I've noticed a bad habit I've seemed to develop that's putting a stall on my kicking technique.
As I turn my hips into the kick, so when I turn my right hip over to my left side, my upper body is doing something weird.
My left shoulder is turning to my right, and my trunk is following.
So, as my right hip turns over to the left, my upper body/shoulders are turning the opposite way, hampering the power in which I can deliver the kick.
It's looking awkward, and effecting my speed, power, and balance. Any tips to fix this would be great. Thanks
Pay attention to how you are pivoting. If you're doing that right, relax and let everything else follow.
It's kind of hard to understand exactly what you're doing from your description though
jju - Pay attention to how you are pivoting. If you're doing that right, relax and let everything else follow.
It's kind of hard to understand exactly what you're doing from your description though
Ok, so step onto the ball of your left foot, as if you are beginning the kick. Now, on one foot, turn your upper body to the right, so you are facing away from the direction in which the right kick should be going. Better?
jju - Pay attention to how you are pivoting. If you're doing that right, relax and let everything else follow.
It's kind of hard to understand exactly what you're doing from your description though
As you say though, I think relaxing might be my problem. I tend to tense up quite a bit.
Are you rotating on your base leg and pointing your heal toward the target?
mdfmma123 - Are you rotating on your base leg and pointing your heal toward the target?
No I'm not pointing my heal toward the target...I dont think. I try and keep my toes pointed pretty drastically.
mdfmma123 - Are you rotating on your base leg and pointing your heal toward the target?
Oh, do you mean my base leg heel? Like just after the pivot?
Schmohawk -I'm not really sure if you're fucking with me or not, but my brain about exploded reading that.jju - Pay attention to how you are pivoting. If you're doing that right, relax and let everything else follow.
It's kind of hard to understand exactly what you're doing from your description though
Ok, so step onto the ball of your left foot, as if you are beginning the kick. Now, on one foot, turn your upper body to the right, so you are facing away from the direction in which the right kick should be going. Better?
If you're being serious, when you kick with the right, step left and pivot with left foot. Let that motion take the hips over. If your toes are pointing up, you probably didn't rotate hips.
Good luck buddy.

Schmohawk -Yes, the base legmdfmma123 - Are you rotating on your base leg and pointing your heal toward the target?
Oh, do you mean my base leg heel? Like just after the pivot?
If you rotate on your base leg all the way to the point where the heel is facing the target I think that may help.

Whoa. Hard to talk about without see/showing. Am I understanding correctly that you're initiating the kick with your hips? Try exaggerating (totally telegraphing) and initiate the kick with your upper body, then let your trunk - hips - leg uncoil. It's the opposite of an exaggerated punch where you yo initiate with the lower body/hips and uncoil the trunk and arms. All that said, flexibility and range of motion are key. Take the maximum height you can fling your leg up and over and drop it 12" or more to find the spot where your body and muscles still have STRENGTH and cohesion through the full range of motion.
Try pulling your right arm back as you release the kick. Cover with the left hand. So essentially you arms are moving in the opposite direction to the kick to creat a torquing effect. Get the supporting heel high, and right round to the front with the supporting foot pointing back.
A good way of making sure you're pivoting properly is to stand on an A4 sheet of paper or plastic with your lead leg as you kick with your rear into a banana bag. The A4 sheet will kind of force the pivot.
Try rubbing your stomach and patting your head whilst getting sucked off by a midget wearing a hat.
It sounds like you might be hunching up when throwing it too. If your left shoulder is crossing your body as you throw your right leg then you're probably hunching over. Try pushing the right side of your chest forward and open up your torso as you pull your right arm in a counter motion to the kick. Make sure your left hand and forearm cover the head.
Kebab Warrior - Try rubbing your stomach and patting your head whilst getting sucked off by a midget wearing a hat.This is actually pretty good advice. I just went through the motions and they're similar!

mdfmma123 -Schmohawk -Yes, the base legmdfmma123 - Are you rotating on your base leg and pointing your heal toward the target?
Oh, do you mean my base leg heel? Like just after the pivot?
If you rotate on your base leg all the way to the point where the heel is facing the target I think that may help.
Interesting. I'll give it a shot. Thanks
wigwam - Try pulling your right arm back as you release the kick. Cover with the left hand. So essentially you arms are moving in the opposite direction to the kick to creat a torquing effect. Get the supporting heel high, and right round to the front with the supporting foot pointing back.
I think that's where my problem is starting. As I swing my arms, my trunk twists and moves that way as well. I think it may be a muscle tightness issue.
Have you tried to yell "KIAI!!" as loudly as possible?
here's some mind fuck...you don't need to rotate your hips...all you need to do is step out with lead foot (about 45 degree angle) and then swing your leg up straight (aiming with your right knee to the right shoulder of your opponent). that way the kick hits you in the front of the body (ideally in the forearms) and not the side (which is way too easy to counter).... and now I'm out before the beating of the uneducated begins..
Schmohawk - I've noticed a bad habit I've seemed to develop that's putting a stall on my kicking technique.I know whats going on here. Ive had a few of my beginners doing the same.
As I turn my hips into the kick, so when I turn my right hip over to my left side, my upper body is doing something weird.
My left shoulder is turning to my right, and my trunk is following.
So, as my right hip turns over to the left, my upper body/shoulders are turning the opposite way, hampering the power in which I can deliver the kick.
It's looking awkward, and effecting my speed, power, and balance. Any tips to fix this would be great. Thanks
Turn your head all the way in the direction of the kick, meaning turn your head to the left and look all the way. Your right shoulder will align. Ideally your right shoulder and your right hip should move together as you pivot on your support leg.
