How do you chamber a side kick?

[CB Jones]

I too change side, usually based on what the opponent is doing. A lead leg faint is a good tactic. We often practice a double kick where the first kick is essentially a feint or setup for the second kick. A lead leg side kick is the best way to stop a hard charge with a kick, IMHO. It can be powerful enough to put someone on their backside if timed right. The body should also be centered enough during/after the kick to follow up quickly with another technique. There are probably as many variations of a lead leg kick as rear leg. It is definitely a practice/repetition thing.

Its a thing of beauty when you see a sidekick to the chest lay someone flat.

 

[skribs]

I don't have one to teach. I've started working on one, but I'm not very good with it - not even good enough to understand where it would fit into my curriculum and tactics. If I ever get it serviceable, I'll likely add it to my curriculum.

I'm actually hoping I might get some help from the Karate folks at the new dojo I'll be teaching at.

The front leg side kick works a lot like how you use the front snap kick - it's good for blocking an opponent's momentum. There's also the step-behind side kick which is pretty good for closing distance.

Front leg kicks are used a lot in Taekwondo, although a big reason for that is that we're tagging for points. There are subtle ways you can improve the power of them (most of those start with a motion from the rear leg). A rear kick will be stronger, but the front kick is faster and more likely to hit the target.

 

[CB Jones]

Front leg kicks are used a lot in Taekwondo, although a big reason for that is that we're tagging for points.

The front leg generates a lot of power as well. I've seen an arm broken by one and we had a competitor this last weekend have her ribs broken with one.

 

[dvcochran]

The front leg generates a lot of power as well. I've seen an arm broken by one and we had a competitor this last weekend have her ribs broken with one.

I had 3 TKO's in the state and nationals tourneys from a front leg side kick to the body, and they were wearing a hogu. One had broken ribs. One was a dislocated shoulder. If you have good power, it is all about the timing.

 

[Gerry Seymour]

I had 3 TKO's in the state and nationals tourneys from a front leg side kick to the body, and they were wearing a hogu. One had broken ribs. One was a dislocated shoulder. If you have good power, it is all about the timing.

Ow.

That is all.

 

[Balrog]

Do you chamber your side kick by bringing your foot up or knee up?

• Foot up: bring your foot up and keep it next to your leg, with your heel right next to your knee or thigh.
• Knee up: bring your knee up to your chest, so your heel is in front of your hips.

I tend to chamber foot up, but I've seen people chamber knee up. I chamber foot up because it keeps everything along a single axis. Which do you do, and why do you do it that way instead of the other?

Knee up. Much stronger kick.

We have a drill that we do called fire hydrant sidekicks. Go down on all fours. Chamber your right leg for the sidekick. If it's done correctly, you'll look like a dog on a fire hydrant. Extend the kick, then rechamber back to the start position, then set the leg down. 50 on each side is a great workout.

Here's a great video emphasizing the entire process.

 

[dvcochran]

Knee up. Much stronger kick.

We have a drill that we do called fire hydrant sidekicks. Go down on all fours. Chamber your right leg for the sidekick. If it's done correctly, you'll look like a dog on a fire hydrant. Extend the kick, then rechamber back to the start position, then set the leg down. 50 on each side is a great workout.

Here's a great video emphasizing the entire process.

Hmm, the Martial Art Burpee!

 

[Earl Weiss]

Joe Lewis luv'd to grab the sleeve (That is why he kept his short) to keep people from getting away and do the lead leg kick.