Lead Leg Round Kick: Targets and Strategy

[@hard2hurt]

Check out our Front Kick Focus course at hard2hurt.teachable.com

[@mikeemmons1079]

Will you be teaching us how to punch people in the legs too? Bruce Lee wants to know.

[@mellonhead9568]

@@mikeemmons1079 go learn silat they elbow people in the legs hehehe

[@jajak8055412]

Bro, you need to do a review on the Olight seeker 2 pro. I feel like you will really enjoy it!

[@hard2hurt]

@@jajak8055412 i have one it is nice. I need a tailswitch though

[@darthpunk3510]

Train some savate and u learn how to add tons of power to that front kick.

[@thelastchimp]

i love lead leg round kicks, always catch people off guard

[@RobbyDesmond]

"They hate it when I say you just gotta practice." Icy Mike with the eternal truths.

[@Dangswoopman]

Galatians 4:16

[@TheSellot]

"Groin shots will only make a Cliff mad" followed by that look killed me!

[@MarcosAG90]

I was really into good old boxing, but after watching a few videos like this, I'm starting to really appreciate the opportunities that adding kicks open in this whole game. Very nice, strategic and sneaky. Thanks Mike.

[@95DOIDO]

when i see a big and strong fighter like cliff, i always think "oh that dude prob gonna throw some haymakers" but on contrary, his style seems to be more like "less load/no telepgraph", like the lead sidekick with no load/chamber that he teach sergio, smooth...

[@777andresfull]

Hi Icy. I'm a Sanda practitioner and completely agree . Training leads to success eventually🤣. Throwing meaningful kicks is a fine art and not being too telegraphic is part of the equation. Absolutely love your channel. Greetings from Buenos Aires 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷💪💪💪

[@jacksypher3403]

Bas rutten recommends standing more squared up to add power to the lead leg roundhouse

[@mythx123]

This was a reminder that I need to train all my basic lead kicks. Thank you

[@avidgamer5676]

To condition under your arms to take a beating, You must stand in a horse stance with arms out in front at shoulder height while a old wise man beats you with bamboo for three hours a day while getting thrown around for another 5 hours for 6years, sometimes at night you practice catching fish from a well, then you move on to blindfolded combat for six more years ... Only then can you get an invite to the kumite.

[@vorz]

Isn't this the plot to Bloodsport?

[@langying]

@@vorz hence the joke

[@vorz]

@@langying 😉👍

[@conradjonsson]

I bet it works though

[@avidgamer5676]

​@@conradjonsson Can do it yourself with a set of nunchucks just dont hit to hard if they are solid wood.

[@1KongsDong1]

The hardest kick I have ever felt was straight to the arm pit. Good god! I felt that for weeks.

[@Dangswoopman]

Love the no step lead leg round Odd feeling at first but when you get it down its super effective

[@stevenshar1233]

For the lead leg kick to truly work, it's more about timing and precision, rather than speed and power.

[@wowantonlavey]

Love this video, and the lead leg attacks. If you train circling right it opens up soo much with this as you can use your sliding out right kind of like a switch to power up your lead kick but with out telegraphing it. The lead leg kick to the inside of the thigh is deadly too. People seldom turn the leg in properly to check it so if you get to the actual inside of the thigh they tend to slam down into your kick. Its soo disruptive as a counter too. Thats one of my favorite ways to set up landing my right hand.

[@swedbp1]

Learn to kick with the ball of the foot. I started in Tang Soo do (almost all front foot fighting) Always hit soft stuff, inside of leg, arm pit, throat, face, Then practice hitting with the ball of the foot. That liver will hate it

[@zephyrox2]

This reminded me of the 10min-sparring round you did with that young guy. Would love to see more sparring with commentary track, exactly like you did with that round.

[@robingibson9759]

i also really enjoyed that video!!! i feel like i learned a lot from the play by play commentary presented as a teaching opportunity as opposed to the ohmygod-track that you usually get instead during pro fights

[@backwardscapguy1476]

My favorite is when people tell me “you need a switch kick because it has more power.” Let me kick you in the face with my lead leg and see what happens. No ones ever really said yes to that.

[@TheMightyMcClaw]

Given that most fighters are going to veer away from your power side, the percieved weakness of lead-side strikes is at least somewhat compensated for by the fact that your opponent is more likely to be walking into them. Related, this is exactly why I think the spinning hook kick is underestimated - it's a big power shot that comes off of your lead side.

[@derekvandenburg6689]

Nicely done video. Covered that front leg kick well. As a karate guy, I love using the lead leg. All joking aside, the sidekick is a fantastic kick to use from the front leg. The sidekick also is very effective to the arms. Keep up the great videos!

[@tonymartinez4552]

Clifs cheeky wink right before 4:00 😂

[@flamcheeseful]

I work graveyards at a gas station this is such a nice way to pass the time and I learn shit that is useful at the same time. Love the street beefs fights too.

[@TheWillToFight]

Great video if I ever throw the lead roundhouse kick with a big switch I always try and make sure it’s hidden within a combination

[@ryans724]

For me personally, I don’t get very much power out of my lead leg this way (I’m very new Muay Thai) so instead I use “No-movement” lead leg kicks like jabs, just to check them in place and break their rhythm. You can also do that by teep kicking the knee, although it’s a bit rough to do so when your both orthodox

[@ben-arte8936]

my coach favors aiming for the rear forearm too! number 1 target at the start of a fight

[@KungFuCooter]

I kept thinking about this video Saturday. So both times that I sparred with Cliff I tried to land as many front leg round kicks on his guard as possible. He is such a Beast. Great times.

[@avidgamer5676]

Best time of day to upload for us swanky Brits :D

[@DevilDogMartialArts-]

By contrast you can also seriously debilitate the lead arm with lead leg axe kicks to the bicep. I like also doing front kicks to the bottom inside of the arm using the lead leg when guys play an open guard. Breaking down the arms and legs are really useful against tall fighters

[@jessedean6976]

i have my first amateur kickboxing match in about a months time, i’ve been training now for a little under a year, is there anything u wish u knew before ur first fight?

[@hard2hurt]

The hits are gonna come faster than you imagine. The other guy is just as tired and scared, even if it doesn't seem like it. Relax, breathe and listen to your corner. Do exactly what he says exactly when he says it... even if it sounds wrong or feels impossible.

[@coolman54061]

if u win i’ll like ur comment. good luck my guy👍👊

[@LuCa8_]

Good luck I remember my first amateur Muay Thai fight. It was scary but awesome. You’ll love it.

[@robingibson9759]

godspeed!!!!!!!!!! ur gonna do great!

[@jasonalvarado7140]

How did it go?

[@igneous061]

you guys are gold.....absofckinlutely most bestest quality content on yt....

[@fireeaglefitnessmartialart935]

I do practice my lead leg kicks. I do try to just lift n throw as you discuss, and it is awkward. I do practice the various ways: switch, step, or lunge. But I also try quick kicks. I think about it cuz of a scene in the movie never back down 2 with micheal j white. He uses his right from an orthodox stance, but the idea I believed was sound. In the movie, they used to have bags on a rack that allow them to travel distance with enough force. But mjw character kicked the bag, intentionally in a way that didn't make it move, but enough force to break a hole in the bag. Now I cant break holes in heavy bags, or any strike pads for that matter, but the idea he was trying to communicate, is what I sometimes emulate. Plus I did have a taekwondo background, so some of it is also easier mentally.

[@shelbyyoungfitness2716]

Awesome video as usual Mike, thanks for all the great content!

[@circlepit4598]

Loving seeing more Cliff lately!

[@conradjonsson]

It is simply practice that is needed. I was trained from the beginning, day one, with my lead kicks. Lead front, round and sidekick. Guess what, it is better than almost every other guy/girl that I now train with. Not because I am a better fighter in general, but because I practiced it from day one. Now it is an edge for me whenever I sparr.

[@uncleconconz894]

You dont get enough credit for your content mate. Superb trainer.

[@magnum567134]

Being a TKD guy, I tried showing guys from my MMA gym how to throw a lead leg kick with no step. It's apparently not intuitive if you haven't been doing it for years😕

[@snazdogdbfan251]

Yeah man. Personally I found it difficult to learn the switch lead leg kick

[@dvldgz6306]

I use my lead kick to check kick coming to the right side instead of normally checking the kick. I also throw it out there to block a teep or when I see someone chamber. To be honest it's my favorite and most used kick because when I first started it was the only kick I could land.

[@LincolnWiseDidMyMom]

Same sorta philosophy with a spinning back kick, if you can catch them with it as they move in , I think it's one of the worst kicks to get caught with

[@personperson2706]

I appreciate this vid I’ve got a mean round kick but have always worried it won’t work.This really helped

[@jbhowell]

Super practical! Thanks!

[@johncalvinyt8147]

Always watching your tutorials and discussions thanks for the tips 😁

[@FireMattress]

"But kicking w/ the lead leg is hard..." TKD fighters: "Tsk, amateurs."

[@matthewtull]

Great video. Thank you.

[@YousifPhotoshopTutorials]

02:56 Cliff's wink

[@matthalderman475]

As a southpaw, the lead leg roundhouse is such a useful tool since you're toe to toe with 'em.

[@Ottepeg89]

Another great one. I found if you pivot enough on the standing leg and snap it out there power shouldn't be an issue.

[@dewaynedawkins4573]

Same thing I was thinking. I love throwing the lead round without the switch.

[@syaharief06]

Oh ya I do this kick. I like it.

[@bob67497]

getting kicked in the ribs under your arm can also put major strain on the trapezius muscle, which will also fuck up both your arms, potentially, because that spans your back.

[@sully8751]

i have a really fast and powerful lead leg kick. only problem is guys at my gym usually dutch block it and then catch... so the problem is my placement. hence knowing when to and when not to, that’s with anything tho. good vid.

[@navim8752]

I just started doing kickboxnig an year ago and i'm trying to work on my fundamentals: jab, cross, hooks, lead leg kick ecc... we are going right into a new lockdown here (in Italy) and this shit make everything harder. I cannot have a sparring partner. Last time i went to a public playground to do some pads work with a friend of mine, police stopped us and told us to go back home or to keep training but 6ft apart one frome another. Still trying to work on those foundamental even by myself, but it's not that simple if there is no one telling you if you are doing right or not.

[@cry9297]

I use my lead roundhouse like a jab, really good setup kick too

[@Liquidcadmus]

I would assume that everyone would use the lead leg, but the fact is that the average person is too lazy to put the work needed to get that lead leg to shoot out naturally. it's in fact a super useful and effective resource.

[@B..B.]

My kungfu master is so good at lead leg kick that is a nightmare. he generates a lot of power even when people don't go forward against him. And he is nimble as hell. I need to fight against him again, his spinning kick is also something to take note. He do it at short distance and kinda upwards it messes a lot in the ribs and liver.

[@michaelwestmoreland2530]

This reminds me of that Michael Jai White video where he's teaching Kimbo Slice the power not telegraphing. Of course it's never explained from the other side. How the fuck are you supposed to handle little-to-zero-tell attacks?

[@LuCa8_]

I also just use rear round kicks on the arm because I’m a switch stance fighter. So if I’m fighting an orthodox fighters I might switch southpaw to kick their rear hand. Kinda dissecting them if ya know what I mean. But I like this technique too.

[@nathandiaz4360]

4:33 jay in the back

[@NeutroniummAlchemist]

My lead leg round kick is my bread and butter, especially since I hurt my right knee. With practice, you can learn to whip it up there as fast as a jab. The key is obviously practice, but maybe not as obviously careful positioning of the standing leg.

[@harlemdeni]

Yo Mike, I don't know if you had a video like this: but how about 'A day in the life of Icy Mike'?

[@999jay999]

Cliff is so formidable, you get to close your going to fall...

[@devinm.6149]

*too close

[@coolman54061]

two close*

[@devinm.6149]

@@coolman54061 👎🏻

[@coolman54061]

@@devinm.6149 👍

[@vespaman101]

I love how everyone is so in love with cliff. He was my coach when I was in college. UNCP MMA club. That dude out me thru some serious shit. You learn so well though. I went from being mostly a wrestler to my striking being one of the best parts of my game.

[@DarkSolstice]

How would you avoid getting blocked with the elbow? I know for me, my reflex when getting kicked is to pull my back hand to my face and often times a kick aimed at my torso will hit my the point of my elbow, doing way more damage to the kicker than me. If I'm throwing that kick to the underarm is there a way to avoid them blocking with their elbow?

[@shelbyyoungfitness2716]

Just like when setting up a lead hook to the body you want to draw their hands up with punches or feints to the face then attack the window where the liver/ribs are open. Some fighters also keep their elbows out wide, be aware though that those with Thai experience are doing this intentionally to catch your kicks, but you can still create and take advantage of opportunities to land these. My favorite time is exactly what Cliff showed, when the opponent throws a lazy cross or big overhand I lean back and pivot to smash the liver with my shin.

[@OGFITNESS]

Dont make Cliff mad, gotcha!.

[@artistpenguin5890]

I recently spoke to a deadly hapkido master, who had the audacity to say that lead leg kicks don't have enough power to KO. I was so pissed that I barely managed to stop myself from kicking him on the spot.

[@mitubogoogle]

Good

[@sturg0353]

I was wondering if you could do a video about kajukenbo in terms of self defense compared to combat sports. I’ve been practicing American Kempo for a long time now, and my Sensei incorporates lots of kajukenbo techniques. It was designed specifically for self defense, not sport, so I’m curious about your thoughts on it’s effectivebess

[@okawakurosaki5593]

I think muay thai also has the non switch lead kick. I think there's a variation of it, low ones specially. But yeah they don't do it as much.

[@JosephGarcia6339.]

Review on asap😁

[@bobbyboiler1815]

Give us video of Cliff in a kickboxing/mma match.

[@nastrimarcello]

Bruce Lee did it first. I expected better from you mike. JK If I recall correctly, Bruce Lee kept it's stronger/dominant hand and leg in front. Like putting it's best weapons closer to the enemy was important to him... Please correct me if Im remembering it wrong

[@WithLoveFromJessie]

Cliff @ 3:55

[@DJchrismiller1]

Very fun vid! Watching you get kicked makes me laugh like a little a kid! 🤣

[@fauxbravo]

Front round is a lot easier with a chamber. Plus you get the little bit of power from the snap. That's how I usually throw it. Watching you trying to lift and turn your whole leg and hip was painful, haha.

[@callumfoxvlogs]

Cliff winks at the camera in every video 😅

[@duffles6988]

Mike I wanna get more int9 the amateur seen I'm only 16 but haute before covid I was just about to have my first fight but over the quarantine but I've let my self go and I have no more motivation to do it how am I supposed to get more motivation

[@sativashow1131]

I've got a training question that couldn't wait til Monday haha. For context... I picked up training after 3 years out of practice. My tank isn't as good as it once was and I go into every class going all out 100 on circuit training and drills. But get gassed out just during warm ups. I notice the other guys pace themselves and dont go all out. Should I hold back too or is it better to give it all that I have?

[@necromancer0616]

Hey Cliff! Dose anyone ever grab that leg when you throw that kick?

[@john_2730]

Icy mike! Been sculpting those guns? 💪

[@hard2hurt]

I was at the time lol.

[@john_2730]

@@hard2hurt looking good after surgery mate 👍 i was just checking it wasn’t swelling from taking cliffs kicks 😂

[@benknight6856]

Hey icy mike what do feel about kali and stick fighting is it practical for self defense?

[@hard2hurt]

I don't know. Have you ever heard of it happening in real life?

[@benknight6856]

No 😔

[@SRTTren]

Omg this is a god send for me

[@tensae4725]

I wonder how much Kliff weights. And how tall he is.

[@ndyoyo1905]

500kg, 200m

[@Brass_Heathen]

Mike you guys should probably get a safeword when sparring with cliff. ;)

[@KingMB23]

Hey Mike what's your view on the oblique kick?

[@hard2hurt]

Search "hard2hurt oblique kick"

[@jasonborges6701]

Would the southpaw equivalent of this be doing it to stop an orthodox's jab hand? Or would you recommend maybe taking a back step to Orthodox and shooting up my left (now lead) kick while they're pressuring in and throwing the right hand?

[@jasonborges6701]

To further this, I'd love to see more videos where you talk about southpaw vs ortho. Not necessarily "advantages" (like the Southpaws rear leg being on the ortho fighters liver side etc) but tactics, what's a good strategy/drill/technique that works a bit better because of the different stances. Thanks

[@angelmendez7651]

3:15 What happened here... lol 😆

[@NandosN0W]

In enter the dragon, Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris started off with lead leg round kicks

[@ilgenis]

Please do a hard sparring video with a huge weight discrepencies between pro fighters.

[@syaharief06]

U guys r a great bunch of people to train with... Where is your gym?

[@grimperpl]

I have a friend who is 50 and still can kick like this. :)

[@jonwilliams5579]

Second

[@cryptomega3719]

D.Reyes knows how bad that kick feels

[@grimarcher872]

After this video, I mostly have just stopped switching unless we're doing pads.

[@arnococlet6895]

Buakaw finest :D

[@andrewgayle1822]

I wish to God that I never had heart problems because I would’ve loved to have train with you it would’ve been lovely and fun to be trained by you

[@integratedfightingarts]

Funny, I always threw my lead kicks that way and have been 'corrected' by instructors so many times...

[@seanhannagans]

Cliff speaks? Which one of you edits him out every week?

[@951penalozahugo]

For more fitness tips, gear reviews, as well as concepts and principles that make you hard to hurt, visit your local library, or click subscribe.

[@purplesascwtch64]

I actually feel 100 times more confident with my lead hook than my rear one lol

[@nickarnold1622]

Now I gotta ditch my switch kick... and I just got good 😂

[@angelmirchev8433]

Funny thing. I was starting to practice this kick a lot more since I like to use lead leg teeps a lot. Then lock down 2.0 happened. Can someone just please put me out of my damn misery?

[@kopfdertoten466]

Kickboxers can groin kick too

[@pedroalexandredillemburg3751]

Evangelista "Cyborg" Santos used to kick people in the leg with his lead leg, the only thing was that he didn't do that as much as he could do...

[@treyork1684]

How tall is Cliff, looking out for flexible big dudes!!