Right Uppercut/Left Hook/Right Cross
This combination is unique because it is initiated with an uppercut instead of a straight punch. The right cross can easily be replaced with a right elbow.
Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, close in to accommodate the uppercut punch.
Throw a right
uppercut.
Recoil. Make
sure your right
hand recoils
to your
face after
the punch. Immediately
follow with a left hook.
Recoil
and immediately follow with a right cross.
Recoil, returning to fighting stance.
Tips:
The rhythm
of the punches
should be the
same. Avoid any
hesitation between
them. The
uppercut should load
the left hook.
Defensive Front Kick
Unlike Front Kick to a Vertical Target (page 48), which is designed to penetrate and cause damage, the main purpose of a defensive front kick is to either stop an advancing opponent or to push a close opponent to a greater distance. For this reason, we kick with the whole foot. More surface area means the kick will push more than penetrate.
Caution: If you are not experienced with kicks, you are in danger of hyperextending your knees. Always practice the kick against a stationary opponent before working against an advancing target. Then begin working against an advancing target that is moving slowly.
Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.
Bring
your right
knee up high, with
your toes
flexed back (not
pointed). Send your
foot forward,
kicking with the
entire sole of
your foot
(ball to heel). On
contact, your
knee should still
be slightly bent.
As with any
kick, be sure to extend
your hip,
which adds reach and
power. Also, drive with your
base leg for more
power.
Recoil (either forward or back) quickly.
Side Kick
Side kick differs from front kick and round kick; it is similar to a stomp. Contact is made with the bottom of the heel.
Starting Position: Passive stance. The target should be directly to your right side.
Using
the right (closest) leg, bring your knee and foot up in front of your
body.
Send
the bottom
of your heel
out toward the
target while
punching your
hips in
the same
direction. For more power
and greater
height, bend
your body over the
opposite hip. As
your foot
moves toward the
target, pivot your
left (base) foot out
so that your
left heel points toward
the target.
Make contact
with the bottom
of your right
heel. Your knee
should be slightly
bent when you
make
contact.
Recoil by making a sharp movement to bring your foot back toward you and down, while straightening your body back to a vertical fighting stance. Turn and face the attacker.
Tips:
Although your
shoulders may lean
away from the target,
your weight
should transfer through
your hips
into the
target.