Kicking Your Way Through Self Defense

Have you ever been bullied around, assaulted or even robbed? Most people have, at least once. These events are usually followed by one common thought, "What if . . .." In this article we will explore the kicking techniques that kickboxing have to offer, and discuss how effective is kickboxing for self defense.

Self Defense and Kickboxing

The usual definition of self defense involves using physical force to protect oneself, maybe justifying an act that could otherwise be considered illegal. Although trying to use a knife to stab an aggressor who is holding a gun is, by definition, self defense, it's actually closer to a suicidal attempt. Unarmed martial arts should always be used against unarmed attackers.

Only the most proficient, specifically trained martial artist should attempt to confront an armed opponent. The following analysis will be based purely on self defense against lightly armed or unarmed aggressors.

Kickboxing for Self Defense

Kickboxing per se is not a martial art, but a contact sport based in boxing, focused on defeating the opponent by delivering precise blows with the fists, feet and shin. The term kickboxing is also used to refer to several martial arts with similar characteristics. Among those we find the Muay Thai, the Savate and Tae Kwon Do,

In a real life situation, kickboxing for self defense can be quite efficient. The defender should try to keep a moderate distance from the attacker. As with almost every martial art/contact sport based in boxing, the best strategy for self defense is the offense. An unexpected attack from an opponent could leave the defender in a weak position, especially on the floor where they are all but powerless.

Nothing in this world is perfect, including martial arts. While being one of the most effective arts in a standing stance, every kickboxing martial art is useless while fighting on the floor. In a self defense situation, a kickboxer must do his best to avoid this position, where all his expertise and kicking techniques would be useless. Many attackers who are not trained in the martial arts try to take the fight to the floor, specially the bulky ones, where they can take fully advantage of their weight.

The upper portion of the body uses the classic boxing moves with a few variants. Jabs, hooks, uppercuts and crossed punches lead the way, along with the reverse punch and elbow strikes. Muay Thai adds some clinching to the picture, a requirement for their powerful knee strikes.

Continue to : Exploring Martial Arts Kicking Techniques