ViKtoricus

I've done a few heavy bag training recently and I noticed that although things like side-stepping and pivoting add power to my kick, it is EXTREMELY HARD to do a jab+cross+kick combo efficiently in that manner.

When I cross, I simply position my lead foot on an angle that makes power-angle kicking feasible. I do none of that pivoting or side-stepping crap.

Yes, I do notice that my kicks are "better" and more powerful IF (and this is a big IF) I only do the kick as a single attack, NOT a part or the ending of a combo.

The power I can generate without doing the fancy stuff doesn't seem to be significantly weaker compared to the flashy, muay-thaiy, kickboxingy, taekwondowy bullshit being taught everywhere. I mean, if your glutes, hammies, and quadriceps have power (which is accomplished through a regimen of Olympic-style weightlifting and heavy squats), your kicks WILL BE POWERFUL. All you need is a rock-solid shin or instep and you're gonna be the next Cro Cop.

So seriously? Is it even necessary to learn things like pivoting your rear foot, swinging your hips, and side-stepping to be a successful striker? I thought this was all about efficiency?

If true martial arts are all about efficiency, then why do we have to learn these impractical, inefficient things?

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Telling a weightlifter that deep squats are bad for the knees is like telling a kickboxer that footwork is a bad strategy...

Squirrelfighter

This is like...wow...

A 1-2-power roundhouse is one of the most important combinations in combat sports. Keep doing it until you can do it right.

Turning your lead foot prior to throwing a roundhouse kick is pivoting your planting leg/foot, Turning = pivoting (synonyms). Whether it is done during the combination or after or before is immaterial, pivoting is pivoting.

Side stepping is crap? No, side-stepping is one of the most fundamental components of combat sports. Its called lateral movement.

Proper rotation of the body, and alignment of the leg, hip, spine and associated musculature of the leg, hip, core are where kicking power comes from. Almost all of the real power from a roundhouse kick come from the rotation.

Unless you are turning your hips, its physically impossible to land a kick with your shin bone or instep.

Practice and get it right, or quit.

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ViKtoricus

So is it fair to say that things don't necessarily have to be perfect, but one must at least get a solid grasp of the basics?

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Telling a weightlifter that deep squats are bad for the knees is like telling a kickboxer that footwork is a bad strategy...

Intermission

No, the basics are called basics for a reason, lateral movement, pivoting and turning your hips MUST be perfect. Hell, do it in SLOW motion if you need to, just get it right.

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Squirrelfighter

No, the basics are the foundation, they must be flawless. Think of it the same way you would think of lifting.

The depth, and body mechanics of a squat must be perfect for one to recieve the fullest benefits. Anything less than perfect mechanics can lead to serious injury. Or in the case of MMA, a knockout loss.

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Sig courtesy of that photo-matic magician limba

HexRei

I like the new troll angle

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His helmet was stifling, it narrowed his vision. And he must see far. His shield was heavy. It threw him off balance. And his target is far away.

ViKtoricus

Don't ever compare weightlifting to MMA. MMA is like powerlifting. They are underground sports that will never make it to the Olympics.

It is undeniable that a former Olympic Weightlifter who at least maintains his level of power and strength will have a much MUCH more powerful roundhouse kick than a "Muay Thai/K-1/UFC champion" who's been training for decades (granted of course, the Olympic Weightlifter at least is capable of delivering a roundhouse kick with optimal technique with full speed).

Like I said, do not ever dare compare MMA to weightlifting. I get offended when people compare inferior sports to a real sport.

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Telling a weightlifter that deep squats are bad for the knees is like telling a kickboxer that footwork is a bad strategy...

Intermission

What the hell are you talking about? He compared that fact that if your technique in weight lifting is off then you won't maximize potential results, just like in MMA. Seriously dude...

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xeberus

Yea brah, weightlifting is like the true sport and stuff. They do that shit in the olympics, its like based on greek shit.

Brah if a dude lifts like 900lbs then he could probably like kick down entire bamboo trees and crush bricks with his balls. Technique is for pussies to weak deadlift 500lbs amirite brah?

True that brah, life is all about this weight lifting yo. mma is for panzies who try and hug each other and stuff, only test of a real man is how many plates i can squat.

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Onganju

Huh? Wow... My eyes are hurting.

To answer your question: Is it Is it really practical to swing my hips when doing a roundhouse kick?

Answer: Yes. If you're doing it right, it would be impossible not to.

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It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree... As long as I don't bore you and I spark a moment of thought, my goal is achieved.