Your thoughts on Side Kicks?

LoneWolf237 · 10-31-2009, 01:20 PM

I personally think Side Kicks are one of the most underrated and most devastating attacks in any martial arts. The problem is that they are too hard to pull off and way too awkward making it a hassle more of a weapon sometimes.

You see it alot in San Shou. (Cung Le used it very effectively against Frank Shamrock, and Sakmongkol does it sometimes, but he jumps foward while doing it)

I was practicing my teeps one day when I thought, "Hey, what if I rotate my knee clockwise during teeps to make kind of like a teep and side kick mixed together"

It seemed much better, gave alot more "push" but took a bit longer to pull off (you want teeps to be fast because they are used to push oppenents away before they make contact).

Side Kicks are great when you are in a sideways stance but otherwise they are too awkward to pull off in my opinion, you can set up for it though.

pimpstrocity · 10-31-2009, 02:12 PM

I think one of the biggest problems with side kicks isn't the kick itself its that most people dont practice them. I've seen a few guys that put a lot of work in them and they are devestating to the ribs and stomach. They can be done extremely fast, you just have to put in the work, and most people, myself included, dont.

ElektraAssassin · 10-31-2009, 02:18 PM

Sidekicks?

PalatialGabe · 10-31-2009, 03:11 PM

I thought you meant the T-Mobile phone.

But yeah, that could probably work.

lord_kader · 10-31-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

I was practicing my teeps one day when I thought, "Hey, what if I rotate my knee clockwise during teeps to make kind of like a teep and side kick mixed together"

It seemed much better, gave alot more "push" but took a bit longer to pull off (you want teeps to be fast because they are used to push oppenents away before they make contact).

im glad to see you found something that works for you, however, thats not how you use a side kick. a side kick is supposed to be an impact strike not a pushing strike. you are supposed pull your leg in close to you and then snap it out instead of just putting your foot on your opponent sideways and pushing

tbucks · 10-31-2009, 03:54 PM

i think they work well if your partner/opponent is coming after you and your using it as more of a defensive kick. It's hard to generate a lot of force if your going after someone with it because your back foot really needs to be planted for it to hit hard.

KBE6EKCTAH_CCP · 10-31-2009, 04:28 PM

I think they can be very powerful, but in my experience they are hard to land.

I did some kick boxing, muy thai and TKD and we never used them.

I have a strong sidekick (which I never land significantly in sparring) that I developed in kung fu when I was at the age in which one thinks kung fu is effective, i.e. no later than 14 years old.

I agree it's an underrated kick, but not without reason.

LoneWolf237 · 10-31-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lord_kader

im glad to see you found something that works for you, however, thats not how you use a side kick. a side kick is supposed to be an impact strike not a pushing strike. you are supposed pull your leg in close to you and then snap it out instead of just putting your foot on your opponent sideways and pushing

Doesnt matter, fighters still use Side Kicks to push their opponents away all the time
your not gonna get any power off a front legged side kick anyways

LoneWolf237 · 10-31-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBE6EKCTAH_CCP

I think they can be very powerful, but in my experience they are hard to land.

I did some kick boxing, muy thai and TKD and we never used them.

I have a strong sidekick (which I never land significantly in sparring) that I developed in kung fu when I was at the age in which one thinks kung fu is effective, i.e. no later than 14 years old.

I agree it's an underrated kick, but not without reason.

they are hard to land and it is very awkward...

you have to shift to a sideways position before throwing it, making it a hassle...

i like sparring in sideway stance... you get to hide your rear hand behind you so your opponent cant tell if you are going to hit low/high/or middle range and you get to keep him away with your front hand..also its MUCH easier to throw a side kick when you are already in a sideway stance..

i would never fight in the sideway stance though, it just makes for some fun sparring.

LoneWolf237 · 10-31-2009, 04:39 PM

Another thing about the side kick.
It doesnt feel natural...
I dont care how good the move is said to be or how many pros use it, imo youre always better off going with what feels natural...otherwise youre doing too much work to land a strike and not worth it.