Kicking while sparring

[Gene Tausk]

I was recently reading the article by Gene on using kicks while in free play or sparring. Obviously kicking was used to some extent during swordplay historically, but I have never personally used a kick effectively in sparring, nor really have I tried. Its not something that has ever occured to me when I have a sword in my hand. The only case I've seen a kick being used effectively is on the video on the main ARMA page "Coup d'groin"

After reading it I've been trying to think of instances where I might use a kick. Has anyone used kicking effectively other than say leg sweeps and such during sparring?

Hi Travis:

I will be updating that article in the near future. Some of my earlier findings have changed (surprise, surprise!)

[Shane Smith]

I've been known to land a front thrust kick or two in freeplay. It is readily done at the appropriate time if you are trained to perform the action without concious thought.

Also, I cannot speak strongly enough against the use of leg-sweeps in freeply. The potential for injury is tremendous. Trips? Sure. Kinetic sweeps? Absolutely not!

[Randall Pleasant]

Shane

I full agree with you about not using leg sweeps in free play and sparring! Not only could one suffer a broken hip or broken spine from which they would never fully recover, it is very possible that they would also expenice a major change to their life style from which they would never recover.

[Will Adamson]

I've been known to land a front thrust kick or two in freeplay. It is readily done at the appropriate time if you are trained to perform the action without concious thought.

Also, I cannot speak strongly enough against the use of leg-sweeps in freeply. The potential for injury is tremendous. Trips? Sure. Kinetic sweeps? Absolutely not!

I think I know what you're saying here, but could you elaborate just a bit so I'm sure I'm following. When you say a kinetic sweep, are you talking about the old low turning hook variety or any sort of taking out of the feet from behind?

[Shane Smith]

I've been known to land a front thrust kick or two in freeplay. It is readily done at the appropriate time if you are trained to perform the action without concious thought.

Also, I cannot speak strongly enough against the use of leg-sweeps in freeply. The potential for injury is tremendous. Trips? Sure. Kinetic sweeps? Absolutely not!

I think I know what you're saying here, but could you elaborate just a bit so I'm sure I'm following. When you say a kinetic sweep, are you talking about the old low turning hook variety or any sort of taking out of the feet from behind?

If you use the momentum of your blow to drop the opponent such as in a kick to the lower leg or hooking with kinetic motion that displaces the other man by violently knocking his leg/legs out from under him, that is a kinetic sweep. Knees and ankles are easily injured.

A simple trip is what the name implies.

[Will Adamson]

Okay. That's what I was thought. Just hadn't heard it called that before.