when you struggle with a combo then suddenly get it
right is huge!”
Neil, KB Kickboxing Black Belt, said: “I remember having a lot of problems with spinning kicks - I’d often over-rotate and spin further around than intended. Then I realised I could avoid that by focusing on a certain spot or object before the spin, and then returning to that exact spot when I spun - that stopped the over-rotation. So, I felt a big sense of achievement when I worked that out and got that right.”
Spinning techniques are favourites among our members for their artistic flair. They require a lot of practise and coordination.
KB Instructor Jess also shared hers: “I definitely found crescent kicks difficult, especially when working in the air with no pad (so the leg sweeps up then all the way across, rather than rebounding off the pad part way).”
Crescent kicks are head height kicks that, in a semi-circle motion, are meant to land on the side of an opponent’s head. When practising those in the air, as Jess mentions, the kick would continue its trajectory, in the form of an almost complete circle in the air, hence its name.
“What changed was really my attitude,” continued Jess. “Rather than think, 'Oh I hate this kick, I'm no good at it', and just sticking with round kicks (which I found the easiest), I would tell myself 'I love crescent kicks!' and do loads of them. Of course, they then got much better. Now I love them because they feel so martially artistic and fancy!”
Jess’ positive approach is very much encouraged and has been adopted by many of our members as a result.
There is limited satisfaction in doing something we find easy. But facing a challenge head on, working hard, and seeing progress, leaves us feeling on top of the world.
“Jess has always said to drill what you’re weakest at most. I followed her advice and began to kick using my left leg more as it had become weaker because of an injury. I wasn’t injured any longer but the kicks off the right side were much higher and sharper, so I intentionally made training the left side a priority. It’s easy to fall into a routine of what works or what we’re comfortable with, but progress is made when we challenge ourselves and embrace small beginnings,” said Kim.
Indeed, stepping outside of our comfort zone often teaches us a lot and can bring growth in our lives – not just as martial artists, but in general.
Zuzanna, KB Kickboxing Purple Belt, said: “For me this was definitely hook kicks! They felt really awkward for quite a while when I was first learning them and then one day it just clicked. I still remember the feeling of genuine surprise when I managed to hook kick correctly for the first time - it was such a sudden change!”
Hook kicks are a great sparring kick, landing with the heel tapping into the side of the opponent’s head or body. They can be quite challenging due to the nature of the body mechanics involved.
“One of the things I found hardest was getting axe kicks and crescent kicks right and having them be clearly different from one another. I know they are meant to hit different parts of the body, but when I was learning them, my kicking leg would be all over the place. I think the things we work the hardest on are the most satisfying. Today, axes and crescents are some of my favourite kicks to practise,” said Kelly FN, KB Kickboxing Black Belt.
The techniques we work the hardest on are often the most satisfying because they bring a sense of accomplishment and progress. Sometimes it might seem easier to sell ourselves short and say: “I can’t do that.” Jess, Zuzanna, Neil, and the others may have all thought that at one point, but they didn’t give up. With determination, guidance, and a change in attitude, they faced their challenges and surmounted them.
Are you ready to step outside of your comfort zone and face your challenges too? Book your KB Kickboxing London trial class today.