NinjaGym™ Martial Arts and Fitness

How to Perform Different Side Kicks in the Martial Arts

Round Side Kick

This is the typical side kick being taught in many systems of the martial arts. Although the attack is with the side of the foot, it comes in from more of a round kick type of attack and then extends in the end. Because of this, it may not have the power of the quadriceps and makes up for this with speed.

Striking surface

Edge and/or heel

Striking areas

Knee, ribs, plexus

✓ From coil position pivot to face your target

✓ Lift the heel of the foot level with the and to the outside as if to throw a round kick.

✓ As you begin the round kick – point the heel towards your target and extend

Applications:

• Striking the targeted areas
• Great for kicking knees
• Foot is sideways for more surface area with kicking
• Good kick when facing opponent at a distance
• Make use of the round kick speed Read the rest of this entry →

How to Perform a Back Kick in the Martial Arts

Also called a mule, donkey or horse kick, the back kick can be one of the most powerful kicks in the martial arts. This is mainly due to the fact that it uses some of the strongest and largest muscles in the human body. Many martial artists would argue that the back kick is the most powerful kick in the martial arts – especially when delivered as a spinning back kick.

In street combat, the back kick is a realistic option as you are kicking (most of the time) below the face and most often – below the waist.

The back kick is also similar to the Side Kick, but differs mainly because your target is behind you.

Since it is a challenge to strike behind you with your arms and the fact that your legs are longer, you can use a back kick to keep an opponent at a safe distance. The kick can also be used as a last second attack to surprise an opponent when they are within range of your kick.

Since the back kick is relatively easy to learn, it becomes one of the basic kicks (along with the low sweep kick) to teach beginners and those first learning the martial arts. Students will need to practice timing and eye-foot coordination as with other attacks of the leg and arm.

For the most part – you are kicking the same way a horse or mule would kick. We break it down with a coil, extension and recoil (often omitted in the back kick) but the general motion is simply to thrust your leg back and kick out with the heel. Read the rest of this entry →

How to do a Knife Hand Strike in the Martial Arts

This Martial Science Knife Hand strike is formed by following the steps below:

✓ Place the thumb along the base of the index finger.

✓ Fingers straight alongside each other.

✓ Then slightly bend the palm to create an arch for the edge hand strike.

The striking surface is the outside bottom edge of the palm. The attack can be circular and linear.

This strike can be performed with full body motion or like the boxers jab which is pulled quickly back. The knife hand is pushed through to immobilize, stun, remove balance or break through your opponent’ s target.

Primary striking areas are the throat, groin and bones.

Applications:

• Breaking boards
• Striking any of the targeting areas
• Large amount of force applied with a small edge of hand
• When you make a fist – fingers damaged

ATTACK
Circular

PRIMARY AREA
Neck, Groin, Ribs

NOTE:
Because these strikes can be used in so many variations, we must classify them in their own section. However, one must realize that when studying RTMS nothing can really be classified at all. We must keep a constant open mind and use what we learn to help us adapt to our movements as a whole. To categorize would be to systemize the art and that only serves its purpose commercially. So remember, when training, do not program yourself to a set number of techniques or angles. That’s a process of limitation and the Total Warrior is never limited. Read the rest of this entry →

How to do a Palm Heel Strike in the Martial Arts

You might recognize the Palm Heel strike from many mixed martial arts such systems such as Ninjitsu, Karate, Tae Kwon Do etc.

✓ The Palm Heel strike is formed by bending the wrist and fingers to expose the palm of the hand.

The striking surface is the lower palm area. The Palm heel strike is good when protecting fingers, knuckles or wrist from unnecessary damage. The Palm Heel Strike is an excellent jamming strike, good for stuns and blocking.

The Palm heel strike is great for self defense in general and the first strike to teach beginners as well as woman and children. The Palm Heel Strike is very effective and easy to learn. You have less body parts to injure as you are not using the wrist, knuckles and fingers, only the butt end of the forearm bones. It is a much stronger strike then a normal punch as well.

ATTACK

Linear

PRIMARY AREA

Face, nose, groin, ribs Read the rest of this entry →

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to review Rick Tew’s Martial Art Strikes and Kicks form by following the link below:

Martial Art Kicks

Strikes and Kicks the Martial Arts Video DVD Available.

Click the DVD Image or HERE to purchase the DVD Now.

FRONT SNAP KICK

Below is a list of kicks and their primary striking areas.   Each kick has various uses and the list is to be used as a guide.

Striking surface

Ball of foot                                

Striking area

Solar Plexus/Groin

Used to attack smaller targets with speed and accuracy

• A. Extend the leg by pushing the ball of the foot into its target

• B. Pull the kick back as fast as possible Read the rest of this entry →

This section includes the weapons of the hand and arm. Utilization of strikes are a major factor that determines your combat skill. The following is a list of strikes and their primary applications, study and learn the list.

Because these strikes can be used in so many variations, we must classify them in their own section. However, one must realize that when studying RTMS nothing can really be classified at all. We must keep a constant open mind and use what we learn to help us adapt to our movements as a whole.To categorize would be to systemize the art and that only serves its purpose commercially. So remember, when training, do not program yourself to a set number of techniques or angles. That’s a process of limitation and the Total Warrior is never limited.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to review Rick Tew’s Martial Art Strikes and Kicks form by following the link below:

Martial Art Strikes and Kicks Form

Strikes and Kicks the Martial Arts Video DVD Available.

Click the DVD Image or HERE to purchase the DVD Now.

Read the rest of this entry →