3 Ways to Improve your Roundkick

The roundhouse kick is the basis of most kicking arts

Number One: Hold Your Kick


Holding your kick is a very important aspect in building strength in the muscles required to kick effectively.  You should at least be able to hold a steady position on one leg, with the other raised in the air. The next step should be to chamber the kick and hold the chambered position for at least 30 seconds After having mastered that, practices holding out the leg extended in the manner you would strike an opponent for at least 10 seconds. The final step is to be able to perform the entire kicking motion in complete fluidity over a period of at least 15 seconds.





Number Two: Keep Your Back Straight

Too many newcomers to kicking arts tend to hunch over as they kick. This gives the illusion of being able to generate more power, just as winding up a punch makes your cross or hook feel stronger. In reality, hunching over and winding up completely telegraphs your motions to your opponent. You should be able to kick quickly and without warning from a standing position. Keeping your back straight and your center of gravity directly below you also gives you a better range, as well as making it easier to retreat in case your opponent evades the attack. However, avoiding leaning back, as this exposes the chin.

A straight back also allows you to keep a better defense, by protecting your head with your arms, as well as allowing you to clearly see your opponent.

Number Three: Drop Your Kicks

Now that you can hold your kicks, it will be almost counter-intuitive to drop them as fast as possible. While practicing slow kicks may have increased your technique and power, it also leaves your kick vulnerable to grabs and takedowns. Practice your kicks as you usually would, but now drop them to the ground as fast as possible after hitting the target. Initially stomp them down right next to the target, but slowly begin to attempt to drop them closer to their original starting position. This may sound easy, but it is incredibly difficult if done with a straight back and proper technique, as well as speed. This is best combined with speed training.





Good luck training!