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As of today, I weigh 75 kg (165 lbs), I can do 30 controlled pushups, and I can kick the crap out of tigger :D(stuffed animal) at 4,75 feet height.
The kicking height has already improved significantly, and I am slowly getting more flexible in the inner thigh area. I remember from earlier days that the key to good leg flexibility is doing short daily execercises to train the muscles that you normally don't use.
I should really find a good place to hang my thai bag. :thinking:
I could never kick high.. After 4 years of my Sifu trying to increase my flexibilty, I'm convinced it's not going to happen. Even tried Yoga, hoping for something.. I think my tendons/ligaments are made of cement.. Good think I like the forms that require less kicking, and more fast striking anyway :)
Low kicks are a lot harder to block too. I was trained that high kicks are good for show but thats about it. Although, a good crescent kick can surprise someone.Win chun is a good system that uses a lot of low kicks. I never trained in that though, except from books.
My sensei used to say 'when you are both standing up, you don't strike at the knee with your fist. So why should you kick to the head?'.
But it's one more weapon in your arsenal if you can do it.
Also, the flexibility is of great value in other areas. I have won many submission wrestling fights because I could use my legs almost like a second pair of arms.
Yes, but kicking high does make you more vulnerable against someone that knows what they are doing.I used to get caught by my instructors all the time when I would try and throw a jump spinning crescent kick. They would wait for me to turn and then hit me.If you are fighting an inexperienced fighter then showy kicks are more apt to work.
I've been researching info to start a Krav Maga course . I like it because it's a no nonsense fighting style, based on nothing but the bare necessities. No points for style or flamboyant moves... avoid the attack, strike back, and get the hell out.
IMHO, there are two places that are effective enough as a target for kicks, but still attainable without opening yourself up to unnecessary risk:
*Please note that these are for a real fight. They don't really apply in sparring or competition, as the effects would be be appreciated by your opponent.
1) Groin - A straight or inside crescent to the groin is devastating. It's central enough on the body to be difficult to avoid or block, and it's a low enough target for the strike to be extremely quick. The effects are obvious enough against a man, and landing the same kick into the pelvis of a woman has a fairly devastating result.
2) Knee - This strike is more avoidable than a groin strike, but it is lower still, and thus should be an even quicker attack. The knee is a very vulnerable point of attack, and landing a powerful blow will turn the course of a fight.
There are other places to land kicks that will work, but they are not nearly as effective, and there is usually a more worthwhile alternative.
Just my $.02 :)
[Bas Rutten]“Everybody Underestimates The Kick In The Groin” [/Bas Rutten]
YouTube - Bas Rutten Street Defense - The Better Version
Bas Rutten is da Man!
I've been a fan of him since 1997. My sensei once had him over for a visit. He filled the doorway :D
I once trained in the same Muay Thai gym (during the summer, when my dojo was closed) as his then-sparring partner: Leon van Dijk.
Bas was nr one in the world ranking. Leon was no 4.
We were doing an excercise where someone held a cushion, and then the other one had to kick it.
Leon was working out with a guy that must've weighed 100 kilo.
When he side kicked, the other guy was lifted an inch from the floor. :eek:
I was fairly positive that he would have been able to break my ribs + spine with one sidekick.
And Bas kicks even harder...
YouTube - Fight Science MMA - Bas Rutten Kicks a Crash Test Dummy
Bas' big advantage is that apart from being the worlds best free fighter, he has good looks, charisma and a sense of humor, so he has become an mma celeb.