body turned slightly sideways.
6. Stretch your kicking leg into the target and lean your body forward as you push the bag.
FLYING SIDE KICK
purpose
Flying side kick is used to strike a runaway or charging opponent. The dynamic appearance of flying side kick makes it popular for demonstrations as well. The ultimate goal of practicing this kick is to attain maximum jumping distance and height. It requires muscular strength and coordination to achieve complete synchronization of the body while in the air.
key points
The main force of flying side kick comes from momentum and the extension of the leg on impact. When you jump, make your body compact and thrust your leg at the target just prior to impact.
striking area
Blade, ball, bottom of the foot, heel
targets
1. head
2. neck
3. chest
4. solar plexus
how to
1. From fighting stance, size up the distance and height of the target.
2. Step forward and take as many steps as you need to pace yourself.
3. At the point of jumping, pivot your body 180° and elevate your torso as high as you can, while raising your kicking knee to chest level.
4. Just before reaching the peak of the jump, bring both knees close to your body and let your compact body “fly” toward the target.
5. At the peak, snap your primary foot out in a side kick. Keep your other leg tucked in close to your buttocks to augment the flying momentum.
Upward flying side kick is more advanced than conventional side kick and requires outstanding flexibility and strength of the leg muscles. The torso leans back more than horizontal flying side kick to allow the kicking leg to strike upward.
applications
Flying side kick is powerful because it delivers the weight of the entire body, which is propelled by the momentum of running and jumping. When used with control and coordination, it can knock an opponent to the ground. Flying side kick requires a long approach, so it is more commonly used for demonstrations and board breaking than in practical applications.
A short flying side kick against a lunging opponent can take his breath away and establish dominance.
Flying side kick is an excellent technique for demonstrations and board breaking. Practice in front of mirror to create a proper form and with a light target (such as a handheld target) to develop accuracy.
* When executing a flying side kick without a firm target to strike, for example in a demonstration, jump, extend your leg and hold it in the air rather than kicking to full extension. Putting too much power in a flying side kick without a proper target to absorb the impact can result in joint injuries.
PERFECTING YOUR FORM
• Build strong muscles in the legs through squats, lunges and jumping drills.
• Strengthen the stomach muscles with sit-ups and crunches.
• Jump rope or run in sand to strengthen your knees and ankles.
• Practice running rhythmically and jumping after a consistent number of steps.
• Align your body in a triangular shape (head, kicking foot and supporting knee as shown below) at the peak of your jump.
common mistakes
The most common mistake occurs in jumping—either in lowering the torso to the side or rushing the sequence of movements. To correct this, follow a natural sequence: run to pick up momentum, lift your rear knee forward as high as you can, pivot your torso using the momentum of the rising knee, stretch the kicking leg toward the target while bringing up the supporting leg up. Begin from a low jump and build up in height. Be sure to build your leg strength sufficiently before attempting this kick.
• remember
1. Elevate your torso first.
2. Raise your kicking knee high.
3. Pivot your body to the side and align your torso and legs on one plane.
4. Make your body compact while in the air and unfold it when kicking.
• avoid
1. Jumping too far or too high
2. Dropping your non-kicking leg
3. Rushing your jump or kick
4. Kicking with too much power
5. Lowering your torso to the side or rear
6. Opening your arms
6. Stretch your kicking leg into the target and lean your body forward as you push the bag.
FLYING SIDE KICK
purpose
Flying side kick is used to strike a runaway or charging opponent. The dynamic appearance of flying side kick makes it popular for demonstrations as well. The ultimate goal of practicing this kick is to attain maximum jumping distance and height. It requires muscular strength and coordination to achieve complete synchronization of the body while in the air.
key points
The main force of flying side kick comes from momentum and the extension of the leg on impact. When you jump, make your body compact and thrust your leg at the target just prior to impact.
striking area
Blade, ball, bottom of the foot, heel
targets
1. head
2. neck
3. chest
4. solar plexus
how to
1. From fighting stance, size up the distance and height of the target.
2. Step forward and take as many steps as you need to pace yourself.
3. At the point of jumping, pivot your body 180° and elevate your torso as high as you can, while raising your kicking knee to chest level.
4. Just before reaching the peak of the jump, bring both knees close to your body and let your compact body “fly” toward the target.
5. At the peak, snap your primary foot out in a side kick. Keep your other leg tucked in close to your buttocks to augment the flying momentum.
Upward flying side kick is more advanced than conventional side kick and requires outstanding flexibility and strength of the leg muscles. The torso leans back more than horizontal flying side kick to allow the kicking leg to strike upward.
applications
Flying side kick is powerful because it delivers the weight of the entire body, which is propelled by the momentum of running and jumping. When used with control and coordination, it can knock an opponent to the ground. Flying side kick requires a long approach, so it is more commonly used for demonstrations and board breaking than in practical applications.
A short flying side kick against a lunging opponent can take his breath away and establish dominance.
Flying side kick is an excellent technique for demonstrations and board breaking. Practice in front of mirror to create a proper form and with a light target (such as a handheld target) to develop accuracy.
* When executing a flying side kick without a firm target to strike, for example in a demonstration, jump, extend your leg and hold it in the air rather than kicking to full extension. Putting too much power in a flying side kick without a proper target to absorb the impact can result in joint injuries.
PERFECTING YOUR FORM
• Build strong muscles in the legs through squats, lunges and jumping drills.
• Strengthen the stomach muscles with sit-ups and crunches.
• Jump rope or run in sand to strengthen your knees and ankles.
• Practice running rhythmically and jumping after a consistent number of steps.
• Align your body in a triangular shape (head, kicking foot and supporting knee as shown below) at the peak of your jump.
common mistakes
The most common mistake occurs in jumping—either in lowering the torso to the side or rushing the sequence of movements. To correct this, follow a natural sequence: run to pick up momentum, lift your rear knee forward as high as you can, pivot your torso using the momentum of the rising knee, stretch the kicking leg toward the target while bringing up the supporting leg up. Begin from a low jump and build up in height. Be sure to build your leg strength sufficiently before attempting this kick.
• remember
1. Elevate your torso first.
2. Raise your kicking knee high.
3. Pivot your body to the side and align your torso and legs on one plane.
4. Make your body compact while in the air and unfold it when kicking.
• avoid
1. Jumping too far or too high
2. Dropping your non-kicking leg
3. Rushing your jump or kick
4. Kicking with too much power
5. Lowering your torso to the side or rear
6. Opening your arms
Similar Books
