SideKicks

[MJS]

When you're doing this kick, what part of the foot do you prefer to hit with, the blade of the foot or the heel and why?

I'll post my answers shortly! :)

Mike

[KempoGuy06]

When you're doing this kick, what part of the foot do you prefer to hit with, the blade of the foot or the heel and why?

I'll post my answers shortly! :)

Mike
I only have to kicks to the side, one is with the blade, a quick kick and the other is with the heel but with thus one you pivot on the planted foot for additional range and power. So my experience is limited on this but I prefer the heel. It makes use of my long and powerful legs. The one utilizing the blade is meant to be quick, but Im not quick so using this kick puts me at somewhat of a disadvantage. The other kick is slow as well but with the exteded range and my long legs it makes up for the fact.

B

[Shaderon]

I've always been taught to hit with the blade, I'm told that once the foot is conditioned and you have the technique right, it's more powerful, it feels comfier for some reason to hit with the heel, but as I have an injured ankle I'm suspicious of hitting anything with my heel because of the joint impacting.

[tradrockrat]

Train both - MUCH prefer the heel. It's just a personal preference. We utilize a full drag and pistoning motion with the leg (on a left leg sidekick the left leg drags all the way across the right leg to generate power and lift)

I like it - but to be honest I very rarely used it in competition

[Blindside]

Heel, if you are hitting with power, kicking with the edge will be a great way to roll your ankle. Try standing on one leg on the knife edge of your foot. Feel comfortable? Feel like it would be a good idea to jump up and down on it? Thats what a kick is.

Lamont

[Shotgun Buddha]

Wow. Been so long since I actually tried to use a side-kick on someone. Just not comfy taking my leg off the ground that much. I used the heel whenever I did though.

[Andrew Green]

Been a while since I used a side kick, but heal. Blade seems like a bad idea, heal is a much more solid striking surface (Big bones, inline with strike as opposed to small bones at a angle)

[exile]

Heel, always. Using the blade requires a twist-and-rotation of the foot that I've never been comfortable with, and the result seems a much weaker alignment of striking surface with skeletal support than you get when you use the heel.

[zDom]

Heel, always, for me (as well as everybody else in MSK TKD and HKD that I know of).

Specifically, the part of the heel that touches the floor when you are standing.

[blackxpress]

What Andrew Green said. The same reason you punch with the first two knuckles. More power and less likelihood of breaking your ankle.

[Laurentkd]

Heel for me too! Using a larger surface to hit with just makes sense to me, as well as the better alignment of bones in the foot. The heel is designed to take impact, while the blade of the foot is not. Although, since so many use the blade (although obviously not represented on this thread!) maybe there is something I am missing...

[kidswarrior]

Well, I know I'm outnumbered here, but here goes anyway. :)

I learned the side blade before the heel, and have been doing it long enough that it is more comfortable. Also, must keep in mind what we're striking to. I only use this to soft tissue (thighs, side of shin, lower belly), and blade gives something of a cutting effect (like a knife hand). Another consideration is, I train--and would be in any self defense situation--wearing shoes. Blade of the sole of a shoe is much more cutting than a bare foot. And then the personal: have just never developed enough speed with heel to make it effective. Maybe as a finishing blow I'd use it.

[HKphooey]

Keep in mind, most situations we will have shoes on our feet. Unless of course one is Billy Jack. :).

I think it depends on the desired result. In some case you may be looking to smash a knee cap or just "gentle" direct the person downward to set them up for another strike.

[Blindside]

Well, I know I'm outnumbered here, but here goes anyway. :)

I learned the side blade before the heel, and have been doing it long enough that it is more comfortable. Also, must keep in mind what we're striking to. I only use this to soft tissue (thighs, side of shin, lower belly), and blade gives something of a cutting effect (like a knife hand). Another consideration is, I train--and would be in any self defense situation--wearing shoes. Blade of the sole of a shoe is much more cutting than a bare foot. And then the personal: have just never developed enough speed with heel to make it effective. Maybe as a finishing blow I'd use it.

My experience with shoes is that the initial striking area is now even further offline of the line of the bones of the leg than it is barefoot, leaving you more vulnerable to twisting an ankle.

[kidswarrior]

My experience with shoes is that the initial striking area is now even further offline of the line of the bones of the leg than it is barefoot, leaving you more vulnerable to twisting an ankle.

Could be, but hasn't ever happened to me.

[jdinca]

The heel. Not a lot of nerve endings, so it doesn't hurt on impact. In addition, the force of the kick is concentrated in a small area and the leg is in better anatomical alignment to deliver the force to the target.

[green meanie]

I don't do much kicking these days but when I was taught I was taught both but preferred kicking with the heel. Kicking with the blade was hard on my ankle. :asian:

[kidswarrior]

I don't do much kicking these days but when I was taught I was taught both but preferred kicking with the heel. Kicking with the blade was hard on my ankle. :asian:

And just when I'd repped you on another thread....:lfao: J/K

[Sukerkin]

In sparring, I used to use both, depending on what I was aiming at, as Kidswarrior alluded to.

If I was hitting something solidly 'boney' then I'd stirke with the heel and put a bit of 'push' into it.

If I was hitting something more 'composite' then I'd use the edge ('blade'?) of the foot and drag it across before retracting (like a knife as someone has referred to already here).

Wearing shoes, specifically cowboy boots with a Cuban heel, my single 'real world' strike was with the heel to the side of the knee, inflicting a break ... wince ... I know ... I've felt guilty ever since :shame:.

[green meanie]

And just when I'd repped you on another thread....:lfao: J/K

Hehe. Well, I'm just an old groundwork guy who doesn't do a lot of kicking anymore. In my defense I failed to mention that I had an old ankle injury that never really healed right. It made working side kicks with the blade troublesome right from the go. :)

[Shaderon]

Ok I've just done my first break with a sidekick, I tried both methods (Thinking of starting "Shads method investigations" on Wednesday nights) and the one that got me the best result on my break was the one with the sword of the foot. My accuracy was better and although the force was better with the heel, the board didn't so much as bounce. When I did it with the sword of the foot, the board went through.

(Then I did a knife hand strike on the board afterwards and that went first time... :supcool: :boing1: Of course this being totally off topic I won't say that here.... was that out loud?)

[Hand Sword]

I only hit with the heel. I never liked the position of the blade, and how it would hit. I always felt like my ankle would snap with any strike.

[kidswarrior]

Well, this has certainly been an eye opener for me. Never thought the side blade kick would be controversial, or bring out so many opinions. :) Good stuff, tho, because if I ever have a student who is averse to it, this lets me know they have good company in so many good martial artists out there, and so I'll modify it for them. Appreciate all the replies, and the different reasoning behind it. Thanks, everyone. :asian:

[kidswarrior]

Ok I've just done my first break with a sidekick, I tried both methods (Thinking of starting "Shads method investigations" on Wednesday nights) and the one that got me the best result on my break was the one with the sword of the foot. My accuracy was better and although the force was better with the heel, the board didn't so much as bounce. When I did it with the sword of the foot, the board went through.

(Then I did a knife hand strike on the board afterwards and that went first time... :supcool: :boing1: Of course this being totally off topic I won't say that here.... was that out loud?)

Aha! A clue...:ultracool Do we have to send a check for this information? Seriously, Thanks, Shad, for confirming what I've always been taught, and continue to teach. Shows it works best at least for some of us.

[Shaderon]

Aha! A clue...:ultracool Do we have to send a check for this information? Seriously, Thanks, Shad, for confirming what I've always been taught, and continue to teach. Shows it works best at least for some of us.

Welcome. Any more investigations needed to be performed by an open minded Rookie, send em my way ;) And no I'm not charging, if I charged it would question the validity of my findings.... I did Ethics of experiments in College :D

1,000,000 ancient Koreans can't be wrong.... well ok they can and there probably wasn't 1,000,000 but I was mis-quoting something ok?

[zDom]

Wearing shoes, specifically cowboy boots with a Cuban heel, my single 'real world' strike was with the heel to the side of the knee, inflicting a break ... wince ... I know ... I've felt guilty ever since :shame:.

Too bad you didn't have a film crew following you around. There are some MMA proponents who would have us believe that "knees are much stronger than we think" and easily stand up to the force of a sidekick :rolleyes:



Ok I've just done my first break with a sidekick, I tried both methods (Thinking of starting "Shads method investigations" on Wednesday nights) and the one that got me the best result on my break was the one with the sword of the foot. My accuracy was better and although the force was better with the heel, the board didn't so much as bounce. When I did it with the sword of the foot, the board went through.

That could be attributed to your comfort level with the techniques.

Try some three-board breaks. I think you might then prefer using the heel over the blade of the foot ;)

[kidswarrior]

Too bad you didn't have a film crew following you around. There are some MMA proponents who would have us believe that "knees are much stronger than we think" and easily stand up to the force of a sidekick :rolleyes:

Exactly! Let's see, knee vs. cowboy boot heel...Hmmm :D

[tradrockrat]

That could be attributed to your comfort level with the techniques.

Try some three-board breaks. I think you might then prefer using the heel over the blade of the foot ;)


My thoughts exactly... ;)

[Sukerkin]

Thanks Dom and Kidswarrior, your comments made me raise a smile regarding an incident that I've always felt terrible about.

I hadn't heard that the MMA chaps were saying that knees will take more punishment that is commonly thought. So, for pragmatic discoursive purposes, I'll add that I don't think it was that hard a kick as I was in a cobblestoned alleyway (not ideal footing for cowboy boots!) but they (the boots) did have solid (wooden insert) heels.

Plus, power may have been assisted by the fact that I pushed off one of his mates I had in a wrist/elbow lock.

I think perhaps the most telling point tho' is that I caught him on the side of the knee as he was trying to circle around. The horrid bit is that it was as if my foot didn't even slow down as his leg folded the wrong way ... ick!

Off-topic but apposite object lesson of all this? Don't get into fights, avoid them :tup:.

Practising your techniques on boards (despite what Bruce said) is much nicer.

[pstarr]

Outer edge of the heel. It's relatively impervious to injury-

[MJS]

Sorry for neglecting this thread folks. Lots of great replies! :)

For myself, I prefer the heel. As Handsword stated, I too am not fond of the angle of the foot, when doing the blade kick. IMO, I feel that I'm getting much more power and a more solid kick with the heel. I've heard that the blade is more of a precision kick, but its still possible to throw a shot to the leg and hit with the heel.

Mike

[MJS]

Too bad you didn't have a film crew following you around. There are some MMA proponents who would have us believe that "knees are much stronger than we think" and easily stand up to the force of a sidekick :rolleyes:

You mean you don't do that??

:lol:

[kidswarrior]

Outer edge of the heel. It's relatively impervious to injury-

Well, that's a new one for me. Kind of a blade heel kick, if I'm reading this right. Interesting.

[kidswarrior]

That could be attributed to your comfort level with the techniques.

Try some three-board breaks. I think you might then prefer using the heel over the blade of the foot ;)

Been thinking about this on and off for a couple days (as an instructor, if I'm wrong want to change it now). And here is where I think I've landed: Side blade is for targets that can be 'cut', i.e. are meaty, as thigh, lower abdomen, side of knee, side of calf. These would equate to Shaderon's one-board successes, showing they're effective for the right target. Sort of a jab type kick, or knife hand strike (which can also generate a lot of power).

Side heel (what I call side thrust), I like for sturdier, harder, or bonier targets such as solid part of trunk, hip crease, lower back, straight on knee, ankle (almost a stomp), and the like. Sort of a knockout type kick. Akin to boxing hook or right cross, or in MA, a hammer fist. This would explain zDom's point that blade might be less effective against heavier reistance (if I read that post right).

Actually, this is how I've always practiced/preached, but this thread forced me to articulate my own system better. There is a place for both knife/sword hand, and hammer fist, just as side blade and side heel. Sometimes I want to use a meat cleaver, and sometimes a hammer. But never for the same job.

Much appreciated all posters. :asian:

[kidswarrior]

When you're doing this kick, what part of the foot do you prefer to hit with, the blade of the foot or the heel and why?

I'll post my answers shortly! :)

Mike

For some reason found myself going through some of my foundational books referencing some basic technique or other, and happened to remember this thread/question. And since my view differed from most (often use side of foot vs. heel), thought I'd see if the stuff I rely on for back-to-basics proved me wrong. Here's what I found (now granted, this is limited to my library, so pretty small sample--but some names are recognizable).

My first serious book on technique from way back when was Bong Soo Han's, Hapkido: Korean art of self-defense. He says/illustrates striking edge of the knife foot (Chok-Do) is the 'outside edge or the blade of the foot'. He shows the heel of the foot as used only for a straight on thrust kick (Deet-Bahl-Deum-Chi).

Kung Fu Basics by Paul Eng has been a short, sweet handbook for me. His section called 'Side Kick' says specifically that the outside edge of the foot is used as a knife edge, and as such is one of the strongest kicks in the kung fu arsenal, potentially stronger than the heel thrust (which, as Bong Soo Han, he shows only as a straight-on kick).

Bruce Tegner's complete book of self-defense recommends as one option the 'edge-of-shoe snap kick', mostly to the shin, although he also recommends the 'Stamp kick', which appears sometimes to be a side thrust, or side kick using the heel.

Major W.E. Fairbairn in Get Tough! shows the Boot (Side Kick), very much like Tegner's (actually, Fairbairn obviously preceded Tegner). He also identifies the 'Boot Defense', which is scraping the side of one's boot down the enemy's shin from top to bottom.

Simon Harrison in Kung Fu for girls: Self-defense with style, recommends using the edge of the sole of the shoe 'for scraping bones', much as Fairbairn's Boot Defense.

Another book I use for reference is Kung fu elements: Wushu training and martial arts application manual. Now, as the name says, this is Wushu and a lot of it is obviously meant for acrobatic more than combative application. Still, I notice that one of the kicks discussed is called the Low Cut Kick (xiachuaitui), with the outside edge of the foot at a downward angle (so, practical for mid-thigh down on a standing opponent).

Anyway, if nothing else proved to myself that the writings of at least some people whom I consider pretty knowledgeable stress the side of foot as a blade kick. :ultracool

[Tez3]

The side kick is my very worst kick, I can't kick high and it always comes off a bit wimpy when I do it! ( unless it's to the knee then it's not bad) I have seen some terrific side kicks in comps though so have always envied people with a good sidekick.I can do the blade of the foot bit easily enough, it's purely the height and power I can't get. I've never been taught the heel version so I'm going to try it out. Good discussion, I'm enjoying it!

[IcemanSK]

When you're doing this kick, what part of the foot do you prefer to hit with, the blade of the foot or the heel and why?

I'll post my answers shortly! :)

Mike

The heel. Always.

[marlon]

i find that if you do not hit with the heel you lose much of the rotational power from the hips/ pelvis. then it is a different kick altogether and a very different type of power.

my 2 cents

respectfully,
Marlon

[zDom]

Bruce Tegner's complete book of self-defense recommends as one option the 'edge-of-shoe snap kick', mostly to the shin, although he also recommends the 'Stamp kick', which appears sometimes to be a side thrust, or side kick using the heel.

I've got that book, too! It was my dad's. I recently found it again (I had lost it for many years after it was packed away in a box).

Very interesting to read it again from a new perspective.

While many respected and knowledgable martial artists use/advocate the blade of the foot, I will ALWAYS use the bottom of the heel.

"Different strokes for different folks" I suppose. :)

[jdinca]

The side kick is my very worst kick, I can't kick high and it always comes off a bit wimpy when I do it! ( unless it's to the knee then it's not bad) I have seen some terrific side kicks in comps though so have always envied people with a good sidekick.I can do the blade of the foot bit easily enough, it's purely the height and power I can't get. I've never been taught the heel version so I'm going to try it out. Good discussion, I'm enjoying it!

Not my best kick either. The knee is a good target, as is the bladder. Another good target is the anterior (front) of the hip joint. A properly placed kick could cause a posterior dislocation of the hip. Even if it doesn't it will slow the guy down and bend him over, presenting the head for all kinds of mayhem.

[kidswarrior]

I've got that book, too! It was my dad's. I recently found it again (I had lost it for many years after it was packed away in a box).

Very interesting to read it again from a new perspective.

While many respected and knowledgable martial artists use/advocate the blade of the foot, I will ALWAYS use the bottom of the heel.

"Different strokes for different folks" I suppose. :)

Yeah, kind of what I was thinking, too. :)

[kidswarrior]

Not my best kick either. The knee is a good target, as is the bladder. Another good target is the anterior (front) of the hip joint. A properly placed kick could cause a posterior dislocation of the hip. Even if it doesn't it will slow the guy down and bend him over, presenting the head for all kinds of mayhem.

Great point! In Kung Fu San Soo, this is even a target for a hard (full body) punch--or, double punch. Will definitely take his balance.

Other good targets if his feet are offset are inside of thighs, and inside of shin--especially if wearing shoes (then, any part of shin).

[zDom]

Another good target is the anterior (front) of the hip joint. A properly placed kick could cause a posterior dislocation of the hip. Even if it doesn't it will slow the guy down and bend him over, presenting the head for all kinds of mayhem.

Yep — I've always thought that would be a prime target for a side kick (or front kick!) as well. Difficult to block or avoid.

[Tez3]

When doing it with the heel is there anything different I should do from the 'normal' side kick?

[jdinca]

:)
When doing it with the heel is there anything different I should do from the 'normal' side kick?

To me, with the heel is a normal side kick. Just remember the "pop" comes from the speed of the standing foot pivot.

[Tez3]

:)

To me, with the heel is a normal side kick. Just remember the "pop" comes from the speed of the standing foot pivot.

Cheers! I'm going to practice that!

[jdinca]

Great point! In Kung Fu San Soo, this is even a target for a hard (full body) punch--or, double punch. Will definitely take his balance.

Other good targets if his feet are offset are inside of thighs, and inside of shin--especially if wearing shoes (then, any part of shin).

I actually found that out by accident in a point sparring match. I hit the front of his hip, he dropped his guards and turned to the side. It was the roundhouse to gut that got the point.

A thrust kick to any part of the knee, or close by works for me!

[MrE2Me2]

To all,

I practice my side kick with both the heel and the blade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdgyLv9pYvE&feature=PlayList&p=B5BF1833DCBB3236&index=3

And I’ve found that both have advantages and disadvantages.

Using the heel tends to leave my groin open longer than using the blade.
I find this is especially true if I kick to the solar plexus.

The other problem I have with the heel is that the whole thing takes longer than using the blade.
Also there is the problem of using the heel repeatedly in succession (for me, it’s slow).

But all that being said; the heel kick can be tucked or extended making it a more flexible kick.
It’s harder to see coming and done low, it is very hard to defend against.

On the other hand, using the blade exposes the top of the ankle to descending elbows.
And the range must be absolutely perfect or it’ll fail.

It also took me considerably longer to get strong enough and quick enough to use it properly.
I actually practiced it like this for a while before turning into a proper snap kick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M4UbZKRpnY&feature=PlayList&p=B5BF1833DCBB3236&index=9

The side snap kick (with the blade) is the kick I now prefer when practicing.
It is just faster and easier to use for me.

It took me a long time to get to trusting myself enough to be able to do this without hurting my ankle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK9WluPM3Ic&feature=PlayList&p=93BA4EB07BDBA20E&index=13

I really liked what Kidswarrior said:
“Side blade is for targets that can be 'cut', i.e. are meaty, as thigh, lower abdomen, side of knee, side of calf…. Side heel (what I call side thrust), I like for sturdier, harder, or bonier targets such as solid part of trunk, hip crease, lower back, straight on knee, ankle (almost a stomp), and the like.”

But both types are fast and powerful.
And both have their place in my toolbox too (as it were).

Regards, MrE2Me2

[kidswarrior]

To all,

I practice my side kick with both the heel and the blade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdgyLv9pYvE&feature=PlayList&p=B5BF1833DCBB3236&index=3

And I’ve found that both have advantages and disadvantages.

Using the heel tends to leave my groin open longer than using the blade.
I find this is especially true if I kick to the solar plexus.

The other problem I have with the heel is that the whole thing takes longer than using the blade.
Also there is the problem of using the heel repeatedly in succession (for me, it’s slow).

But all that being said; the heel kick can be tucked or extended making it a more flexible kick.
It’s harder to see coming and done low, it is very hard to defend against.

On the other hand, using the blade exposes the top of the ankle to descending elbows.
And the range must be absolutely perfect or it’ll fail.

It also took me considerably longer to get strong enough and quick enough to use it properly.
I actually practiced it like this for a while before turning into a proper snap kick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M4UbZKRpnY&feature=PlayList&p=B5BF1833DCBB3236&index=9

The side snap kick (with the blade) is the kick I now prefer when practicing.
It is just faster and easier to use for me.

It took me a long time to get to trusting myself enough to be able to do this without hurting my ankle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK9WluPM3Ic&feature=PlayList&p=93BA4EB07BDBA20E&index=13

I really liked what Kidswarrior said:
“Side blade is for targets that can be 'cut', i.e. are meaty, as thigh, lower abdomen, side of knee, side of calf…. Side heel (what I call side thrust), I like for sturdier, harder, or bonier targets such as solid part of trunk, hip crease, lower back, straight on knee, ankle (almost a stomp), and the like.”

But both types are fast and powerful.
And both have their place in my toolbox too (as it were).

Regards, MrE2Me2

Well thought out and documented first post!

And welcome to Martial Talk!!! :)

[DavidCC]

The other problem I have with the heel is that the whole thing takes longer than using the blade.
Also there is the problem of using the heel repeatedly in succession (for me, it’s slow).

... Regards, MrE2Me2

I don't understand why it would be slower, do you have any idea why?

-D

[kidswarrior]

I don't understand why it would be slower, do you have any idea why?

-D

Why is a thrust kick slower than a front ball kick? Maybe for some people it isn't. But sure is for me. I think of it as similar to difference between a jab and R/ cross. Much difference in speed/effect. But maybe that's just me.

[DavidCC]

Why is a thrust kick slower than a front ball kick? Maybe for some people it isn't. But sure is for me. I think of it as similar to difference between a jab and R/ cross. Much difference in speed/effect. But maybe that's just me.

Oh, sorry I must have mis-read. I thought it said a side thrust kick was slower than a side blade kick.

[MrE2Me2]

Hello Kidswarrior,

You asked about the difference in speed between two types of side kicks.
The easiest way for me to explain this is also a way to kill two birds with one stone.

I finally have enough time to start video taping my techniques at “youtube”, again.
(So this will give me a reason to do that while I answer your question.)

The shortest answer is that my hips tilt after I step and before I kick in the side thrust kick.
(Done slowly, here.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EujT-r7XVHQ

The side snap kick incorporates the tilt in the step as I execute a side snap kick(for me).
(Also done here, slowly.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXpao_0rbf0

Comparing the two types makes it easier to see the difference in speed.
(Use this link.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPimQ58dQvc

Both types of side kicks use the same number of moves from horse to extended leg (four).
But I step and tilt at the same time while snapping my side kick.

I tilt my hips when kicking while doing a back kick but my back is to my opponent for a split second.
(As I demonstrate here.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGc4MT6VMFs


Hello DavidCC,

I almost posted over you .L.O.L.!
You posted, “I thought it said a side thrust kick was slower than a side blade kick.”
Uh…for me the thrust is slightly slower.

Regards, MrE2Me2

[DavidCC]

Both of those kicks appear to be quite different than the side kicks we use. We use an extension of the leg in a straight line, those appear to be circular at the knee... hard to tell from one video angle though. thanks for posting those vids :)

-D

[MrE2Me2]

DavidCC,


You commented that my side kicks did not look like yours.
That yours were more in line.


Did they look more like this?


Slow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VRCQo0AavI

Faster:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_i4ALAI-uU

Regards, MrE2Me2

[Christina05]

What Andrew Green said. The same reason you punch with the first two knuckles. More power and less likelihood of breaking your ankle. I agree.

[KempoFlow]

For a traditional side kick the heel.

[DavidCC]

DavidCC,


You commented that my side kicks did not look like yours.
That yours were more in line.


Did they look more like this?


Slow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VRCQo0AavI

Faster:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_i4ALAI-uU

Regards, MrE2Me2

yes, that is the linear action that resembles our side kicks. When teaching it to the kids I start them off by stomping straight down...

I still need to try the kicks from your original videos, see how my heavy bag likes'em.

[jdinca]

To all,

I practice my side kick with both the heel and the blade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdgyLv9pYvE&feature=PlayList&p=B5BF1833DCBB3236&index=3

And I’ve found that both have advantages and disadvantages.

Using the heel tends to leave my groin open longer than using the blade.
I find this is especially true if I kick to the solar plexus.

The other problem I have with the heel is that the whole thing takes longer than using the blade.
Also there is the problem of using the heel repeatedly in succession (for me, it’s slow).

But all that being said; the heel kick can be tucked or extended making it a more flexible kick.
It’s harder to see coming and done low, it is very hard to defend against.

On the other hand, using the blade exposes the top of the ankle to descending elbows.
And the range must be absolutely perfect or it’ll fail.

It also took me considerably longer to get strong enough and quick enough to use it properly.
I actually practiced it like this for a while before turning into a proper snap kick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M4UbZKRpnY&feature=PlayList&p=B5BF1833DCBB3236&index=9

The side snap kick (with the blade) is the kick I now prefer when practicing.
It is just faster and easier to use for me.

It took me a long time to get to trusting myself enough to be able to do this without hurting my ankle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK9WluPM3Ic&feature=PlayList&p=93BA4EB07BDBA20E&index=13

I really liked what Kidswarrior said:
“Side blade is for targets that can be 'cut', i.e. are meaty, as thigh, lower abdomen, side of knee, side of calf…. Side heel (what I call side thrust), I like for sturdier, harder, or bonier targets such as solid part of trunk, hip crease, lower back, straight on knee, ankle (almost a stomp), and the like.”

But both types are fast and powerful.
And both have their place in my toolbox too (as it were).

Regards, MrE2Me2

Those are similar to two of our kicks. The blade kick (knife edge) is a light, fast kick to fragile targets, knee, floating rib, throat. The side thrust with the heel is a power kick designed to deliver maximum impact.

Try bringing your back arm foward, i.e., have your fist somewhere around your stomach. I think you'll find that minor anatomic change will noticeably improve your ability to correctly execute the kick.

[kidswarrior]

Those are similar to two of our kicks. The blade kick (knife edge) is a light, fast kick to fragile targets, knee, floating rib, throat. The side thrust with the heel is a power kick designed to deliver maximum impact.

Yes, thank you. :ultracool

[Shaderon]

i find that if you do not hit with the heel you lose much of the rotational power from the hips/ pelvis. then it is a different kick altogether and a very different type of power.

my 2 cents

respectfully,
Marlon


That to me sounds like the difference between a side kick and a back kick unless I'm reading it wong?

[MrE2Me2]

DavidCC,
You posted, “yes, that is the linear action that resembles our side kicks. When teaching it to the kids I start them off by stomping straight down...”

Cool! I also start beginners off that way.

You also posted, “I still need to try the kicks from your original videos, see how my heavy bag likes'em.”

I hope you enjoy them.

Jdinca,
You posted, “Those are similar to two of our kicks. The blade kick (knife edge) is a light, fast kick to fragile targets, knee, floating rib, throat. The side thrust with the heel is a power kick designed to deliver maximum impact. “

I agree with Kidswarrior, Thank You (for the clarification).

Regards, MrE2Me2

[MrE2Me2]

Jdinca,
You posted, “Try bringing your back arm foward, i.e., have your fist somewhere around your stomach. I think you'll find that minor anatomic change will noticeably improve your ability to correctly execute the kick.”

I did and you are correct.
Thank you for the suggestion.

Regards, MrE2Me2

[Em MacIntosh]

When I do a side kick I always hit with both anyway. The heel is part of the blade. The skin squishes. I do like to keep my toes out of the way so I stretch them back. The heel will be where most of the force is because of the allignment through bone straight to the hip and other heel. To be honest I don't give it much thought anymore. I aim for the pelvis straight on and my heel hits the hip-bone while my blade hits the abdomen. I stomp a foot with just the heel.