Greg has made some very good points about low line kicks (and knees). If I may highlight these points using Brian's objections...
Quote:
|
1) kicks not very flexible when range changes. If Nage moves, then most of the time the kick won't work as planned. A step back or to the side usually yields a clean miss.
|
The same is true of punches. Yet in other threads we have seen many aikidoka advocate the use of punches...
Quote:
|
2) kicks not as fast as punches. A head punch cross as little as two feet or so, a head kick can cross up to six or seven. Time equals space.
|
True, but a low line kick (ie classic muay thai kick to the leg) is fast, forceful and extremely effective.
Quote:
|
3) a kicker is off balance. One foot is rooted and one is moving with the torso shifting to control center of balance. Does that sound like it would be hard to further unbalance uke and throw him?
|
Try throwing a muay thai fighter who only delivers low line kicks (heck, thai fighters don't even deal with throws, so the aikidoka has the element of surprise). To be more fair, try throwing a san shou fighter (who will be trained in throwing and grappling) and see what happens.
Kicks are not undefeatable techniques, but to dismiss all kicks as impractical is a pretty big mistake, in my opinion.
Regards,
Paul