Strikes: Spinning Back Kick

It's one of those techniques that have once been thought of as too flashy to be effective, but was proven in both combat sports and real-life situations as effective in deceiving and damaging opponents. If this kick hits, it will leave you gasping for breath.

Known as the Ushiro Geri in Karate and Dwit Chagi in Taekwondo, the spinning back kick is a move that is usually executed after a setup. The target is the body, mainly around the solar plexus area. The power comes from the spinning of the hips towards the target. The head is turned quickly towards the opposite shoulder to maintain a clear view of the target. When done properly, it can deliver devastating damage to the opponent's body.

Here is video showing how to do this move.


From the History Channel show, "Human Weapon"

Submissions: Kneebar

A leglock that can be pulled off from a variety of positions, both dominant and defensive, the kneebar is a technique that is the essence of the saying "break a leg".

Quite a number of styles use this technique, including Sambo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and so on. Leglock specialists are known to slap in this submission and sever cruciate ligaments quicker than the eye. It is one of those techniques that have been known to steal victory from the jaws of defeat in combat sports competitions. This move, as with most leglocks, are illegal in Judo.

The basic mechanics are similar to the armbar. The point is to hyperextend the knee by bridging your hips to make the knee bend the other way. Getting to that position, however, is a different story.

Here are some videos that demonstrate this move from different positions.

Dominant Position (ie: Side Mount):

From Submissions 101

Defensive Position (Guard):

From Submissions 101

Standing Position (Rolling Kneebar):

From the History Channel show, "Human Weapon"

Major Overhaul

Due to personal shortcomings, I wasn't able to keep this blog alive. However, with UFC 100 approaching, I shall renew my commitment to this blog.

I have reassessed the premise of this blog.

For Fighters, Not Lovers shall be a martial arts blog that focuses mostly on everything about martial arts that is shown in the current media, as well as in-depth analysis on the effects of this depiction.

This site shall educate whoever may visit here, whether they are casual visitors or serious martial artists.

There shall be a distinction between combat sports and real-life combat, but there will be no discrimination on either. Both shall be seen in the same light as they are to be assessed in the most objective way possible. Both have their place in one's pursuit of the martial arts.

Each post will be categorized as appropriately as possible for easy reference.

That's all for now. Thank you.