Do you and/or did you find the instep to strike with difficult to learn and/or mold?

Thank you in advance.

[Harkon72]

Yes, the whole style uses a totally different body shape. The hip action is different, the timing is different and the projection of energy has a different focus too. It has been a challenging time, exiting and interesting. My Sensei has never asked me to empty the cup completely, we are learning together. I still catch him out with new kata bunkai, we see new facets to both styles, it makes our karate richer.

[bushido_man96]

Yes, with the roundhouse kick that uses the instep to strike, the feet are in line but pointing in the opposite direction, pointing at 180 degrees away from each other. With the roundhouse Kick that uses the ball of the foot, the feet are in line but parallel, facing the same way. This is true of many Shotokan kicks, front kick, roundhouse kick and side kick. I hope I am making it clear, this is the way I was taught traditional Shotokan. My present style, Shukokai, uses the instep to strike and is very different.

We differ here. I don't make this distinction when kicking with instep or ball of the foot. My base foot still rotates the same amount, close to 180 degrees as I can make it go. If I don't do this, my ball of the foot kick will not have as much power, because I won't be able to get my hips and body as engaged in the kick.

[straightblast]

When I do the shotokan round kick the mechanics are the same forKicking with instep or ball is just a matter of pointing the toes back or forward. I perfer the ball because I can really pull my toes back plus I have hurt my foot by kicking with the instep.

When I do a shin kick, I pre load my front foot by turning it left 90 degrees then swing the hip and let the leg follow, more like a MT kick.

Regards

[Nevinyrral]

I have exactly opposite problem. But for me its more like I'm used to aim with my foot, so if i want to kick with shin, I have to aim behind the lego of my opponent.