SO YOU THINK WE SHOULDN'T KICK HIGH IN A STREET FIGHT, HUH?

So. You think we shouldn't kick high in a street fight, huh?

These are just two instances that bring me to my point: If you train a technique properly? You can and will use it properly. Period. 

  ### The Truth About Kicks in Street Fights and Self-Defense **Word Count: 1,230 | Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes** --- 

 ### The Truth About Kicks in Street Fights and Self-Defense Kicks are often misunderstood and underestimated in street fights and self-defense scenarios. Many people believe that kicks require too much space to use effectively or take too much time to execute. **This belief is not only completely untrue but underscores the root problem: poor kick training.** 

 --- ### The Core Issues with Kicks in Combat 

 The idea that kicks are impractical stems from common mistakes in training: 

 1. **Bad Kick Training:** Inadequate focus on technique, power generation, and control. 

 2. **Poor Target Selection:** Failing to aim for high-value targets like the knees, groin, or abdomen, calves, and use these kicks or use hand combinations to set up upper body [ including upper flank and upper back and spine ] kicks. 

 3. **Improper Stance Training:** Kicks, when properly executed, always return the kicker to a balanced and prepared stance (**Msimamo** or **Mkao**). Without this, kicks leave you vulnerable to counters. 

 4. **Ignoring Close-Quarters Combat Applications:** Proper kick chambering includes the use of knee strikes, which are highly effective in grappling scenarios, whether standing or on the ground. ---

 ### The Role of Knee Strikes in Kicks Knee strikes are a vital aspect of proper kick chambering. They bridge the gap between long-range and close-range combat, offering immense versatility. 

 Look at combat sports like **Muay Thai** or **Dambe**, where knees are used effectively in both standing grapples and ground scenarios. 

The same principles apply in real-world self-defense: - 

**Body-to-Body Grappling:** A well-timed knee strike can break holds or create openings to escape.

 - **Ground Fighting:** Even from disadvantaged positions, knees provide a powerful weapon to disrupt an attacker. --- 

 ### Kicks in Close Quarters, Tight Spots or Disadvantaged Positions 

A common myth is that kicks are useless in crowded spaces or when seated. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A properly trained kick—delivered swiftly and retracted just as fast—can change the dynamics of a fight, even in tight quarters. Training these techniques for this range of combat has the added advantage of likely being a huge surprise to your opponent, because s/he or they tend to think they're safe from kicks in close quarters, or when the defender or person seeking to kick is in a disadvantaged position. Some of my most spectacular street kicks resulted from taking advantage of this mindset in even trained fighers.

    #### Real-Life Examples: - 

**The Artesia Station Incident:** 

 Years ago, I was accosted by drunken individuals on the Blue Line at Artesia Station while seated. 

The train aisle was crowded, leaving little room to maneuver. Using a rapid, targeted kick to the groin, I incapacitated the aggressor and de-escalated the situation before it escalated further. - 

**The Rosa Parks/Imperial Station Incident:** I

n another situation, I faced a similar threat while seated on a crowded train. I was seated, the aggressive group were standing, and already close to me. Within traditional kicking range, and close even for knee strikes in clinch range. Again, a hand trap to heel palm smack with simultaneous proper pulling back of my waist-hips-butt andchambering my left knee followed by an explosive release of breath twinned with an explosive forward propulsion of my knee and rising nusu duara...crescent-front kick combo...to the guy's chin. It looks like this:

He was blown backwards and was TKO'd instantly. 

His buddies weren't in a hurry to close on me, as I looked more than capable of handing out the same kind of shellacking to them, despite being outnumbered six to one and outweighed by in two cases over one hundred pounds. 

 That simple quick kick delivered to a vulnerable area neutralized the danger without the need for further confrontation. In both instances, the kick’s speed, precision, and the ability to return to a stable position made all the difference. 

These examples illustrate that **with proper training, kicks are effective even in tight, disadvantaged positions.

** --- ### Why Proper Training in Kicks Matters At **ATACX Gym**, 

our focus on **Njia Uhuru Kipura** ensures that every aspect of kick training is addressed, correcting the flaws that lead to ineffective use: 

 1. **Balance and Stance:** Proper kicks always return you to a stable **Msimamo (Stance)** or **Mkao (Posture).** This ensures that you remain ready to react, whether to follow up with another technique or disengage safely. 

 2. **Chambering and Versatility:** Proper chambering for kicks includes the ability to seamlessly transition to knee strikes, which are invaluable in close-range combat. 

 3. **Target Selection:** Training emphasizes targeting high-value areas (groin, knees, shins) for maximum impact with minimal effort. 

 4. **Efficiency in Tight Spaces:** Practitioners learn to deliver rapid, retractable kicks that are effective even in confined areas or seated positions. --- 

 ### Why Kicks Are Critical for Self-Defense Kicks aren’t just about power; they’re about **strategy and adaptability.** Whether standing, seated, or on the ground, a properly executed kick provides: -

 **Distance Management:** 

Keeping aggressors at bay. - 

**Versatility:** Switching between long-range kicks and close-range knees. - 

**Precision:** Disabling attackers by targeting weak points. --- 

 ### The Importance of Real-World Applications 

 At **ATACX Gym**, our training isn’t confined to theoretical drills. Students are trained to apply techniques in real-world scenarios, addressing challenges like crowded spaces, seated positions, and multiple attackers. Whether on the **Blue Line** or facing a threat in a packed alley, the techniques we teach ensure that you’re always prepared. --- 

 ### Call to Action: T

rain Smarter, Fight Smarter Don’t let misconceptions about kicks limit your ability to protect yourself. With proper training, kicks can be one of the most effective tools in your self-defense arsenal.

 Join **ATACX Gym** today and learn how to: - 

Deliver precise, powerful kicks. 

 - Adapt techniques to any situation, even in tight quarters. 

 - Master **Njia Uhuru Kipura**, the way of freedom through self-defense. 

 **What’s your experience with kicks in self-defense?** 

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation on social media. --- 

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