Power Kicking: Stop Flailing, Start Hitting Like a Truck

Yo — it’s Steve from Steve Woolridge’s Krav Maga & Fitness Center, and today I’m coming at you with a little public service announcement… because too many people out here are trying to kick like they’re auditioning for the Rockettes. You’re not dancing. You’re not trying to stretch your hamstring in public. You’re trying to generate power. So let’s talk about how to do it RIGHT, and what most people get dead wrong.

🔥 First: Power doesn’t come from the leg.

Let me say that again for the people in the back — POWER DOES NOT COME FROM YOUR LEG. I don’t care how big your quad is or how high you can lift your foot. Power comes from the ground up. If your foot’s not connected to the floor with intent, and you’re not rotating your hips like you’re trying to send that kick through someone’s rib cage and out the other side — then you’re not delivering power. You’re just flailing.

You want to kick hard? Start with your base. Plant your foot, torque your hips, drive your weight into it like your life depends on it — because one day, it might.

❌ Popular Misconceptions That Make Your Kicks Useless:

1. “High kicks are stronger.”
   Wrong. High kicks might look fancy in movies, but unless you’re Jean-Claude Van Damme circa 1989, you’re better off keeping it low and powerful. A solid kick to the thigh, the knee, or the liver? That ends fights.

2. “It’s all in the leg strength.”
   False. Kicking power is about kinetic chains, not just leg day. It’s hips, core, shoulders — even your opposite arm needs to move in sync. That’s right. Your arm helps your kick. It’s a whole-body whip, not a leg lift.

3. “Snap it back quick and it’s faster.”
   Sure, if your goal is speed without impact. But we’re not here to slap someone with a noodle. We’re here to bury that kick into the target like a damn sledgehammer. Penetrate. Drive through. THEN reset.

4. “Drop your hands while you kick — it looks cool.”
   Looks cool? Yeah, so does a black eye. Listen — every time you drop your hands to throw a kick, you’re basically inviting someone to punch you in the mouth for free. Keep your hands up. Guard your face. This isn’t yoga. You're not out here flowing — you're fighting. Want to throw a proper kick? Learn to balance and protect yourself at the same time. Otherwise, you're a walking headshot opportunity.

✅ How to Kick Like a Beast:

• Start from your stance. Don’t stand flat-footed like you’re waiting in line at Starbucks. Get grounded. Slight bend in the knees. Ready to explode.

• Rotate the hips and shoulders. Think baseball bat swing, not leg extension.

• Drive from the floor. That back foot? That’s your ignition. Dig it in, turn it over, explode.

• Follow through. The bag (or ribs) isn’t the target. Past the target is the target. Kick like you mean it.

• Keep your hands up. Especially that lead hand. If you drop it, be ready to eat leather. Stay protected, stay dangerous.

• Practice slow before fast. If you can’t throw it smooth at 20%, it’s gonna be trash at 100%.

💣 Final Thought:

You don’t need to be a black belt or a ninja to throw a powerful kick. You just need proper mechanics, consistency, and a mindset that says: “I’m not here to play tag — I’m here to END IT.”

So the next time you’re in the gym, leave the ego at the door, stop chasing high kicks, and start learning how to kick with power, purpose, and precision — all while keeping your damn hands up.

If you don’t know where to start? Get your butt to class. I’ll show you how.

Now quit scrolling and go train.

— Steve