People getting kicked across the room...
(and a fun fight breakdown)
I have two videos for you today, depending on how much time you have to spend watching people get booted in the chest.
The first is very short... and in Russian... I think.
This is a great example of how obscenely powerful a 'side kick' can be, if you have enough distance (and your form is good.)
If I had to guess on the translation of the video, it would be something like:
"First, step the foot closest to your opponent. Then your back foot moves in, with the intention to carry your bodyweight through your opponent. Finally, kick with your leg fully extended, and probably get sued by your injured student... if there's actually a legal system in your country."
I'm spit-balling here... but that's what it looked like.
The second video is a recent 5 round UFC fight between Ben Rothwell, and Junior Dos Santos... two massive heavyweights.
I won't spoil the ending, as it's a long fight... but I will say that the vast majority of this thing was dominated by simple basic MMA form.
Here are the takeaways that I need you to have:
#1. If you don't have a bunch of crafty set ups from both a righty and lefty stance, there is no point in switching the position of your feet constantly.
Master one stance, and stay there... or you're probably confusing yourself more than your opponent.
#2. If your body is not angled towards your opponent, and your torso is flatly facing him, he's going to be able to punch you in the stomach easily and consistently.
If you want to fight 'square', at the very least tuck your damn elbows in so you have something to help defend yourself.
I talk about this extensively in my video about the 'best fighting stance' here.
Ben Rothwell gets murdered with body shots for the entire fight...
#3. If you're going to kick, KICK. The point of kicking someone is to do damage, and if you're going to risk having your kick caught, or losing your balance while on one leg, you might as well rip the kick hard.
If you're going to just lightly slap your foot on your opponent's thigh just to see what he does, you might as well feint that kick, and get the same feedback.
#4. Holy crap Junior Dos Santos can kick hard...
#5. Ben Rothwell's reaction to JDS's punching entries was weak nearly 100% of the time. He would lean awkwardly sideways and kinda backwards, while extending his arm (and fingers) out.
This didn't work as a counter one single time... so why continue doing it?
Ok... he moved his head, but the rest of his body wasn't in a position to do any damage.
If you're going to slip a punch and attack, STEP IN. Move your front foottowards your opponent, inherently bringing your bodyweight into him, and therefore transferring your force into him as well.
#6. If your opponent runs away non-stop, CUT OFF HIS ESCAPE ANGLE. There's no such thing as limitless room to retreat, so when he tries to escape past you, to one side or the other, attack while stepping in front of him.
This inherently backs him up into a barrier, and he can no longer retreat.
And finally...
#7. If you're ever a 'corner man' in a fight, saying things like, "Don't play his game," is useless.
That's a metaphor, and you can't beat someone by using literary tools.
Perhaps, "When he tries to punch you in the body, block it with your elbows and counterpunch."
Or, "Angle your body so he can't punch you in the stomach 139 times per round."
Or, "Do this specific attack which will work really well".
Speaking in riddles, while thought provoking, may only confuse the person you're trying to coach.
Enjoy the videos...