Lead Low Kick
Kicks · Lead side (Orthodox left, Southpaw right)
Low roundhouse off the lead leg into the inside or outside of the thigh.
How to throw it
Angle your lead foot out and rotate the hip to whip the lead shin into the inside or outside of the opponent's thigh, keeping the strike fast and short since it travels a small distance. Because it fires off the front leg there is less loading time, so drive it with a sharp hip turn and a small step to add weight. Keep your hands up through the kick and recover your stance quickly.
When to use it
Use it as a quick, low-commitment kick to chop the lead leg or disrupt the opponent's base without exposing yourself the way a rear kick does. It is a good range-finder and works well to interrupt an opponent stepping in.
Common mistakes
- Kicking with the foot or instep instead of the shin, risking your foot on their leg or elbow.
- Loading it too much and telegraphing, when the whole value of the lead low kick is its speed.
- Leaving the lead hand low after the kick, opening you to a counter down the middle.