Striking
Defending the outside calf kick
Against an outside calf kick, two options are moving the target out of range and turning a raised shin toward the incoming kick. The right choice depends on distance, timing and which leg carries your weight.
The diagrams explain positions and decisions. Independent coach review is pending. Practise contact entries and finishes on mats with a qualified coach.
On this page
Illustrated checkpoints
- Read the line. Which leg and which side does the cue threaten?
- Choose the response. Withdraw if there is space, or lift and orient the shin to meet the line.
- Recover. Finish with the hands up and a base that can move again.
Read the path before choosing a defense
Outside and inside kicks reach different faces of the leg. A check aimed outward will miss a kick traveling from the other side. Watch the partner's stance, step and hip turn together. At the edge of range, a short withdrawal or angle can make a check unnecessary. Under close pressure you may have less room to move.
Check without losing your guard
For an outside kick to the lead leg, shift enough weight to the support foot to free the front one. Lift the lead knee and let the shin turn toward the incoming line. Keep your eyes up and hands in position. Put the foot down where you can move again. A coach can adjust the height for a kick aimed at the calf instead of the thigh.
Rehearse the choice
Begin with shadow checks on each side. Then let a partner point to an outside or inside line from well out of range. Respond and reset. Add gentle pad cues only under instruction. Repeated shin clashes or hard kicks into an unprotected calf have no place in this beginner drill.