There is a quick move for kicking in close range when your opponent is too close to kick with either leg. The lead foot steps back to meet with the rear foot, and the rear leg performs the kick. From orthodox stance, that would be the left meeting the right and the right leg executing the kick. I quite like it myself, along with practicing footwork + kicking in general. Thoughts?
Can you elaborate on that as i am having difficulty in visualising it. Any particular kick? I personally would just punch them, i cant kick combatively reliably past a front kick if i am lucky.
It's similar to switching stance, where you have either foot meeting the other and switching places. Either foot can initiate or it can be simultaneous. It's basic footwork that you will hopefully learn if you keep up with the TKD classes. For the particular movement I described, your front foot steps back to replace the position of your rear foot, and what was the rear leg performs the kick (roundhouse.)
Ok, but why not just do a knee instead when at close range? Knee's are very powerful and it would be quicker than changing stances and then striking.
Why not have options at your disposal? Knees and elbows definitely come into play at the range! It is a good suggestion. Footwork switching can throw an opponent off or you may want to switch stances, depending on the situation.
Surely, if you're at such close range that you're unable to kick effectively, perhaps you should just use the tools suitable to your current position, rather than trying to readjust your range to use a favoured technique??
How are you defining effective kick? Because you can do a ton of things with a close-in lead kick. Plus, if you're bringing the lead foot towards the rear foot to then kick with the rear foot, then the supporting foot for the kick, and thus the range, is going to be exactly the same as if you'd just kicked with the lead foot. You can also kick very well with the rear foot at close range.
There is no change or readjusting range. It's simply a stance switch with the back leg coming forward to kick. There's no forcing a favored technique inherent. It could be part of a combination.
Diagonal step outside line and bury the lead leg...its quicker and safer if you really, REALLY need to kick
Not sure how it's quicker, could you elaborate? I'm guessing you mean stepping to the side with the rear leg, and possibly from a distance slightly further than I was describing.
No I mean you are right inside punching distance Assuming you are both in a matched stance, rear legs moves out and front leg travels right up. It is a safer option because you are offline. The version you describe leaves you more open to a quick counter punch because you are going back in a straight line
Thanks Hannibal. I wasn't talking about what was shown in that video Van Zandt posted by the way where the person moves back, although similar. Side stepping can work great too, provided there is space!
I can't quite see what SCA means, but I suspect he's thinking from a TKD sparring perspective. If competitors are in open stance then a front leg kick is more difficult to score with. Mitch