Deliberation

[Van Canna]

The mechanics of a power kick_using soccer as an example_

Final ball velocity depends upon several factors. There are, however, three primary determinants in ball velocity:

If the hip of the kicking leg is not fully extended prior to foot plant, subsequent leg swing velocity will be reduced. This extension ("cocking") of the hip (1) allows greater distance for the leg to increase its velocity on the forward swing, (2) stretches the muscles which cross the hip to facilitate their contraction and recoil of the leg, and (3) permits greater rotation of the hip.

If the supporting leg flexes excessively during foot plant, the velocity of the kicking leg will be reduced.

On the other hand, a firm supporting leg "blocks" the forward motion of its hip and increases the velocity of the swing leg.

Improper coordination and sequencing of movements in the kick will reduce possible ball velocity.

The order of events in the kicking leg, following hip extension, are: (1) hip rotation, (2) forward swing of the thigh, and (3) forward swing of the shank. Each of these movements should increase the velocity of the subsequent segment resulting in maximum velocity at the foot just prior to impact with the ball. The action of the leg should be like a whip "snapped" at the ball.

[Van Canna]

In a fight...you just don't want to break your ankle...

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

[jorvik]

I have heard from various people that you can easily break somebody's leg in a streetfight. Anybody who knows soccer knows that it is a hard game, we usually focus on the skill levels but the injuries,especially to legs can be horrible. I remember when I had my first hip replacement there was a young lad there in the hospital who had been kicked in the knee, he'd be about 19 and his soccer career was ruined by that one kick. There are many tools used in soccer that are great on the "battlefield" headbutts delivered by a football player would be devestating.....I used to watch lads heading the ball to one and other..they'd keep it in the air for 15 minutes easily, or just bouncing it off their own head. Then when they got in a scrap the first thing they would do is headbutt and when the guy went down they'd kick him........all skills learned on the pitch

[Van Canna]

Here is the most famous head butt

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAjWi663kXc

[Van Canna]

As powerful as my soccer legs were, I would not fare well in kicking this opponent's planted lower legs with my instep...

[jorvik]

Van as you know I come from a footballing city in a footballing country, although personally, I can admire the skill levels of folks like Best or Peli, I have never followed the game.....but the physical skills come out in streetfights. With the head butt there is one method that is no more than a twitch, I've seen it on the field and on the street ( you are probably well aware of it).that guy in the picture could take a shin kick but a twitch buitt to the eyebrow would cause massive bleeding

John Conteh a famous Liverpool boxer was noted for the "Kirkby Kiss" ( kirkby is in Liverpool ).....a quick headbutt and part of popularculture back in the day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-O7DGB2yJk

[Van Canna]

Very true, Ray...a twitch/snap is all it takes...and we see soccer players using it...throwing the ball back to almost mid-pitch...

In a street fight it is hard for an opponent to even realize what happened.

Care mut be taken not to hit the mouth/teeth.

[jorvik]

When it is done correctly the opponent will fall instantly, like a tree.but as you say the mouth area must be avoided...although I have seen that done to and you can lose all your teeth, somebody tried it on me once, they grabbed my lapels and forced their head into my mouth area.I was able to ride the blow and pummel the back of the guys head with my hammerfist, grab his hair and knee him in the face....all in my school days.............................gosh I hated school

[Van Canna]

Great motivator to destroy opponents...

http://www.sportsgrid.com/media/all-bla ... a-pregame/

Good kata anyway

[jorvik]

Love the Haka.funnily enough I am thinking of getting a New Zealand Bowie knife.made for fighting Moaries

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLV2aYMERfs

[Van Canna]

I have the 'Iron Mistress' Bowie_made by Nelson Cooper before he passed away...



~~

Had to wait a year before delivery With my initials on the handle.

Funny thing this photo of my knife I posted on the forum years back...found its way into Google images.

Worth about $4K

[jorvik]

A fine blade.........I love bowies and that is a fine one.....................interesting to read of it's history also...a truely devestating weapon, a veritable small sword, used with a tomahawk close quarters par excellenc.or with a pistol.......................but there is also the Dirk

http://www.heinnie.com/John-Nowill-Scot ... -0-0-1168/

and the SGIAN DUBH.I don't know why but people of the cold northern lands love the cold of steel .and I really don't know why I do.but I do

http://www.sheffield-cutlery.com/sgiandubh.html

and something from the old language

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bZOrMDDPu4

[Van Canna]

And this is my very rare Randall 'Sasquatch Bowie'

[jorvik]

That looks exceptional Van..........Randall makes remarkable blades, almost has the curvature of a kukhri.but all good fighting blades have a similar geometry

[Josann]

Van,
Just came across this and thought you'd enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p7cqLZD57o