Q & A: Sang H. Kim on Using Side Kick Effectively in Sparring

Admin January 6, 2015

Reader Question:

Dear Master Sang Kim,

I have been watching most of your TKD videos as well as your book on TKD Kicking, and there is something that puzzles me a lot which is the use and effectiveness of sidekick in sparring. from what i have read or noticed, sidekick is not used very often in sparring. my big question is WHY?

I see sidekick has the same kind of impact as a back kick and yet it can be executed as quick as a back kick with the advantage of keeping your opponent in sight instead of turning away and lose sight of your opponent. i often feel a lot more confident in using a sidekick rather than a back kick because i can keep my eye on my opponent and i can target far better than a back kick. from your book, it mentioned that it is difficult to score with using sidekick. why is that? by the way, i am also a big fan of Bruce Lee, and apparently Bruce Lee used a lot of sidekicks in combats and it can be an extremely powerful kick.

I am just hoping with your extreme knowledge, skills and experience with TDK, you can shed some light on the reasons of why or how sidekick is not an ideal kick in sparring. i thank you in advance for your time and effort and i look forward to your reply.

Jeannie

Q & A: Sang H. Kim on Improving Balance for Martial Arts Training

Admin December 15, 2014

Reader Question:

I was wondering if you could provide any advice and exercises to help with balance. I find myself having difficulty with my kicking and not only the more advanced kicks, spin kicks, etc, but also the fundamental kicks as well. I am 38 years old and have been training in TKD for 4 years now. This balance problem along with my limited flexibility is making my advancement difficult.

Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide.

Matt Odishoo, CT

Q & A: Sang H. Kim on Sensing Ki

Admin December 9, 2014

Reader Question:

Hello Master Sang H Kim,

My name is Sohail from Scotland. I have most of your DVDs. You have done great work. First i want to say to all the students here the Complete Taekwondo Kicking is essential for every one doing Martial Arts.

I want to ask how can we feel ki in body? If someone uses ki force in breaking, will he hit the target with the same force as the person without ki concept? Is it true people say ki and techniques together have different results as compared to only techniques alone. Thanks in advance.

Sohail, Scotland

Q & A: Sang H. Kim on How to Improve Your Weaker Leg for Kicking

Admin November 26, 2014

Reader Question:

My name is Daniel and I would like to ask you for some advice on how to improve kicking with my weaker leg. I can execute well balanced kicks with my stronger leg but I can't seem to do so with the other leg. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Daniel

Answer from Sang H. Kim:

Dear Daniel,

Complete Kicking: The Ultimate Guide to Kicks for Martial Arts Self-defense & Combat Sports

$16.26

By Sang H. Kim

Buy on Amazon

Here are the steps you can take to improve your weaker leg kicking:

1. Stretch the weak leg muscles well before kicking to warm-up and prevent possible injuries.

2. Strengthen your weaker leg by doing very slow controlled kicks wearing a light (2 to 5 pound) ankle weight. Start with the lightest weight and work your way up.

3. When practicing kicking in the air, choose a specific target before you kick. Do 10 to 15 repetitions of each kick with your weak leg whenever your practice to improve your flexibility and control.

4. Practice 3 sets of each kick on a heavy bag or handheld target at each practice session to develop power.

5. Work on the above four suggestions consistently, at least 3 times per week. You should begin to see results in a few weeks.

6. Set specific goals (like you want to do a front kick at head height) and track your progress in your training diary or notebook.

7. Every two weeks re-evaluate your progress and goals using your training notes and your observations.

Sincerely,

Sang H. Kim

Q & A: Sang H. Kim on Improving Balance for Kicking

Admin October 28, 2014

Hello, my name is Ragnar and I'm from Iceland. Just about a month ago or so I begun training Karate. I've bought the Ultimate Flexibility: For Martial Arts video already and have found it really helpful as I've never really been very flexible. I am now training for about 40 minutes per day at home (at least) using the Easy/Moderate Workout and often the flexibility for kicking part. I also tend to add a few stretches with a partner (when possible) which I learned in my Dojo and well, after such a short period I already feel much better. I was wondering if you might have any tips on how to train my balance and such? I have found that when kicking I could have a lot better control over for how to land and such and be able to improvise my control over the leg while it's in the air. I am really dedicated to studying this and have/will continue to spend a lot of time doing so. I was also wondering if you would have any suggestions of which videos to buy in order to be able to practise more at home?

Q & A: Sang H. Kim on Teaching Martial Arts to Children

Admin October 25, 2014

Reader Question:

I am an experienced martial artist and I intend to pass my knowledge on to my 5 year old son. I have never taught someone of that age (let alone my own son), I am seeking some advice on some reference material that I can use to make this as fun for he and I as possible.

Thank you,

Dave Ruhl

Q & A: Sang H. Kim on Side Kick, Turn Kick and Knuckle Conditioning

Admin October 11, 2014

Reader Question:

Hi Sang H. Kim,

My Name is Sohail From Scotland I am blue belt in taekwondo I have got your Complete Taekwondo Kicking and Aero Kicks as well. Thanks it's really helpful and great. I want to ask the folowing questions.

Whenever I do turning kick my knee cross the target. Can you help me how can i avoid this so my knee don't cross the target? And during the side kick my knee drops. Can you tell me reason for that?
I need to break the brick with my knuckle. Can can please help tell me which is the best way of conditioning the knuckles?
What is the good exercises to achieve the muscle control?

Thanks,

Sohail

Q & A: Sang H. Kim on Relaxation in Martial Arts Training

Admin October 2, 2014

Reader Question:

Dear Master Kim,

I am a 44 year-old cho dan student in Tae Kwon Do. I work out consistently in the dojang and at home (weights, NordicTrac, running), and have achieved a reasonably high level of ability and fitness for my age. A nagging problem that has exacerbated recently is upper-body rigidity. Sah Bum Nim reminds me constantly that my punches during forms (pyung ahn, cholgi, and black-belt level WTF) are being "pushed" and that they tend to rise as if I'm skiing. Also my elbow is traveling away from my body as I punch. He believes the source of my problem is that my shoulders are not sufficiently relaxed. Do you know of drills, exercises or techniques I can employ to solve this problem? If I "focus" on relaxing, I tend to tense up more!

Thank you for your help.

Bob, NY

How to Fight Against a Taller Opponent

Admin September 13, 2014

Sang H. Kim answers the following question that he received from a number of YouTube viewers:

"Most of my opponents are definitely taller than I am. So my question is: how to deal with an opponent quite taller than you?"

Over 89 more video replies to fan questions by Sang H. Kim can be found on the Answers to Martial Arts Questions Youtube playlist.

Q & A: Sang H. Kim on Balancing Speed and Flexibility

Admin August 22, 2014

Reader Question:

Hi my name is Richard Nieves. I love martial arts. I'm having difficulty with flexibility and speed. I'm 29 years old and I have heavy legs, strong but heavy. I'm 5ft 9 and my weight is 215lbs. I'm wondering, do you think I can reach to do a split at some point?

Kamsa- hamnida, Sabunim,

Richard Nieves

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