Lead Body Kick
Kicks · Lead side (Orthodox left, Southpaw right)
Lead roundhouse into the ribs or open side.
How to throw it
Pivot the lead foot out, open your hip, and whip the lead shin up into the ribs or the open side of the body, connecting with the shin bone rather than the foot. Since it is off the front leg it is quicker but lighter than the rear version, so drive the hip turn and aim to cut through the ribs on the exhale. Keep your hands high and rotate back to stance on recovery.
When to use it
Throw it to attack an exposed side quickly, especially when the opponent's lead arm lifts or drifts, or to score at kicking range without the commitment of a rear body kick. It also works to interrupt an opponent as they load their own strike.
Common mistakes
- Aiming into the elbow or hip instead of the soft ribs and open side.
- Not pivoting the base foot, which limits hip rotation and drains the kick's power.
- Chambering high and slow so the kick is telegraphed and easy to catch or check.