In boxing there are only four punches which can be used. There are slight variations to these punches but no other techniques are permitted. In MMA however, not only are there these four punches, but many other techniques including grappling. Because of this, MMA can bring out some very exciting and movie like techniques. The flying knee is one of them.
The flying knee has been used effectively in MMA. To some it is seen as a risky technique which could leave the person performing it in danger. Others though swear by its effectiveness and element of surprise it brings to there opponent. It is not a technique that can be done half heartedly. It is one of them where one must have full commitment with it, aiming to be successful every time, otherwise it will lead to failure. There are a few variations of the flying knee including a flying roundhouse style strike and a flying double knee strike, but the ones which are mostly seen in MMA and probably most effective are, The Forward Flying Knee – This variation is performed from a distance away from your opponent. Many fighters in MMA have been known to take a run and jump at there opponents from the opening bell of a round. To perform it, as one jumps forwards there striking knee is also thrust forwards towards there opponents chest or face area. There non striking knee is pulled backwards to aid in gaining power for the thrust. Because a jump forwards is needed for this variation, it can sometimes be telegraphed and not very reliable, however, fighters who have scored with this technique have usually done some damage to there opponents, if not gained a knockout.
So should the technique be practiced? Of course, and by all martial artists, even if you do not intend on using the technique in combat. Simply because, the physical benefits practicing it can offer are valuable. By practicing a jump and a strike, one builds strength and speed in there muscles and ligaments but also explosiveness, which can then be transferred to other techniques. There is a bad habit amongst some however when performing the technique to pull there arms backwards as they thrust forwards with there striking knee. As with all techniques, never lower your guard as there may be a punch waiting for you. Something Andrei Arlovski viscously found out from Fedor Emelianenko when he attempted a flying knee.
The Straight (horizontal) Flying Knee – To perform this variation, one jumps straight upwards horizontally aiming to strike there opponents chin preferably, similar to an uppercut punch. Obviously because the jump is straight upwards and not forwards, this variation can only be used when close to your opponent. It can be used during a clinch, when your opponent is against the ropes/cage/wall, or even, if one feels confident enough, as your opponent moves forward with a punch. Just remember to keep your guard up.
Marks
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Tags: MMA, martial arts, flying knee, fedor
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Flying Knee Strike
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4 comments:
Good point about the physical benefits of training this technique. I'll build up to it, though I never intend to use it.
ELIAS - Yes, it shall definitley help in developing your other techniques, especially your kicks, and you shall also notice your knee strike (without the jump) will improve greatly.
Hey Marks,
Totally agree. This technique can be very effective as I found out years ago while training in Muay Thai.
And as you said, it can help with your other
techniques, too.
Great post.
What can I say? The flying knee is very cool if not awesome but it's only real use is when your opponent is against the ropes otherwise you'll be very open to counters. It's too committed for my taste but it's good training and I sometimes practice it on the bag.
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