The one fight I did kick in (before MA), it was basically a front kick to the groin (I never believed in a "clean" fight). The guy went straight to the ground and the fight was over. I would say a good front kick to the groin.

I love a short sharp step up front kick. Something I used a few times, covers lots of ground. I once had a guy trying to step in and attack me while working the door once, the front kick at solar plexus knock the wind (and fight) out of him completely. To the groin this kick is lovely! At the end of the day to answer your question though, the best kick to use is the one that works!

Front kick initially, but anything targeting the knees as opportunity presents.

An MA after my own heart!

Sorry MAGr, I was just being sarcastic. This topic seems to keep popping up, but I have kicked to the head and they do go down and they did know how to fight and I guess since a head kick seems to be something so difficult to pull of on the street I must be good.

If I've got the opening, even I will try a high kick, IF I've got the opening.

MAGr, you have to remember that the times I have utilised this, i was not a practicing MA and would not have had the technique to put my hip behind a front stamp. I have raked down shins to a very hard foot stamp, in messy up close encounters. lifting the leg in a thai style block is not in the capabilities of any drunken idiot I have had the displeasure of dealing with. If they have put their fists up and are not going to be escorted without lashing out, i found coming in hard with this kick,and using the momentum to get inside to tie em up in a headlock or come-along worked better than starting with my hands, which they were more prepared for. Now I have a little ability in Karate and Savate, so have a few more options with my legs, yet no longer do a job where I may be called upon to use them I acknowledge that if comfortable with the technique, direct pressure against the joint has more potential to debilatate, my suggestion is not pretty but does produce a shocking amount of pain, with maximum balance retention.

The only time I'd head kick in self defense is if I'd managed to force the assailant's head to below waist level. Other than that I'd say it's too risky.

Sounds like a tried and tested technique to me, you ve got it sussed mate. And who am I to argue against facts!
Keep up the good work!

Leo_49 wrote - Probably best to leave out kicks alltogether.

Why leave the shotgun in the squad car? Kicking is an art just like anyother part, if the chance to end a situation comes up you should be able to take advantage. Kicking at a distance is risky but powerful, when a guy thinks he gonna catch your leg and you change up, you can score a KO. I've ended multiple attacks by side kicking their leader into a ground fetal position. They usually dragged him away and leave.

I also find it instinctive to chop kick a guy after punching his nose or eye, or staggering him anykind of way. Its just so hard to defend and its unexpected that while recovering from a stunning eye watering strike that their legs are chopped out from under them, they are limping or they crumble to the ground holding their knee. Its really better for their legs that the kick upends them, so the knees or thigh don't take the full force of the kick.

More realistic then the Hollywood Gun blowing people through doors r windows the kick can do it.

I also have KO'd guys that, bent over WAITING for a groin kick, only to be flipped or dropped by shin kick to the head, over his shoulder or heel kick to the temple. I won't do it unless its just right, you know it. When you raise the front leg and their hands reach for it and they kind of close their eyes or their wide eyed & tunnel visioned. BINGO!! Lights out.

Using your entire arsenal makes you doubling effective.