Mineuvers

[Zero18]

What is the most appropriate block and counter combination to defeat a very powerful high thai roundhouse kick with the right leg from an opponent who is much bigger than yourself?

[Apex]

Well, you can keep your distance close so that he loses the range necessary for the kick.

You can also watch him and see how he telegraphs the kick and counter with a front kick to his left thigh or torso just as he starts to throw it.

Or you can block the kick with your left and give him a right straight/cross. Or block with your left arm out/shoulder up and in/head down while throwing a left lowkick to his support leg simultaneously while you block.

[gregimotis]

Apex answered the question, but here are some other thoughts:

If you are consistently getting plugged with high kicks, you should make sure you aren't dropping your hands. It's possible you are creating an opening without realizing it. Be sure your shoulders are up as well for additional protection and your chin is tucked. These three things will take a lot of the force out of a high kick - Not to say active blocking and counter aren't appropriate, but if your cover is good then you will get hit less often and less hard.

On sparring bigger opponents: You would probably not like to hang out 'in the kitchen' too much. That's the range where he can hit you with things like high kicks and right crosses and hooks without travelling towards you first (and thus telegraphing).

I'm sure there are different opinions here, but IMHO, a smaller guy should stay at long range, charge in with a flurry of attacks and then get out again. If you try to stand and trade blows with a bigger/taller guy, you are gonna get whupped.

Actually, if it isn't hijacking the thread too much, I'd like to hear some other opinions on dealing with larger opponents...

Any one?

[Apex]

I have sparred with tall/long limbed opponents who have good jab and kick skills (longer range weapons) and getting inside usually flusters them since they are used to keeping their opponents at a longer range and are usually more comfortable with a longer distance.

Performing a counter move and then going inside usually works very well for me and as you mentioned get back out since with a good height advantage they can usually dominant in the clinch and their knees don't have to travel as far up as yours.

Now if the guy is stronger than you, then you have to hurt him a little so he hesitates. Counter his power moves. You gotta take away the confidence he has in his power and make him question yours.

[Zero18]

courtesies

Thanks for the advice I will try some of these ideas in my next few sparring bouts.