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Monday, April 14, 2014

L is for...

L is for Low Strikes/Sweeps

Low stances are seen in Kong Sang Koon, one-step fighting techniques and several forms I haven't learned yet (I've seen them performed by some of the masters, though, and I look forward to learning them myself).  They are designed primarily to sweep the base leg out from under the attacker and therefore usually follow a forward attack.
http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/karate,tangsoodo/Interesting
Source 

The key to a good sweep is to come behind the person's leg and hit right at the heel such that the momentum knocks their leg(s) forwards and out from underneath them.  If you attack the leg from the front you'll hit the shin and hurt yourself.  (Or if you attack the front of the keg with enough force you'll break it, but that's a different technique altogether.)  

The most common mistake with this technique is hitting too high up on the leg such that you catch the back of the knee.  It'll cause the attacker to bend the knee but it's not going to produce the desired effect.  (See below for desired effect.)

The reason this technique is so difficult to perform correctly is usually a lack of flexibility.  Getting that low to the ground requires some real strength in the muscles around your knee and hips and requires some serious conditioning on the part of the person performing it.  When you do you, however, it can be a pretty powerful technique in terms of ending a fight.
(PHOTO: Eagle Tae Kwon Do)

9 comments:

  1. Amazing that striking the heel can knock someone over.

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  2. I've seen this technique in various shows or movies and I'm always amazed that it works!

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  3. I wish I could do a leg sweep but I'm not very fast or nimble because of the steel rod in my back. But I've let the heroine in my supernatural-thriller series do them as well as all the other moves I can't do. ;)

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  4. I have heard of striking the heel and knocking the opponent over move.

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  5. This reminds me of "The Karate Kid" when he tells him to "sweep the leg". Now I'm in the mood to watch that movie :)
    Visiting from A to Z!
    ~Katie
    TheCyborgMom
    Visual Proof

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  6. Alex- Once again, physics. It's like slipping on a banana peel.

    Julie- It's pretty amazing to watch in real life, too.

    Chrys- One of the many things our characters are great for- doing the things we can't/won't do.

    Rachna- You heard right!

    Katie- Great movie which, coincidentally, gets a mention tomorrow. Thanks for visiting!

    Lara- Totally!

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  7. That does look pretty hard, I bet it takes a long time to master!

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  8. It's the 14th day of the #atozchallenge and I am out blog hopping today. Hope lots of people with shared interest find your blog. Glad I stopped by. If you have time or interest, I am writing about gardening this month. Come see me.

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Thank you for your comment! I will love it and hug it and pet it and call it George. Or, you know, just read and reply to it. But still- you rock!