prv3rotk3

THE ROOT OF THE KICK

Dear reader, I would like to take apart a certain misconception.

Over the years, I have found that many athletes believe that to throw a high sideline kick, such
as a side kick, one needs the flexibility in the kicking leg.

This is not really the case. Imagine this; you are throwing a naval height side kick. Let's say
your trunk is leaning too far away from your kicking leg. Obviously that creates a problem. The
time it will take you to come back to punching/ moving position increases. In addition you
telegraph the kick more.

Manny masters would tell you to keep kicking, and you will improve. Sounds encouraging,
and to be honest I heard this myself many times, when I was a student. But right now such
advice is not enough. It sounds like someone either doesn't know how to help you, or doesn't
care.

To draw a parallel, let me ask you this question. Why does a shot-putter or a football player
work on certain lifts. I mean, why the athlete doesn't play the game until it somehow improves
by itself. The reason is rate. A coach wants his athletes to improve as much as possible and
as fast as possible. All being done safely of course. So why should a martial athlete be any
different? The truth is, he shouldn't be. To get back to our question; we need to find the root of
the problem.

Here are some possible roadblocks. The trunk can lack flexibility to bend in the direction of
the kick, or it can simply lack strength to hold itself up. Whichever is the case, specific
conditioning needs to be done. Kicking blindly will not do it. Strengthening and stretching will.

Once the trunk position is secured and established, the height of the kick is the next priority.
Like stated above, there is not much that can be done with a kicking leg. However, the
flexibility must come from some kind of a source. That source is the supporting leg.

Remember that the function of the supporting leg includes maintaining balance, transferring
forces from the floor, among many others. And now add the elasticity requirement for the
kicking height. Wow, it's a lot to ask for from the leg that "just stands there and doesn't do
anything."

And since we got the myth out of the way, let's remember this; if the supporting leg is to
handle all that liability, its no wonder that training must be functional and speed/length
specific.

I hope every time you will execute a leg technique, you will have a deeper understanding and
respect for the "Root of the kick."

Best Wishes,

PAUL