Kicking Drill for Martial Arts and Fighting

Are you kicker? If so, I’ve got a kicking drill that’s going to make you a better martial artist on the mats, in the ring, or on the street.

Many martial artists can throw solid kicks, but let their foot fall wherever. That's a BAD HABIT because where you put your foot down determines what you can and cannot do next as a follow-up.

Think about this-- a kick doesn’t end when your foot hits the target, it ends when your foot hits the ground.

A kick is really just a step. Every time I lift my foot to kick, I have a chance to adjust my position. The kick is just a detour.

Smart fighters always put themselves into good positions to set up their next shot. So, here's a kicking drill to help your sparring and fighting.

The Clock Drill

STEP #1: Kick and stop.

Throw a front kick and hold it in the air. Develop control so you can put your foot down anywhere you want.

STEP #2: Choose a spot to put your foot down.

Start off with stepping outside, straight, and across. Then make it harder by imagining you’re standing on a clock.

Throw 12 front kicks and put your foot down on a different number each time.

Step #3: Create combinations.

Build combos from every foot position. For example, here are some basic combos off a front leg Front Kick in an orthodox stance.

KICK AND STEP STRAIGHT (12:00). Follow up with straight punches, a right straight knee, a clinch, or a double leg takedown.

KICK AND STEP OUT (11:00). Follow up with an overhand right, a right hook to the body, or a right round kick.

KICK AND STEP ACROSS (1:00). Follow up with a side kick, spinning elbow, or a spinning back kick.

Step #4: Try it out!

Take a combo and work it into your next sparring session. Trust me—with a little practice, you'll land more kicks and punches than ever.

So, be smart-- put your foot down exactly where you want it to go so you can do exactly what you want to do.

THANKS FOR WATCHING! For more tips on martial arts training, self-defense, and living a happy life, check out these links...

Keep fighting for a happy life! :)

★ LIKE ★ SHARE ★ SUBSCRIBE ★

[archuleta]

excellent drill, started including this drill in my workout routines I love it. it's also a great cardio workout thank you sensei.

[nickkilby]

I really like your humor and teaching. You make martial arts seem so attainable!

[Jericho_S]

awesome tips! I always find something to learn from you sensei!

[sixbells]

That’s the best way I've heard about describing how to kick, I’ve done martial arts for years but I’ve never come across such a good way to teach the basic of kicking I love the way focus on where the foot lands which is so true!. The drills are also great. You really have a talent for teaching and you have a deep knowledge on what you’re talking about. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[stevenshar]

Bravo, really solid technique and training. Thank you so much

[yssing]

After 20 years in martil arts, I still like to get tips and finding new ways to help my students. I will subscribe to you channel.

[BRANONG]

after so many years of training, this is something I have neglected and never considered practising, where to place the foot after the kick. Simple yet sound advice! thanks for the video!

[johnnyaddo]

I'm strictly boxing at the moment, and yet got a lot out of this video

that pool concept of amateurs shooting one ball at a time, and pros setting up the whole table. really makes a lot of of sense for what I do, can see how it'd be useful in any martial art. and even most sports like football. awesome...you're videos are amazing thankyou

[Nightmaroid]

Loving this videos Ando! You always force me to slow down and train with my head firstly and that's something you ain't getting much of on youtube nowadays.

Keep up the good work!

[yea_mark]

Great video! Very clear and concise. Thanks for making quality tutorials.

[thomassaldano]

Amazing! Makes me want to learn more kicks, thank you Sensei, you are a great trainer

[yipyoda]

As always, You did a great work Sensei Ando. Thank you! :)

[joshpck]

kicks as steps is what tkd guys have been trying to tell everyone forever! great video!

[akashneelim]

Another awesome video! :) After completing a kick, I also used to place down my foot without any thought for the next technique. Not because of the balance aspect, mind you, I'm quite good at it (only through hours of training), but because I was taught that way. Lift your leg, kick, bring it back & place it either in front or bring all the way back behind- my instructor would say. Well that was until I watched this GREAT video... :)
Anyway I can't thank you enough for the good you're doing to us aspiring martial artists by pointing out the silly mistakes we tend to commit (which may actually have severe consequences, especially in real life situations) through your videos. Just praying for your health & strength, so that you can keep inspiring generations of young martial artists to come. Keep it up good sir... :)

~Your fan AND student (underline) from India ;-)

[TheIronmaiden]

Great drill, well explained. I will be using this one. Thanks!

[johanpariury]

Thanks for the advice and excellent pointers! I've been taken Kenpo Karate two weeks so far👊

[ishandahal]

Exactly what I was always wondering about. Thank u sensi😃.

[ilyassnejjar]

The idea of considering the kick a violent step and use it to land where you want to end is brillant, as some people are still using the: "hands for fighting, feet for standing" approach.. I believe that can not be right as the feet are the most powerful natural weapons, therefore one can not deny how effective a well executed kick can be.. This methode you show stands in between denying the feet complietly, and focusing on them more than it could be practical.. Great video as always :-)

[MrFacundo]

Very useful tips Sensei ando, Excellent video!👌👍

[enescetinkaya]

more time i spend for kickboxing i more learn it is not only thing u do with your muscles. in my opinion it is much more mental.
and this pool example is really good never tought that way thanks a lot sensei :)