Also called Leg kick, Thigh kick, Calf kick
The low kick is a roundhouse kick with the shin to the opponent's thigh or calf. It is hard to see, costs little energy and adds up: repeated low kicks slow the opponent's movement, weaken their stance and take power out of their punches. Thrown at the end of a punch combination, it lands while they cover up high.
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How to do it
- 1Set it up with a jab or cross so the opponent's attention goes high.
- 2Step out at an angle with the lead foot and pivot on the ball of that foot.
- 3Turn the hips over and swing the shin down into the thigh at a slight downward angle.
- 4Aim at the outside or inside of the thigh above the knee, or at the calf.
- 5Return to stance with your hands up, ready for the counter punch.
- Landing on the opponent's knee or raised shin, which can injure your own leg.
- Throwing it cold from the same distance every time, so it is easy to check.
- Leaning back and dropping the hands as you kick.
Safety: Use thigh pads or light contact in partner drills; hard shin-on-leg contact belongs only in coach-approved sparring.
Drills
Your partner holds a Thai pad against the outside of their thigh; throw jab-cross-low kick for three-minute rounds, and every few reps they step back so you learn to reset instead of lunging.
Legends known for it
1997–2009
c. 2010–2020We teach it in Striking. A coach will fix the details you can't see yourself. Join now and book your first class for $20, paid online.
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