Kicks - 1st Set

5 kicks:  straight stretch, outside stretch, inside stretch, shin, knee

Goal

In any kick, you want to build (1) strength, (2) balance, (3) technique, and (4) speed.  Before obtaining Black Belt, speed is the least important.  At the Black Belt level, you begin practicing speed.

John, Straight Stretch:

 Class, Stretch Kick:

If you break this kick down "by the numbers", there are two counts: (1) turn, and (2) kick.
 

Inside to Outside Stretch Kick

John, Inside Out Stretch: 

Class, Inside Out Stretch:

 
If you break this kick down "by the numbers", there are two counts: (1) turn, and (2) kick.

Even though this is a "stretch" kick, it has a combat application.  It is useful if the opponent is very close to you.  

 Here is a movie scene that actually uses the "Inside Outside Stretch Kick", so it is possible to use this stretch kick in combat.  Also at the end of the clip, there is a "Front Kick, Side Kick". 

Outside to Inside Stretch Kick:

John, Outside In Stretch:

If you break this kick down "by the numbers", there are two counts: (1) turn, and (2) kick.

Shin Kick:

Luke Shin Kick:

John Shin Kick:

 If you break this kick down "by the numbers", there are two counts: (1) grab target, and (2) kick.

This kick is actually a sweep.  We practice this kick by imagining we are grabbing the opponent and pulling them toward you, while simultaneously sweeping their leg. But this sweep can be used in many different ways. 

 Knee Kick:

If you break this kick down "by the numbers", there are three counts: (1) turn, (2) grab target, and (3) kick.

Luke, Knee Kick:

John, Knee Kick: