Self Defense Kicks
By Marlene Gundlach | July 16, 2008
Self defense kicks, in addition to punches, can be effective tools when you are approached by an attacker.
Stance
When you are under attack, you must stand and be prepared to block any kicks or punches coming your way. Standing straight and facing forward toward your attacker leaves you more vulnerable and gives easy access to your face, ribs, and abdomen. Instead, stand sideways with your hands at the ready and your face toward the attacker as in the photo below. Your weight should be balanced on your back foot.
This stance allows you to block any incoming attacks and puts you in a better position to fight back.
Front Kick
To throw a front kick, start in your ready stance as shown above. Using your back leg, throw a kick forward to make contact with the underside of the groin, one of the most sensitive areas on the body. Do not stop your kick when you make contact, instead kick through the target. This applies full force and makes the attacker more vulnerable. The photo below demonstrates how this kick will look:
Knife Edge Kick
The goal of the knife edge kick is to take out your attacker’s knee. To place this kick, put the heel of your foot directly onto the kneecap. Raise your foot high enough to get leverage to come down with all of your weight on the kneecap. The photo below shows the correct angle for coming down on the kneecap:
Blocking Kicks
Your attacker is not going to stand by and let you kick away. You also need to be able to defend yourself against kicks. Downward blocks are best for fending off kicks. Use your forearm to block the kick by throwing it parallel to the ground, reaching below your waist as in the photo below:
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