The Power and Technique Behind the Perfect Front Kick
In a self-defence scenario, the utility of a well-executed front kick cannot be overstated. The front kick is a basic solution to common mistakes and ineffective techniques often seen in various martial arts practices. A recent seminar organized by Icy Mike of the YouTube channel Hard2Hurt uncovers the reason why most fighters’ front kick sucks and outlines essential corrections to this critical problem. One of the key points emphasized by Icy Mike is that you can perform a front kick poorly and still get great results. Nonetheless, he points out two common mistakes practitioners should avoid. Instead of a high-impact traditional combat move, your front kick should not telegraph your intent or force you to lose balance or control. Icy Mike stresses maintaining a good posture, and crucially, not moving your head. This discipline allows for a stronger, more precise kick without sacrificing defence. The seminar observes that many fighters misuse the front kick by aligning their posture for Muay Thai or MMA, leading to an imbalance of weight and improper positioning of the foot. Icy Mike suggests a simple fix, which involves moving your back foot as long as you are committing to an offensive move, such as a jab. To make the jab more effective, you should keep your head stationary. The objective here is to create a diversion by making your opponent look elsewhere, while you subtly reposition for a power-infused front kick. Another aspect Icy Mike focuses on is the technique of leaning back during a front kick. While it serves as a counterbalance and can add reach to your kick, Icy Mike warns against leaning back just to achieve reach, as it reduces the power of your kick. Instead, you should lean back as the kick lands, not beforehand, to deliver maximum impact. Later in the seminar, participants were introduced to the concept of ‘telling a story with their posture.’ Icy Mike suggests starting with a boxing stance to make the opponent expect punches, thereby catching them off guard with a sudden, powerful front kick. Your hands need to be kept up during this process. The misconception is that your hands are up to protect yourself from being hit, but the real reason is that it gives the illusion that you’re boxing, misleading your opponent. As they anticipate more punches, you break the rhythm with a swift kick to the body. Icy Mike emphatically explains, “we’re Boxing… boom, boom, boom, I tell him a story that we’re boxing… and then… [I catch] him right in his little poop button.” An important takeaway encapsulated in the seminar is that the footwork should make your next action easier. The orientation of your foot following a sidestep can greatly dictate the power and efficiency of your imminent front kick. Ultimately, the seminar chalks down the essence of an impeccable front kick to disciplined body posture, tactful diversionary tactics, and deliberate footwork. By mastering these techniques and keeping your movements unpredictable yet controlled, you can leverage the power of the frequently underestimated front kick for both self-defence and competitive martial arts scenarios. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect. Run through these techniques, apply them during your sparring sessions, and gradually, you’ll notice a significant improvement in the delivery of your front kicks.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is an instructional YouTube channel owned by Icy Mike. Mike provides insights into self-defense, combat sports, and practical fitness through his videos. A former law-enforcement officer and professional cage fighter, Icy Mike brings a unique, no-nonsense perspective, making Hard2Hurt a real treasure for fitness and fight enthusiasts.
Self-Defence Block
You can get the complete Front Kick Focus course at http://hard2hurt.teachable.com
In a street fight it's a better tactic to try and keep both feet on the ground as much as possible. Voluntarily removing a point of contact for escape , balance etc is not a good plan. For competition it's fine to do whatever but in a real fight you want to stay on your feet, not go to the ground, and stay on both feet. You can't run or evade on one foot or on your back.
MMA with "rules" is not realistic on the streets. If you want to be realistic then start eye gouging, throat punching, nut punching, open hand strikes to the head(to keep from breaking your fingers/hand) head butts, bare elbows etc.
I have to reedit……I did see your force on force with Craig Douglas…..
That stuff is way way more like a real fight…..as I think you'll agree. Why are you not teaching that?
Really nice one
You explain this perfectly! Awesome. Subbed and liked 👍 cheers from Australia
💪🏽👊🏼 .. skinny gym/dojo like skinny jeans way it looks. 😊
This was a great seminar, I’m really glad I took it and I’d honestly recommend it for anyone regardless of skill level. Very well thought out and taught. I’m glad this course material is available also as I was unfortunately not successful in taking lots of notes that day.
That's super cool that the Dojo is a mix of BJJ, kickboxing & Yoga! *We do E-K-A, Karate & Yoga.
Icy Mike having a plan for the "fighter fist" pose is how you know he is a professional
The instructor working with me kept giving the cue "drive your hips forward" with the front kick, but the "lean back" one definitely helped me much more when he finally gave it.
That was great information, and now has me knowing WHY it works and is a good cue.
Now to continue to work on sucking a little bit less, and eventually being kind of good at it.
For a month or two I can't afford in person training, so definitely can't justify online courses, but definitely bookmarked for later.
Brp wtf I missed you and you were near my fucking home
Pretty solid tip. Thanks, bruv.
Good vid Mike. The front kick is criminally underrated.
Fuck I used to train there
Bravo Sir!! Front kicks are underestimated and, as you once again show very well, can improve and be very useful🙏💪👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Support side hip extension mike, c’mon. Generate your force through the floor man
But my jab distance is close to my long knee than it is to my front kick. So does body type make a difference? Never been a front kick guy. I do a lot of push kicks though. To get the distance I need to deliver bigger kicks.
This is so true. I can throw the worst front kick and it still makes people back up and more tentative to move forward.
11:25 ice cream truck song in the background got me trippin thinking the ice scream man still selling ice scream during 11 pm
Come to queens
When I was kickboxing back in 1988 I would throw the left jab to nose and the lead left leg jab kick to Solar plexus then right cross and left hook. Could not throw knees in WKA amateur kickboxing back then. In street I throw 4 Straight punches and a knee to stomach. If still standing I stomp his foot
Great stuff, thanks mate.
Leaning back does add power to your front kick. Sorry that’s the truth! Even doing it how you said was wrong.