Issue 138

February 2016

Dodge your opponent’s punching combo to deliver a devastating high kick

Rafael Cordeiro

Head coach at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California, teaches you masterful Muay Thai with Fernando Bettega

1 - Rafael throws a jab, but Fernando dodges the punch by slipping to his right.

2 - Rafael then throws a right cross, which Fernando evades by slipping to his left.

3 - Rafael follows up with a left hook. However, Fernando bends his knees and begins to roll under the strike.

4 - Fernando steps his right leg out to the side as he rolls and plants his weight on his right foot.

5 - Fernando counters Rafael’s combo with a left high kick.

TOP TIPS

STUDENT

Spend at least 15 minutes performing dynamic (non-static) stretches before drilling high kicks to avoid pulling a muscle.

KRU

Look low when kicking high. This is an old but effective trick to confuse your opponent.

MASTER

For added power, turn your hip over as much as you can when throwing the high kick. This will make you more likely to land with your shin and cause maximum damage.

IN ACTION

TJ Dillashaw used great evasive movement in his bout with Issei Tamura at UFC 158 before loading his weight onto his right foot and knocking the Japanese fighter down with a left high kick.