Quick newbie question...

[Bjjexpertise@be]

I was going at it at the punching bag a few days ago when this question came to mind. The way a roundhouse is delivered, should you lead with your waist (twisting motion) then follow with the leg? In other words kind of whip the leg out. Am I doing this correct?

[Rasta]

Hey Bjj

I've only been doing MT for a few months now, but it sounds like you're doing the kick correctly.

The points of performance my instructor passes on to us on the right roundhouse kick are:
1. Step w/ the left foot at a 45 degree angle
2. Rotate your hips
3. Strike w/ the shin of your right leg, and w/ that leg bent (a whip-like motion)
4. Pivot on the ball of your left foot
5. Kick through the target - don't just kick to strike the surface.

Rinse, repeat.

This doesn't include any of the points of defense, which include:
1. Keep your chin down
2. Put your left forearm pretty much across your forhead
3. Cover the right side of your head w/ your right shoulder (hunch it up)

Hope that helps, and anyone else please let me know if I'm missing anything.

Peace

[Bjjexpertise@be]

Thanks that helps. So far I've been trying to keep my leg loose(the one that's gunna be hitting) but when I start to whip it out my leg bends. Am I supposed to let it bend or am I being to loose?

[Rasta]

It sounds like you're doing it right. I think you want the leg that's striking to be bent. That should allow you to have a lot more power in the kick, and help facilitate the "kicking through" motion.

Keep it up.

[HtTKar]

If you lead with your waist, and bring the leg through, your opponent may just step forward and be inside of your kick. Leading like this will telegraph your intentions. We're taught a little differently, though I'm sure there are many ways to be effective.

facing the opponent with knees slightly bent, we would bring forward our right leg slightly bent. This allows you to do many kicks, or change. And it doesnt telegraph as much. then turn your left foot 45 degrees, and bring your right knee inwards a little bit. Pivot on your left foot while whipping your right leg out. It takes a lot of practice and is made easier by using a sparring partner. This all has to be done really fast, a sparring partner willing to get inside will make sure that your doing it right.

But just because I was taught this way doesnt mean its the best way. It just works for me.

[chalambok]

The three parts of a round kick, in descending order of importance:
1) pivot on the ball of your foot
2) swing your arm past your hip as you kick
3) keep the leg straight

The bent-leg kick is a defensive kick (although it works quite well offensively sometimes) and should be learned after the straight-leg roundhouse. It works so well as a defensive kick that many students want to learn it first, and end up hurting their instep on the opponent's block when he does not come in. Remember, you usually aim your kick only the last 16" or so, and it is easier to then bend the knee than it is to straighten it.

Also, the reason you should not step in until you learn to pivot correctly, is that a good opponent will cut you the second time you do this. And the third, and the fourth...ad nauseum. Which explains why so many people who step in throw the bent-leg kick; they are too close.

I have been talking mostly about training and working the pads or bag. In a fight, of course, everything is subject to change, explaining why a good corner man is a necessity.

[HtTKar]

Which explains why so many people who step in throw the bent-leg kick; they are too close

Good point.