RKC News - August 2017

Often we find it monotonous and boring to refine our fundamental techniques, and we neglect the foundation. However, the foundation is crucial for training success. This applies to both motor and physical development. And it holds true for all sports; the more complex, the more important.

"I do not fear the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." Most martial artists know this quote from Bruce Lee, and it is not an exaggeration. This number is indeed mentioned repeatedly when it comes to properly learning a movement – as a minimum.

The hardstyle swing is one of these fundamental exercises. Many techniques build upon it. Performing cleans and snatches without mastering the swing is not a good idea. Shoulder and back problems are pre-programmed. The same goes for Muay Thai. The low kick (Thai: Deth Chiang) is such a fundamental technique. It looks simple, but it is very complex and very effective. Here too, just strength alone does not make it the feared weapon of the Thais.

Only when the technique and timing are right does it become truly strong and can be decisive in a fight. But why should a hardstyle swing give me a better kick?

Simply because the movement and execution are very similar. In the swing, the hip is explosively opened. In the low kick, the semicircular movement is also initiated by opening the hip – albeit only on one side. The core must be stable during the swing to support the spine. The same goes for the low kick. If the core is unstable when it hits the opponent, most of the power is lost and cannot be transferred.

The weakest link in the chain should not be your core, not just when kicking. Of course, the kick will also become stronger, just like with any other strength training, but especially the dynamic strength that this technique so urgently needs is hardly better trained than with the swing. Not only the musculature plays a role; the nervous system must also learn and be trained to react powerfully and quickly.

Mass X Acceleration = Force, a basic principle in physics. Thus, the kettlebell swing can properly advance the fundamental technique of the low kick. Whether to make the kick faster or stronger. And mastering the foundation always makes the crucial difference.

Did you know that the record of the German Arthur Saxon (*1878 +1921) for a "Two Hands Anyhow" of 203 kg still stands today?

First, a bent press is performed, and then a second kettlebell is picked up with the free hand.

Arthur Saxon (Arthur Hennig) was born in Leipzig as one of three brothers who performed as "the Saxon Trio."