Kicks

  Kicks are the 3^rd most likely manor of how a physical assault will be initiated. Personally, I've never seen it occur. None the less it is a possibility.

  The logistics involved with doing so are fairly involved, though if it were done as a “blind-side” (attack), I would presume it to be no more complicated than any other manner of initiating a confrontation.

  An attack that involves no prior (verbal) lead-up, would (IMO) rarely be done via a “kick” (though I would suppose it to be possible). I've never seen, nor “heard” of it occurring, but I make no claims of having “all knowledge” in regards to every manner of possibly initiating a physical assault.

  This manor of assault would likely come from someone who's had a (limited) amount of experience/training in some manner of MA. The fortunate thing, is that there is only a limited number of ways (for anyone) to deliver a kick.

  As with any of the 3 manners (Hitting, Grabbing or Kicking), the defender (Tori) will likely be aware of the situation initially (or one would hope that this were the case).

  If the confrontation is one following a “typical” progression, it will begin with some manor of verbal confrontation (which escalates to becoming physical). In those circumstances, it is far more likely that one would be facing the aggressor.

  To initiate a “kick”, one must first have enough room/space to do so. The ability to (effectively) deliver a kick, where one wants it (to land), requires a larger amount of practice than (most) “non-trained” individual's appreciate. Those who haven't sufficiently practiced doing so, don't realize the level of difficulty involved with effectively doing so (thus, contributing to the rarity to it's occurrence).

  As previously stated, those who have (only) had a few weeks worth of “training” (which would be typical for a “would-be” criminal type), would only know the basic's of the movement, with little to no actual experience in how to effectively deliver it. That shouldn't imply that a (some) level of injury couldn't result from their use, only that the effective delivery/execution of the motion would be limited.

  Even if the person had some level of knowledge/experience (“training”), they would still require sufficient room to perform/deliver any manor of “high” kick (ie. Waist/Chest/Head level). That possibility can (easily) be negated by limiting the “space” available (for the aggressor) to do so.

  “Low” kicks, require even greater amounts of training for their effective delivery. It should be noted though, that for use as a distraction (feint), only minimal levels of training are required (as doing so, requires no contact being made), and when utilized as such, can be used effectively by an aggressor (Uke) as well as the defender (Tori).

  I tend to believe that “most” people would be aware that it is stupid to try to “kick” someone in the head. The logistics of doing so are so detrimental, that only those with (virtually) No experience with physical confrontations would even consider doing so, unless the person that they were going to “kick” (in the “head”, mind you) are so slow and inept, that they could get away with it.

  The easiest defense against that occurrence, is to (simply) step towards them (the closer, the better). This works equally well against those people who (attempt to) use “spinning” kicks (regardless of the type). Those “kicks”, were intended/developed for “sport/competition” (not actual defensive confrontations). The only people that they could (well...possibly) work upon, are those who have never seen them before (which “these days”, almost everybody has seen a “Kung-Fu” movie or two).

  There are only 3 (basic) “kicks” that pose a serious (defensive) threat during a physical confrontation. Each has their own “spacial/positioning” requirements, and are limited through contributing factors that can be mitigated via (above waist) motion/actions. Those kicks are the Front Kick, the Back Kick and the Straight Thrust (which goes by various names, but is performed as a Forward Pushing motion, done with the foot/leg). The Side Kick is (often) included by some people/instructors, but is (so often) limited to “above waist” use, that it is (IMO) too easily negated to be considered seriously (which is explained later).

  The problem/difficulty with use of any leg/kicking motion, begins with the fact that the knee (often) must be raised for the effective use of the foot/shin or knee. Initially, that requires “space”(to do so), and it provides the opportunity for the defender/aggressor to strike that leg (using their hand/arm to do so), as well as making the supporting leg vulnerable to (any) strike/kick (often while ignoring the opponent's kicking leg).

  If the kicking person is close (when attempting their kick), just by raising their knee, they have provided that leg's thigh (to be struck). When done effectively, such a strike can (greatly) minimize one's mobility.

  The (obvious) need/requirement to shift one's body-weight to (only) one leg, should demonstrate the level of vulnerability that is presented with the attempt to deliver any “kick”. If/when doing so, it is (or should be) obvious that one must have the opponent engaged with “above-waist” action/motion (distraction) if/when making that attempt.

  It was for that reason, that Oyata taught his “3-Motions” (at once) philosophy (2-Hands,1-Foot). He didn't (actually) mean “at once”, but the name stuck, and has been passed-down ever since. His intent, was that multiple motions (used in conjunction or closely timed to one another) would confuse an opponent, making it more difficult for them to defend against each of them. The use of 2-hands, with 1-foot/leg was the maximum that one could utilize at a time.

  This was often exampled with the performance of “Tuite” applications (2-hands engaged with the Tuite application, and 1-leg “kicking”). Oyata always taught that a “kick” should be utilized with additional (hand) motions (never “solo”). The application (manner) of those motions further exampled (several) other application principles as well (which will not be presently addressed :) in this blog).

  Though (presumably) obvious, the most likely striking location for a “kick”, is the (male) groin. It is additionally the most readily defended/protected area on the (male) body. Defensively, it is far more productive to “kick” (or strike) the inner-thigh, or even the outer-thigh (but both are commonly ignored by both an aggressor or the supposedly “trained” defender.

  Kick's are often glorified as being the great equalizer, when (in fact) they are no more effective (or common) than the (infamous) “knock-out” punch. Effective application of either requires timing, placement and (honestly) luck (which is often the result of “training”).

  Regardless of which 3 of the discussed manners are utilized, the students defensive arm motion(s) will (should) rarely vary. A hand/arm motion/action (regardless the type), could easily be performed in a nearly identical manor.