Martial Arts Self Defense – 3 Martial Arts Kicking Techniques to Use in a Self Defense Situation

Using the foot with various martial arts techniques can be effective in a self-defense situation. Striking an attacker with a kick below the waist can oftentimes disable them. It can also bring the victim closer to perform hand, fist or elbow strikes to other parts of their body to render them helpless and provide an escape. In this article we will show three kicking techniques.

Kicking in a self-defense situation requires paying close attention to the toes to prevent them from being injured. Tensing the toes and pulling them back to avoid contact is very important. This also creates a harder surface as a contact point. Even if wearing shoes attention must be paid to keep from breaking a bone in the foot.

Front Kick

Raise the knee of the kicking leg and snap the foot forward. The ball of the foot is the contact point with this martial arts technique. Drive through the target with the strike. Do not just push the foot into the attacker. This self-defense move can be aimed at any point below their waist.

Side Kick

Raise the knee of the kicking leg and drive the foot downward. Tighten the toes and rotate the heel slightly forward. The side of the foot is the contact point with this martial arts technique. The side kick is most effective on the front or outside of the attackers knee.

Instep Kick

Raise the knee of the kicking leg and snap the foot forward. The toes tensed and pointed forward. The instep or top of the foot is the contact point in this martial arts technique. Typically a strike is aimed at the groin but a kick can be to the face if the assailants head is below their waist.