The Most Effective Move

The answer to the question, "What's the best move?" is of course, totally subjective. It all depends on who, what, where, etc.

But what about for us? Should we have a go-to move? While Jason might favor some grappling move, Mark might favor a strike. Chris might favor some crazy kick, Reed might favor a tackle. So is there a "best" move?

I have watched hundreds of hours of fighting footage in my life. Everything from Pride, to UFC, to Jr. High Wrestling clubs. If I had to pick a "most effective" move, it would have to be "The soccer kick".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diHYAa65Hzs

Why do I think this?

1. You are on your feet, the guy is down. As we always teach, this is how you want to be. Never go the ground with someone if you can stay on your feet.

2. You are using the most massive, powerful muscles in your body on the most sensitive target. Butt, thighs, calves, all team up to deliver the maximum amount of force.

3. Armor. In many tests, the knee strike has been considered to be the most powerful strike possible. However, there is one thing that I have never seen tested: A soccer kick from a armored foot. In all of the tests, they use a naked foot to a standing target. The leg loses a lot of power just getting up to the head, and the striking surface is fairly soft. If you were wearing a work boot or even a athletic shoe, I would imagine you could deliver a more powerful blow.

4. You can do it on the run. Rather than holding still and delivering some goofy kung fu strike, a soccer kick is easily done on the run. Don't believe me? Just turn on Univision and watch those athletes kick the ball at full stride. Amazing power, amazing mobility. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaR_NjxFVYI

Although you need SERIOUS justification to kick someone in the head, it's the most "go-to" move I can think of....

Bonus Lesson: Watch people who get kicked in the face on the MMA videos. Pay close attention to where their hips are, and what they are doing when they get kicked and when they evade the kick.