The purpose of kicks in....

[DWx]

second most common seems to be the front push kick. I should mention I don't know how to effectively utilize the technique. I know it's used to gain some distance, but other than using it to clock an over-agressive opponent as they charge back into range I'm not sure what you can do with it.

Not sure if it's applicable to your ruleset but there's a few things that I use it for in TKD. The first like you said is to check someone charging in. Though because we spar side on IMO a front leg side kick is a better option or if you time it right a switch back kick.

The second use I'd say is purely as a set up for the roundhouse or possibly flying in with the hands. It's riskier as you have to be quick if bringing it off the back leg. As the hips come square you run the risk of eating a side kick or back kick straight to the gut. But the idea is to land the push kick just above the hips so the opponent stumbles back or at the very least puts their weight on the back foot. Then you slam in the back leg roundhouse.

Third use is probably restricted to situations where the ring isn't enclosed and you get penalised for stepping out. Simply stick it on the end of a combo to push them out the ring.

[Spartacus Maximus]

I like the way this discussion is going. So far there has been input from karate and taekwondo and JKD and Thai boxing. I am still hoping for somebody to share something from lesser known systems.

It also seems that many responsibilities responded from within a sporting competition context bound by a given at of rules. This is very interesting as it is different from what I am learning. As all martial arts systems were not originally intended for sport but for self protection, I would like to stay within that context.

[guird]

Not sure if it's applicable to your ruleset but there's a few things that I use it for in TKD. The first like you said is to check someone charging in. Though because we spar side on IMO a front leg side kick is a better option or if you time it right a switch back kick.

The second use I'd say is purely as a set up for the roundhouse or possibly flying in with the hands. It's riskier as you have to be quick if bringing it off the back leg. As the hips come square you run the risk of eating a side kick or back kick straight to the gut. But the idea is to land the push kick just above the hips so the opponent stumbles back or at the very least puts their weight on the back foot. Then you slam in the back leg roundhouse.

Third use is probably restricted to situations where the ring isn't enclosed and you get penalised for stepping out. Simply stick it on the end of a combo to push them out the ring.

Thanks! I guess in a square ring it can also be used to push an opponent into a corner?

[hammer]

This has nothing to do with any style but is more of a personal opinion on what would work for me.

I believe the main kicks I'd use in a self-defense situation would be low ones like foot stomps, knee kicks, and snap or back kicks to the groin. Any kicks above the waist would be best used at greater distances where I'd rather run away in self-defense then exchange blows...