Counter theories

[A N T S]

I notice a lot of fighters drop  their opposite hand/guard before executing a rear Thai kick (to get more power or body rotation into the kick). I was wondering if it would be possible to counter w/ a straight blast before the kick comes. Of course, after you feel out your opponent and see how fast his kicks are! Or maybe not even a straight blast, but like a jab or cross even.
Jus wanted some pointers on some tried & true counters to the above mentioned situation. I'm thinking maybe a side step away from the kicking leg and then attacking the open side w/ punches or kicks.
Well, it's just theories for now until I can try dem next week. And I'll post the results.
But any advice is good advice and worth looking into ya know....You never know until you try!!

[Jim McRae]

If your timing is good, just step into punching range and throw a hard cross at his chin.  By stepping in with a push-shuffle, you are moving towards the center of the circle described by his kick, which means that you will encounter less force.  Also, the part of his leg that will hit you will be his lower thigh rather than his shin.  I've seen a couple of MMA fights in which a competitor was knocked out cold from a cross in this way.  To train it, get your partner to put on shin/knee pads and focus mitts.  Have him throw a thai kick and practice stepping in and nailing the pad with a hard cross.

Another thing to try is to use the same defense that Burton teaches in Kali for stick strikes against the leg.  As the kick is thrown at your lead leg, drag that leg back so that your lead foot is about even with your rear foot.  As the kick passes your leg, immediately spring forward with either (a) a lead leg push-kick, (b) a flurry of punches, or (c) a takedown (since many people tend to over-rotate after missing a kick, exposing their backs).

Temet nosce,
Jim

[Jake]

As usual I must agree with my bretheren. Kickboxing 101: counter to rear roundhouse / leg whip is a straight cross. The dropping of the hands is a beginner mistake (unless replaced with something else such as an elbow / forearm block). I should know, Jim has tried correcting this for me a couple of times. I'd be willing to bet that the same guys that drop their hands also telegraph their intended kick with something that you could take advantage of. ie - transfer of weight to the lead foot, a slight outward step of the lead foot, or god forbid a wind up of the upper torso (Jim - if you see me do the last one, please slap me!). Either way, a straight cross will, even if not landing flush, slow his forward momentum or at least as Jim describes set you up inside the circle of his strike. Another option you might take advantage of is a lead kick to the inside of his calf. You would have a shorter target distance, giving you the opportunity to beat him to the punch (or kick as it were). And, since all his weight is on his lead foot, it knocks him off balance leaving little power to his kick should it land. I am a huge advocate of this strike. Granted, it takes some training, but you can achieve nearly as much power in your lead leg as your rear, in half the striking time. Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

[Jim McRae]

I can personally attest to the power of Jake's favorite lead leg thai kick to the calf (having been on the receiving end a time or two).  It is very fast and knocks your opponent way off balance when it lands.  Your opponent usually winds up in flat-footed in a wide, square stance, which gives you the opportunity to blast him with punches (starting with a right cross).  

Temet nosce,
Jim

[A N T S]

Thanx Jim & Jake (If I'm correct, I've met you @ Jim's class). If it is, then "aloha dude, how ya been?" I love to focus on lead limb strikes- to take advantage of my speed- hence the question about the correct or most effective way to execute a lead leg Thai kick.
The cross was something that crossed my mind and will train that with a passion. The cross counter should be effective against an opponent in either lead I presume?
As with the lead leg calf kick as well- It's probably most effective being an inside Thai kick rather than an outside one huh in that it will get him more off balance.
But yeah, when ever I'm sparring I always try to find "habits" dat my opponent does before attacking. Or just observe everyone as they spar with each other.
I'm definitely glad to have this forum to communicate with you martial art masterminds there in da 808 state. It was fun training with you all and enjoyed your knowledge of the arts, friendship, and company. I'll definitely give all of you a call the next time I'm in town so that we can all train and hang out. You all take cares & god bless.

ALOHAZ,

Ants

And since everyone has a favorite quote, I figure I'd add my 2-cents.....Wanna hear it.....Here it goes:

"If you fail to PREPARE. Then prepare to FAIL."