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To kick or not to Kick????


Kicking is an integral part of training in many martial arts. It is a wonderful form of exercise too. Strengthening the foundation, improving balance, increasing leg strength, improving body movement, are just some of the many benefits we gain from kicking. 

Kicking regularly improves ones dexterity. It helps one move better, which can play a great boost to your punching and striking abilities. No wonder that even martial arts like boxing that have no kicks give lots of importance to skipping, as it helps the boxer move smoothly.

In competitions it can be a powerful tool too. The more we train the more effective our kicking skills can get. It can make a huge difference if one has a good collection of kicks, especially to get points in a competition, since many martial arts give higher points for a kick to the head etc. 

However if kicks are something useful in a real life situation is a debatable subject. Kicking anywhere above the belt in a real life situation on the street can be pretty dicey. Even if our kicking skills, timing, power etc are on point, it is risky and may be responsible for you going to the ground. A good kick to the knee or thigh is very effective in a street fight. Ideally one should not be going around picking up fights, irrespective of how tough or well trained one is. Always try to apologize and deescalate the situation but if things are going sideways then a fast, well timed kick to the knee or thigh can immobilize the attacker and may stop him from chasing or following you. Yes kicks look flashy and very nice to look at in movies. But there is a great difference from movies to reality. Though a powerful weapon it is best not to kick above the waist. Knee kicks are also useful in street fights if executed properly. Pulling the attacker in and striking with the knee to the torso can also help in dissuading the attacker to continue. 

Irrespective of whether one is training for competition or a real life self defense situation, everyone should train to kick because of the numerous benefits it brings in the overall development of a martial artist. To use it or not when your life depends on it, is still questionable. 

Train like a warrior to be a warrior!!!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Very well articulated 👍
February 12, 2025 at 1:36 AM
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