Kickboxing is a mixed martial art that requires speed, timing, balance and the ability to attack with punches, kicks and elbows. You also have to defend those blows when you are in the octagon against an opponent. The key to competing hard and winning most fights is the ability to throw those blows in combinations. While hard punches can be devastating, kick and elbow combinations can end a fight suddenly.
Importance of Combinations
Fighters in all disciplines try to take control of their bouts by landing punches and kicks in combinations. According to boxing coach Ross Enamait, fighters who land combinations have the ability to dictate the pace of the fight. Landing combinations puts opponents on the defensive, according to Enamait.
Right Kick, Left Kick, Left Elbow
Take the offensive with a hard right side kick and follow that up with a left side kick. Close out the combination by delivering a back elbow to the shoulder, neck or head area. After delivering the right side kick, you are in perfect position to follow with the left side kick. After that, you will have your back to your opponent and you must deliver a quick elbow to take advantage of your opponent's vulnerability.
Flying Elbow, Upper Leg Kick
This can be a surprising combination for the kickboxer who usually starts most forays with a left jab. While this punch is dangerous and can help you control the fight, it is often quite expected. Come out of your corner at twice your usual pace and throw a leaping elbow. You want to land this near your opponent's forehead or ear. Take hold of your opponent and drive your right knee into your opponent's left upper thigh. Kickboxing coach Johnny "Superfoot" Davis believes that the overpowering nature of this combination can take the aggressiveness out of your opponnent
Keep your eyes open
Kickboxers and fighters in all disicplines know that you must keep your eyes open at all times. Yet when a fighter is in the middle of a combination, he may close his eyes because he thinks it gives him more concentration. Davis warns that this is a way to get hit with a serious combination and get knocked out. "Closing your eyes in the middle of a technique can cost you valuable opportunities for a knockout or could cause you to get knocked out!," Davis said in his kickboxing training manual.
Posted in: Kickboxing