Become Fighter
Checking kicks: MMA guide
Lift the shin to meet a low kick so the damage lands on them, not you.
A leg kick that lands cleanly can slow you in two rounds. The check turns that around: you lift your shin to meet the kick so the opponent's shin hits bone instead of your thigh.
It is a small movement that has to be done early. Learn it slowly with a partner or a pad, then drill it until it is automatic.
Key points
- Lift the knee and point the shin at the opponent's kick, not to the side.
- Check with the lead leg for kicks to the lead thigh. Your hands stay up.
- Do not turn your back. Stay facing the opponent.
- Put the foot back down in front, not behind, so you can counter.
- Check the second kick too. One check does not finish the exchange.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Lifting the leg too late. Start the check as soon as you see the hip turn. Practise reading the hips.
- Pointing the toes forward instead of the shin. Keep the foot pulled in toward your shin. Present the bone.
- Dropping the hands to balance. Hold your guard through the check.
Combinations that use it
- mma-check-1-2: Check, Jab, Cross
- kb-check-cross: Check, Cross
- kb-check-low: Check, Low kick
- mt-check-teep: Check, Teep
- mt-check-body: Check, Body kick
- mt-check-1-2: Check, Jab, Cross
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.
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More from Striking for MMA
- Jab and cross with takedown awareness: MMA guide
- Low, body and front 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.