Fighters Only

Issue 099

March 2013

The first in a counter striking series, FO tells you the best replies for the body kick

PETE IRVING

Pete Irving is a professional welterweight fighter and Fighters Only’s resident fight expert

The body kick is one of the highest scoring techniques in Muay Thai. A well-placed kick to the ribs can change the flow of a fight, or end it altogether. Knowing how to counter it is extremely valuable. Here, we’ll show you three options.

One of the most important aspects in all body kick counters is first to take the sting out of the kick by moving away from the attack. Seeing the kick coming in time to take the half-step away is a skill developed by repeated drilling and observation of the opponent’s movement. Well-practised counter techniques are a must for fighters at any level of the sport.

SPINNING ELBOW

A spectacular technique from Muay Thai, the spinning elbow is often employed by light heavyweight virtuoso Jon Jones.

1. Steve (right) throws the right body kick. Pete half steps away and collects the kick.

2. Pete steps in and underhooks the leg.

3. Pete keeps the leg underhooked and spins from the upper body, delivering the elbow over the top.

THROW BY AND KICK

Kicking is risky in MMA. Especially high kicking from the back leg, as it takes so much commitment in terms of stance. By kicking as a counter you can guarantee a degree of safety, as the opponent must recover their stance before they can shoot in or counter you.

1. Pete catches Steve’s body kick.

2. Pete steps back a little, pulling in his stomach, keeping the leg elevated at the ankle.

3. Pete throws the leg away, taking Steve further off balance as he sets his hip to kick back.

4. Pete lands the head kick in return.

BLOCK AND RETURN

A simple and effective counter, the opponent will be in a bad position to take a punch after throwing a kick.

1. Pete blocks the body kick with two arms, spreading the impact over both arms equally – blocking with one arm may well result in a break. Pete sits down a little, using a strong stance to brace against the impact.