I think you make a good point. People are so use to training in gloves or pads they forget or don't practice bare fist/empty hand sparring enough. At a certain level I believe we need to practice bare fisted training. In this method the fast snap techniques can take effect, you don't always want to knock or push the opponent away, sometimes you want to drop them where they stand.

Kicking leaning back on the leg as you mentioned can put u off balance trying combos, as you mentioned. But if done evading a blow with a good snap method it is effective but the lean is defensive and only use to evade the incoming, then you have to get off line. This evade can be done side stepping and snap kick with your body angled away but just for a moment.

I believe that basic back erect or slight lean kicking is for optimum power or call your pocket situations. But when the furs flying we all know we must make adjustment within that fury.

Going back to bare fisted sparring I've notice you don't want long exchanges, because if you do both people end up briused. A front rhk kick bare or in shoes can crack a rib or fold you done correctly, the same move in pad may just bounce off. You can perform some snap movement in pads but we seem prone to thrusting or clubbing moves once padded up. Is what I see.

Kicking with the front leg is effective bc its using the closest weapon to the incoming. One of your purpose should be to break down, setup or counter under or over incoming or a person falling away.


Kimo I agree with Griffy

Rarely using either back or front leg limits your possibilites what if he is open for a rear leg technique? You may not even see it bc you have limited yourself. U got to get out of your comfort zone, expand and don't be so worried about lossing or being scored on while sparring test your techniques.

As U know rear leg stuff are your power shots, punching or kicking most times!