thai kick

[ironchef]

hi burton,

i know you do the cover and then crash or attack if he throws a punch. what if you know that your opponent is a great leg kicker? you know he is going to try to blast your legs first. even if you attack first, he is going for a thai kick your legs out. you don't want to go shin to shin with his kicks, how would you defend against it.

thanks,
ironchef

[Burton]

Good question. If you are in a sparring or challenge situation where you are squared off and you know the opponent is a great kicker, I suggest that you employ a few tactics. First, a foot jab at the thigh before he kicks is always a good idea. If you are not throwing groin kicks, you can throw your own leg kick or enter. If you believe that his kickboxing is much better than yours, you should stop kick and enter asap, with a blast, straight to clinch, double leg, etc. Take it to the ground where you may have the advantage, depending on your training.
Basically, if you are worried about his leg kicks, get out of kicking range and stay out by moving in or away.
Very important also to keep the barrage of attacks coming without stopping so that the opponent never has a chance to set up for anything. Attack first, and don't stop until you have won.
Remember also that there are many ways to handle leg kicks, but the best thing to do is to practice diligently against the leg kicks so they become less of a threat.