A fast front kick to the gut has worked for me. Most people dont expect you to do a kick at all. If you hit them well it should knock them down, or make them drop their defense so you can move in with punches.

In the times that I have been in a unneccesary fight, I quickly ended it with a heel stomp to the knee.

However, I have also made good use of another kick, that I self-taught myself (although I know that I am not the original creator of this technique). Basically, it starts with a low roundhouse to the leg. Depending on your opponent, see what he telegraphs. Will he raise his hands down to try to block, then quickly perform a jab or raise the same leg to do a roundhouse.

I think simply if your fast enough, do a high kick, at the right time and distance. If your not that fast, don't do it because you'll get caught

I'm gonna have to say, hands down.

It's gonna be the simpliest kick to learn, the kick thats the most devistating, and the kick that has the largest striking surface.

That kick would be the "Thai kick".

A well placed round house kick to the solar plexus after a flurry of punches will knock even a 300 pounders wind out. Then you can finish the fight. PS A knee strike to the face,nuts, or to the stomach is also very effective. Almost no one expects a kick.

Depends on situation.

From a grab? Kick to the solarplexus/gut. From a side headlock? Kick to the leg / knee (I've done this before and it works, in REAL LIFEtm).

From a rear bear hug a headbutt to their chest or head if you're tall, followed by a forward breakfall/roll with a rear kick built in.

If you're just squaring off with someone, I would NEVER suggest a high kick unless you are VERY fast. While almost no one you will ever face is trained in how to intercept kicks, a good percentage of them will be able to block or catch one without much trouble. You need to be fast and on target, and favorable lighting conditions would help too.

If you are well trained? Sidekick at any level. Assuming you are executing it correctly it will penetrate any limb he places in the way and at least knock your opponent off balance and several paces backwards. If it makes solid contact with his torso or head the fight is over.

When this thread hits 100 I'm locking it.

I think you should too. This thread is old and virtually kick and arguement has been covered.

You forgot to put "every" between virtually and kick in your last reply.