This video shows a Kung fu sparring competition in which the guy in yellow very effectively defends against kicks simply by snatching his opponent from underside while he's on one foot, attempting to kick him. Be sure to watch the whole thing through. It's pretty cool.
In Jiu-jitsu we tend to think about blocking the kick first, while closing into the attacker so that you are too close to be kicked with any power. Or if you're quick enough, you might try to catch the kick in mid-air while closing. I often do this when doing MMA sparring. But clearly, as the guy in yellow demonstrates, if you are fast enough, you can manage to scoop up your attacker while he or she is precariously balanced doing a kick.
I think it's also important to point out that it's much easier to do this when the attacker is aiming the kick high because there is more space within which to grab, as well as more time during which to enter. Nevertheless, the guy in yellow has great skills either way.
That's one of the better sparring/competition videos I've seen off the net.
ReplyDeleteKicking is difficult. It takes a great deal of skill to do a kick that is going to do a lot of damage. Many kicks too only have a very restricted physical range where they work well.
Confronting a practitioner who's going to kick you (like the guys in the video who favor using their legs) means you can use the above knowledge to your benefit. But the trick to make it work is you've got to surge towards the opponent when he initiates the kick rather than at mid point when he's chambering to kick you or worse still when the kick is almost landing.
Colin
Well put! :)
ReplyDeleteThe poor guy wearing black was getting thrown all over the place.lol
ReplyDeleteI would like to know what type of rules they were fighting under. Couldnt tell if it was point style or kyokushin style or san shou style. good find though.