High Side Kick Training High Core, How To Kick Higher With Side Kick Yoko Geri

Summary

In this instructional video, Polarizer addresses the common issue of a high sidekick where the leg is flexible and high, but the body remains low, affecting the effectiveness of the kick in demonstrations and combat. To resolve this, he emphasizes the importance of strengthening the supporting leg and core muscles, not just flexibility. Polarizer suggests specific exercises to improve the midsection strength, which is crucial for lifting the body during a high kick, ensuring better alignment and follow-up actions.

Takeaways

• 🧘‍♂️ High sidekick height is primarily due to the flexibility and strength of the supporting leg, especially the hamstring.
• 🤼‍♂️ A high kick with a low body position can be ineffective for follow-up attacks in combat situations.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Strengthening the supporting leg is crucial, but core strength and flexibility are equally important for proper technique.
• 💪 Focusing on midsection exercises can improve the ability to lift the body during a high kick.
• 🌀 Lateral flexion exercises target the muscles that flex towards the kick, including the external and internal obliques and abdominals.
• 🤸‍♂️ Preparatory exercises should involve lifting both legs to work the midsection and avoid isolating the abductors.
• 🛑 Lifting the upper body is a better option for carryover into actual kicks if no one is available to hold the legs down.
• 🧘‍♀️ An exercise involving leaning away from the kick and coming back helps in extending and laterally flexing the spine.
• 🚫 Avoid lowering the body too much during the exercise to prevent focusing on the supporting leg muscles instead of the midsection.
• 🔼 Increasing the difficulty of the exercise can be done by raising the leg or using extra resistance to challenge the midsection.
• 🔄 The exercises lying down and standing are designed to work the deeper muscles that help in flexing the body and spine with the kicking leg.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script about high sidekick techniques?

The main issue discussed is the discrepancy between having a high flexibility in the supporting leg and the inability to raise the body height during a high sidekick, which can affect the effectiveness of the kick in both demonstration and combat.

Why does having a high kick with a low body position negatively impact the follow-up actions in a fight?

A high kick with a low body position can negatively impact follow-up actions because it puts the body on the floor, making it difficult to effectively use hands or continue with a series of kicks without adjusting body position first.

What factors contribute to the height of a high sidekick according to the script?

The factors contributing to the height of a high sidekick include the flexibility and strength of the supporting leg, the strength and flexibility of the core, and the strength of the muscles in the kicking leg.

What muscle groups are primarily focused on to improve the body height during a high sidekick?

The muscle groups primarily focused on for improving body height during a high sidekick are the muscles of the midsection, including the external and internal obliques and the abdominals on the side of the kick.

What type of exercises are recommended to strengthen the midsection for better high sidekick execution?

The exercises recommended include lateral flexion movements that work the muscles on the side of the body towards the kick, such as exercises that involve lifting both legs simultaneously to work the midsection without focusing on the abductors.

Why is it important to work on the strength of the midsection when trying to improve high sidekick technique?

Working on the strength of the midsection is important because it helps to flex the body and spine towards the kicking leg, allowing the body to be more vertical when the kick is thrown, which enhances the technique and effectiveness of the high sidekick.

What are the two types of preparatory exercises mentioned in the script for improving high sidekick technique?

The two types of preparatory exercises mentioned are one that lifts the lower body and another that lifts the upper body, with the latter being better for carryover into actual sideline kicks.

How can one modify the basic exercise of leaning away and coming back to increase its difficulty?

One can modify the basic exercise by raising the leg higher, using extra resistance, or placing a leg up high and performing small movements to increase the challenge and better target the midsection muscles.

What is the purpose of the exercise where the foot is placed on something and the body leans away and comes back?

The purpose of this exercise is to extend the spine into a straight line and then laterally flex it, primarily working on the strength of the midsection without focusing on the abductors or hip flexors.

Why is it advised not to lower the body too much in the exercise if it becomes too easy?

Lowering the body too much in the exercise can shift the focus to the supporting leg rather than the midsection, which is the primary target for strengthening to improve the high sidekick technique.

How can the exercises demonstrated in the script help in achieving a more vertical body position during a high sidekick?

The exercises aim to strengthen the deeper muscles that flex the body and spine towards the kicking leg, enabling the body to move more vertically in sync with the kick, thus improving the overall technique and power of the high sidekick.