Become Fighter
Low, body and front kicks: MMA guide
The three kicks that carry most MMA offence, and how to throw them without falling.
Kicks give you a weapon that reaches past punching range. They are also a risk: a kick caught by the opponent is the start of a takedown. MMA kicks are chosen for their safety as much as their power.
The rear low kick, the rear body kick and the teep (front push kick) cover distance, damage the legs and stop an opponent walking in. Learn them in that order.
Key points
- Kick with the shin or instep, never the toes. Hit through the target, not at it.
- Rotate the standing foot and hip as you kick. A kick thrown from the leg alone is weak and slow.
- Teep to the hip or belly line. It manages distance and disrupts a shot.
- Recover to stance fast. The leg returns to the ground in front, not behind.
- Set kicks up with a jab or a step. A cold kick from range is easy to catch.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Kicking with the toes or the foot. Aim for the lower shin and let the leg swing through the target.
- Dropping the hands during a kick. Keep both hands up. The lead hand protects the head, the rear hand covers the chin.
- Leaving the leg out after the kick. Pull the leg back or step through immediately to avoid a catch.
Combinations that use it
- mma-1-low: Jab, Low kick
- kb-low-low: Low kick, Low kick
- kb-jab-teep: Jab, Teep
- kb-1-low: Jab, Low kick
- mt-teep-jab: Teep, Jab
- mt-teep-in: Teep, Step in
Related techniques
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Striking for MMA module of MMA foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Striking for MMA
- Jab and cross with takedown awareness: MMA guide
- Checking kicks: MMA guide
- Defence against strikes and shots: MMA guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.