Basic Kicks For MMA Fighters

Like the punch, the kick is also an essential arsenal for any pro MMA fighter. Let's go back in time on how a properly executed kick can make a big difference in a match.

In 2008, Seth Petruzelli managed to knock legendary street fight icon Kimbo Slice by using a kick to set up a knock out punch. Petruzelli used a well timed front kick against the advancing Kimbo. The kick stunned Kimbo and Petruzelli wasted no chance to follow up with a haymaker that knocked Kimbo to the ground.

That is just one example on how devastating a kick can be in a match.

The vast disciplines of martial arts offer many different forms of kicks. The

technique that Petruzelli used is just one of them. All martial arts basically recognize these types of basic kicks:

- The front kick:

This is one of the very basic kicks in martial arts. It is a very simple technique to execute. To execute this technique, raise your knee and direct it to your target. Quickly snap your leg forward and hit your target with your toe. Once you hit the target, quickly pull your leg to resume your fighting stance. The main target for this technique is usually the solar plexus or the center area of the chest. Despite its simplicity, this technique can be lethal if you are able to follow it up with a strong punch or a stronger kick. The example we talk about in the early paragraphs of this article is the proof of the efficiency of the kick.

- The side kick:

This type of kick is commonly taught in Tae Kwon Do and Karate. To execute this technique, you must first turn your body sideways and then lift your knee. Afterwards, kick to your side by using your heel as the contact area. Your kicking foot must be parallel to the floor. The main target area of this technique is usually the midsection. Advanced martial artists also like to use this move to hit their opponents' heads.

- The crescent kick:

If you use a right-handed fighting stance, you initiate this type of kick by lifting your left knee. Afterwards, execute a kick using your foot in a circular, clockwise motion. To apply this technique using your right foot, then kick in a counterclockwise manner.

These are the basic kicks that you must master before learning more advanced kicking moves.

More advanced kicking techniques include the roundhouse kick and the flying kick. Most of them are not very effective in the MMA cage despite of their fancy looks. This does not mean that you do not need to learn them to become a pro MMA fighter. At times, mastering advanced kicks can also contribute significantly to your flexibility and agility.

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