[quote]Sentoguy wrote:
Donut62 wrote:
Sentoguy wrote:
otoko wrote:
Dropping the same hand as the kicking foot really isn’t a bad habit for Muay Thai guys, as long as you bring up the opposite elbow across your face it is textbook.
I think what he shouldn’t do is just throw low kicks without setting them up or not following them up with anything. With the size difference he could just get knocked out. Though if Rob Kaman is his coach then this all should not be a problem.
I think Sylvia should throw knees when Vera tries to engage in striking or close the distance, like Semmy Schilt does. That is if Sylvia can lift his knees that high.
It may be textbook Muay Thai, but you still see it leading to a lot of guys getting knocked out as a result of it. Sure, you can bring the opposite hand up and/or shoulder roll the straight right, but keeping your hands up still provides better defense.
Sure, you may be able to produce slightly more force by dropping the hand, but the cost to benefit ratio just doesn’t make it worthwhile IMO.
Of course, like you mentioned there are other important factors that also add to the effectiveness of the kick (and the difficulty for the opponent trying to counter it). Positioning is very important, set point control (something you see very few MMA guys using), rhythm, etc…
Like you said if Rob Kaman is Vera’s coach then this should not be a problem though.
Good training,
Sentoguy
Granted, I am absolutely terrible at kicks, but I have to drop that hand a little to keep good balance when throwing the kick. I always try to bring the other hand across though. I know a lot of guys who are the same. As long as you are properly setting it up I don’t think it is a problem. Peter Aerts’s arms look like a flailing octopus when he kicks but his timing and set ups have always seemed to keep him from being punished for it.
But really, I subscribe to the BJ Penn philosiphy of punches and knees. I should have taken karate when I was little 
A lot of people find it easier to drop the hand in order to keep balance. And honestly it can add a little power to the kick. But it doesn’t have to be done. I can throw kicks with plenty of power without dropping my hand. It just takes practice.
I agree though that set up, timing, positioning, etc… are all extremely important and can go a long way to preventing someone from counter attacking effectively.[/quote]
I agree if it is a low kick and it is your back leg(as an orthodox fighter aganist another orthodox fighter). You can stick out your same hand first then have the other arm come across when you kick so you will be covered at all times. Though I think that isn’t a godd habit since you lose that arm for punching and just telegraphing that you will kick. Unless you punch first then keep it in your opponents face long enough to transition to a kick. A middle or high kick though is a different story. If you and your opponent are orthodox I think that you can get away just fine with dropping your right hand when throwing a right middle or high kick. If it is with your lead leg then you stick out your left when kicking(middle). Since your lead leg kick is quick and not as much rotation is involved and you can do it off a jab. A high kick off you lead leg, well even if you drop you lead hand guys will be hard pressed to punch you through your kick. If you don’t bring your hand up after then you are in trouble.
What is difficult to do without bringing your arm down is kicking with your right leg after a left hook in combination. You will be hard pressed to generate maximum torque to do it quickly and with power. Like if you come in with a right straight-left hook-right high kick combination. I am not saying it cannot be done but maybe it can be done better with bringing your right hand down. Though I have never seen anybody throw that sort of combo in mma except for Manhoef. In kickboxing it is done alot.
I agree though that you should make every effort ot keep your guard up unless you have James Toney like shoulder roll defense.
