Top 10 Kicks: Every Fighter Should Know

Good kicking provides an extra layer of depth and complexity to one’s martial arts or fighting skills.

Elevate your fighting game with this essential guide to the top ten functional kicks. Good kicking can be used tactically in a wide variety of situations, such as to control range, surprise opponents or setting up further strikes. The training required for kicking provides improved strength, fitness, balance, and flexibility by utilizing the entire body in a powerful and natural way.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fighter, you’ll gain valuable insights into:

• The ten most effective kicks for real-world martial artists.

• Ways to incorporate kicks into your fighting style.

• Methods for improving strength, balance, and flexibility.

• Tactical applications in various fighting scenarios.

• Descriptors rating damage, speed, and difficulty levels for each kick.

This book has been written with functionality in mind. It features ten of the most practical and effective kicks drawn from various martial art systems. These kicks come from and can be included in:

• Karate

• Taekwondo

• Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

• Kickboxing

• Kung Fu

• Savate

• Jeet Kun Do (JKD)

• Sanda

• Muay Thai

• Wing Chun

• Krav Maga

• Self-defense

Whether your goals are fitness and flexibility, training for competition or real-life self-defense scenarios, the kicks presented here will serve you well.

Written primarily with beginner and intermediate fighters in mind, it can also provide variations and potentially alternative approaches for more seasoned kickers to add to their own repertoire too.

Don’t let weak kicks hold you back. Transform your fighting ability and gain a crucial edge in competition. With clear instruction and expert tips, you’ll become a more well-rounded and formidable fighter.

© 2025 YMAA Publication Center (Ebook): 9781594393693

Release date

Ebook: 2 September 2025