CHAPTER TWELVE

Punching & Kicking Techniques 

Fighting Stance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.   Feet are shoulder width apart in a balanced position, knees slightly bent.

 

 

 

2.   Lead foot forward shoulder width ahead of back foot bladed slightly to the 1:00 o’clock position.

NOTES : Photographs shown are depicting a left foot forward stance most common to a right handed fighter. The position can be reversed for a left handed fighter. For best fitness results the fighter should use both stances equally during the class or session.

Foot position is at 11:00 o’clock for left handed fighters.

The Jab

1.   Start in fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

2.   Extend the lead arm straight out rotating the hand palm down.   Keep the rear hand up in the guard position.

3.   Retract the arm and return to the fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

The Cross

 

1.   Start in fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

2.   Extend the rear arm straight forward with the hand palm down.   Rotate the rear hip forward while pivoting on the balls of the feet.

3.   Retract the arm and return to the fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

 

NOTE : Photographs shown are depicting a left foot forward stance most common to a right handed fighter. The position can be reversed for a left handed fighter. For best fitness results the fighter should use both stances equally during the class or session.

The Hook

1.   Start in fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

 

 

2.   Drop the shoulder and raise forearm palm down.   Start to pivot on the balls of the feet.

3.   Pivot the lead hip forward keeping the arm parallel to the floor and the arm in an 80-100 degree position.

 

 

4. Retract the arm and return to fighting stance. Hands in guard position.

NOTES : The hook can be executed with either the lead hand or rear hand.

Photographs shown are depicting a lead hand left hook with the left foot forward stance most common to a right handed fighter. The position can be reversed for a left handed fighter. For best fitness results the fighter should use both stances equally during the class or session.

The Uppercut

1. Start in fighting stance. Hands in guard position.

 

 

2.   Drop the shoulder and the forearm by crouching slightly.   Start to pivot on the balls of the feet.

3.   Pivot the rear hip forward keeping the arm flexed.   Push with the hips and as you drive the hand upward rotate the hand position completing the punch with the palm facing you.

 

4.   Retract the arm and return to fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

NOTES : The uppercut can be executed with either the lead hand or rear hand.

Photographs shown are depicting a rear hand uppercut with the left foot forward stance most common to a right handed fighter. The position can be reversed for a left handed fighter. For best fitness results the fighter should use both stances equally during the class or session.

The Lead Leg Front Snap Kick

 

1.   Start in fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

 

2.   Raise the front knee pointing it at the intended target.   Shift the bodyweight to the rear leg and point the toes downward.

3.   Extend the leg and strike the target with the instep.   (On the shoe laces)

4.   Retract the kicking leg.

5.   Return to fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

NOTES : The front snap kick can be executed with either the lead leg or rear leg.

Photographs shown are depicting a lead leg snap kick with the left foot forward stance most common to a right handed fighter. The position can be reversed for a left handed fighter. For best fitness results the fighter should use both stances equally during the class or session.

The lead leg snap kick should be performed until proficient before implementing the more powerful rear leg snap kick.

The Roundhouse Kick (Lead Leg)

1.   Start in fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

2.   Raise the front knee pointing it at the intended target.   Begin to pivot the base foot away from the target.

3.   Extend the leg and strike the target with the instep, while completing the pivot.   (Strike on the shoe laces)

4.   Retract the kicking leg.

5.   Return to fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

NOTES : The round kick is executed with the lead leg; the roundhouse is executed with the rear leg.

Photographs shown are depicting a lead leg round kick with the left foot forward stance most common to a right handed fighter. The position can be reversed for a left handed fighter. For best fitness results the fighter should use both stances equally during the class or session.

The lead leg round kick should be performed until proficient before implementing the more powerful rear leg roundhouse kick.

The Rear Leg Front Snap Kick

1.   Start in fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

2.   Raise the rear knee pointing it at the intended target.   Shift the body weight to the front leg and point the toes downward.

3.   Extend the leg and strike the target with the instep.   (On the shoe laces)

 

4.   Retract the kicking leg.

5.   Return to fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

NOTES : The front snap kick can be executed with either the lead leg or rear leg.

Photographs shown are depicting a rear leg snap kick with the left foot forward stance most common to a right handed fighter. The position can be reversed for a left handed fighter. For best fitness results the fighter should use both stances equally during the class or session.

 

The lead leg snap kick should be performed until proficient before implementing the more powerful rear leg snap kick.

The Knee Strike

1.   Start in fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

2.   Drop the hands to grab the target, crouching slightly.

 

3.   Pivot the rear hip forward bending the knee.   Push with the hips as you drive the knee upward and pull the target downward.   Lean back slightly as you strike for more power.

4.   Retract the knee and return to fighting stance.   Hands in guard position.

NOTES : The knee strike can be executed with either knee, but the most power is generated from the rear knee.

Photographs shown are depicting a rear knee strike with the left foot forward stance most common to a right handed fighter. The position can be reversed for a left handed fighter. For best fitness results the fighter should use both stances equally during the class or session.