Is A Roundhouse Kick Effective?

The roundhouse kick when preformed properly isgenerate a powerful force able to stun or knock
one of the most powerful strikes that exist.down most opponents.
Some people believe that this type of technique isAn important note to remember while performing the
too fancy, elaborate, and not practical. Thisroundhouse kick or any strike is to aim at least six
misconception may be due to movies where peopleinches past the target. This will ensure that this
do a very high or spinning roundhouse kick.technique strikes through the opponent, not just hit
While these are not bad, they are difficult for mostthe outside of the target without the maximum
people to do effectively with speed and or strength.force that could have been applied had the aiming
The fastest, easiest and most powerful roundhousebeen correct.
kick is the one that is below that waist of the personAside from points of aim, the roundhouse kick offers
kicking. If the roundhouse kick is higher then theseveral options for the person kicking. The target can
waist of the person performing the strike, it loosesbe struck with the top of the foot, shin, or the ball
power and take more time and flexibility.of the foot when the foot is pointed instead of flat.
It can be used very effectively by targeting theAll of these options offer distinct advantages. Striking
lower targets of the inner or outer thighs or morewith the top of the foot offers a greater reach if
importantly to target the nerves that supply thesethe opponent is further away, while striking with the
large muscles. It can also be used to target theshin creates a stronger force since the shin is a
knees and cause serious damage.stronger and harder then the top of the foot. Striking
You can use it as a very effective distracting strikewith the shin also provides a larger area to strike and
from your front leg or as a very effective powertherefore there is a greater chance of making
strike from your rear most leg.contact with the target.
A low roundhouse kick is also good because manyAnother option is to strike with the ball of the foot.
people while fighting or sparing are too concentratedThis option allows the kicker to penetrate into deep
on their upper bodies and a low attack may betissue or access nerves more effectively. While the
unexpected and harder to block.roundhouse kick can look fancy it is very practical,
The reason the roundhouse kick is one of the moresimple, and powerful while offering many different
powerful strikes is because it is a whole body motion.options to the kicker on what part of the foot or leg
The roundhouse kick using the back or front legto use.
starts with bringing the leg up, turning the non-kickingFor these reasons, the roundhouse kick is one of the
foot so that is parallel with the object that is beingbest options to use whether sparring or if involved in
struck, and extending the kicking leg while rotatinga real fight.
the upper body through. This, if done correctly, can