hey everyone,

hows it going, i was just wondering about how you guys feel about kicking, stretching, flexibility, and range of motion in the hips legs core and lower back, being able to do front and side splits, and also flying kicks, spinning kicks, and knee kicks, head kicks, and just kicks in general, pro's and cons, and if you want, how you train your kicks etc, or whatever...

i notice alot of throws involve kicking motions, or atleast some sort of foot or leg agility, not necessarily the same speed or contact point as a kick, but the form of the movement is similar, i.e. uchi mata, a back kick, or o goruma, which is kind of like a sidekick, okay im rambling. just thought id bring this subject up...

i know in america, punching is more popular.lol

i have my opinions but i would like more insight from you guys.

just trying to start a good discussion.

It might be helpful to separate 'kicking' from 'leg maneuvers.'

Although good exercise, most jumping, spinning type kicks are not too practical for fighting. Basic kicks are useful, and should be practiced against resistance (heavy bags, thai pads...) as well as padded partners in live sparring.

Various leg maneuvers must also be trained for throwing and counter-throwing skills. Of course flexibility is important but also exercises for leg strength, coordination and balance (holding the balance on one leg for example) should be practiced regularly.

Tim,

I'm always trying to improve my balance and leg strength for throwing maneuvers, and I practice some basic two legged Zhan Zhuang and some Baguazhang forms which helps a bit, but I'm interested that you mentioned practicing "holding the balance on one leg" and I would be very interested to hear any exercises specific the throwing you would care to share.

Do you mean things like holding the same kinds of basic Zhan Zhuang postures, but on one leg?

Thanks,
Craig

I believe my balance to be one of my most fortunate assets in the clinch. The fact that I studied ballet for years helped, but for the last few years I've done this: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/sonnon8.htm

Magnificient Mobility is another good resource. The movements are mainly like this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=DkCZym9CT54&feature=related

I redid my Judo coaches warm up routine. He had been doing the same warm up for 30-40 years, but it wasn't "specific" to grappling or throwing.

One of the things I always preach is that most athletes perform on one leg. All throws that require sweeps, reaps, trips and leg hooking require being on one leg...yet very few athletes prepare for it.

But there has to be some "righting reflex" effect, via movement. Just doing a yoga "tree pose" is not enough, rather you have to move on that one leg.

Leg swings are an easy start.

Even though I spent years kickboxing, I rarely kick above the waist or at all, for combative reasons. Yet, I do use lots of knees...again on one leg.

Thanks for the links, Backarcher.

Craig

Tim,

I see, now that i have a better perspective i can now say to myself that a kick is not a leg manuever, and a leg manuever is not a kick.

flying spinning kicks are pretty risky and more flamboyant then practical, lol but if its not a life or death situation, who doesnt want to look cool by scoring a head shot with a tornado kick, or taggin a dude right in the solar plexus with a spinning back kick,lol.

craig, zhan zhuang and circle walking helps alot doesnt it?

backarcher, i do a similar form of exercise but mine looks like this.

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i know im about 30 lbs overweight, i need to shave, i look like a jerk and the picture is horrible, LOL, dont be so harsh.

im sorry, i forgot to thank you all for you great advice and replies.

Robert,

"craig, zhan zhuang and circle walking helps alot doesnt it?"

I've found it helps some what, but I'm always interested to see or hear about specific methods that develop specific attributes related to throwing.

I'm excited to try out some of the things Backarcher sent, and also look forward to any suggestions Tim could give.

Craig

I like Scott's exercises, and do similar exercises myself. His assertion they are the only balance exercises one needs may be true if you consider balancing only on the legs to be important. I consider balancing on the hands, and the hands and feet to be important as well.

For example one of my combined upright/inversion exercises is to lift one leg back in an angled rear leg raise and hold, then to "cartwheel" in slow motion to a straddle handstand and hold, then to slowly lower one leg and return to the angled rear leg raise.

Robert,
That's quite an impressive position!

Tim,

Thanks for the example... when you mean "angled rear leg raise and hold", do you mean with the torso horizontal to the ground?

Craig

I agree Tim.

I teach that there are 4 levels of "balance":

1-When your center of gravity is at its highest point/Standing

2-When your center of gravity is between your highest point and the floor/ crouching/kneeing/squatting

3-On the floor, which is really Kinesthetic awareness in a supine or prone position (it's what most non-grapplers lack when thrown to the floor).

4-Balancing when you are connected to another human being-dancing, judo, greco wrestling, clinching...

lol,

Thanks Tim!

funny how your article on tru balance changed my whole approach to martial arts!

i think balance is such a wonderful concept also because it is so complicated, even nature itself applies these principles.

for me balance is not only a physical effort, but a state of mind and a point which i focus on.

lol! mind body and spirit!

Craig,

In a rear angled leg raise, the torso is parallel to the ground. Think of the position you would be in after the completion of a high reaping throw.

Ok, thanks again, Tim. I have a clearer image in my mind now. I'm going to try that out, but I better work on my weak hamstring flexibility also if I hope to get the positions you describe.