Reimagining Punch and Kick Combos in Self Defence
In one of his recent instructional videos, Mike from the popular YouTube channel Hard2Hurt, known colloquially as “Icy Mike”, offered some fresh insight into using kicks strategically to set up powerful punches. This innovative approach reimagines the conventional pattern of finishing a combination with a kick and underscores the importance of playing to your strengths in self defence. Rather than solely using punches to set up kicks, Mike and guest martial artist Natalia demonstrate how kicks can also serve as effective tools to set up punches, especially for boxers and those proficient in delivering solid punches. Their main argument—why not maximize your strength, instead of solely focusing on conventional patterns of combinations? Using Natalia’s skills as a frame of reference—Icy Mike emphatically states that the best strategy in a fight is to lead the opponent towards your strongest game. Therefore, if you’re a strong puncher, leverage kicks to set up your punches instead of always ending your combination with a kick. This upends the classic “punch, punch, kick” sequence and shows how flexible and adaptive combinations can be in self defence scenarios. The video then dives into some practical, step-by-step demonstrations of how this innovative strategy works in action. Natalia showcases how to use kicks to set up a wide range of punch combinations. And Icy Mike emphasizes that the combination doesn’t need to end there – there’s no rule that says your combination has to end at all. Another important aspect that the video brings out is the seamless transition between different ranges in striking. Typically, the range for kicks and punches vary; the trick, then, is to adapt and close or bridge the difference. Icy Mike drives home the fact that one is not fighting in a vacuum or a heavy bag, but a human being who moves and reacts. Accommodating this fluidity and unpredictable movement is an essential part of realistic self defence. The third insight the video offers is an emphasis on footwork and mobility. Shifting weight and altering foot positioning is essential when moving from punch to kick and back again. Icy Mike showcases different techniques like the pendulum step and reverse pendulum step—methods by which the practitioner can adjust position and distance to allow for effective combination techniques. He illustrates that a lot of the effectiveness of the kicks and punches depends on the footwork and the moving of feet around. He concludes by stating that there’s no ‘set’ punch or kick that one needs to stick to. The real key is the footwork and the way one adapts to the movements of the opponent. Mike’s teachings on using kicks to set up punches demonstrates that conventional wisdom can be valuable, but reimagining and designing strategies based on your strengths can help you outclass your opponent. It’s a strong reminder that in modern self defence, flexibility, creativity, and practicality serve as significant tools in your arsenal.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a YouTube channel run by Icy Mike, a self-defense and fighting instructor. He shares invaluable knowledge about personal protection, fitness, and fight training. Known for his forthright delivery and authenticity, Icy Mike combines humor with his real-world experience in providing practical and effective self-defense strategies.
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Get her to pivot her foot for the roundhouse kick. She's leaving power on the floor, instead of transferring it into her target.
Me: WAIT, it’s all footwork??
Mike with an Atomic Bear Pen and Flashlight to the back of my head: Always has been…
I love all the little fighting game terms Mike throws here and there.
I like combos. Especially the pizza flavored ones. But I don't know if I could eat them infinitely. 😄
Obviously outstanding video. Talented people make it look so easy. Great collab/team. Thanks
You can tell that she’s highly trained. Great video and technique. 👍
I've always loved the right round kick to left hook combo, but I couldn't really articulate why it works so well for me. This breakdown explains it well to the "always finish the combo with a kick" crowd. You can funnel your opponent into your money punch with your kicks, especially if they crash in at you, hooks and uppercuts are open more often than not. Good stuff, Mike.
L bet Mike can't do a 540 kick and a little dance at the end ,and then shout yeet , (prove me wrong ) (you probably can't )
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Bro those punches sound DENSE she's got power
Get her to pivot her down foot on her roundhouse kicks. She's leaving power on the floor, instead of transferring it into her target.
This is a Master class! Lots of good stuff to practice here!
Natalia gave a look like she really thought kicks were her best thing