Straight legged Muay Thai roundhouse and general effectiveness of roundhouses

[Dirk Schlaf]

I don't understand the mechanics of this kick and can't make my body do it. I have I think an alright roundhouse but with a bent leg, snapping it out with the knee (you know what I mean) and can throw it head level when I'm warmed up. I don't do it the "chambered" way either, which just telegraphs it and gets you dumped on your ass. Too many people get dependent on roundhouses by wearing shin protectors I think and they're only practically useful for leg kicks and head kicks (if you're flexible enough) since who is going to leave their midsection open? And how many people really have their shins conditioned enough to take kicking elbows and other people's shins when they're blocked.

I never remember seeing anybody dropped with a roundhouse to the body. When I see these Muay Thai guys pop out these quick unbent roundhouses I'd like to be able to do it but have never thrown an unbent-leg kick other than axe-kicks.

Any advice?

[Jeff Burger]

Did you see Brandon Vera land multiple roundhouse kicks to Randy Couture's body?

I'm going to get a flip camera so I can do easy video clips and will do one on this.

[nismophreek]

reference Brandon Vera vs. Randy Couture and reference Rich Franklin vs. Matt Hamill. Both fights the opponent was dropped with a round kick to the Liver.

I know when I'm doing a round kick in Thai class it isn't a straight leg kick all the way at all. My kick is done where the leg is snapped through the target but the difference is that my hips are coming with it and i don't pull the kick back with the leg. If I miss the target then I continue the rotation of the kick, if I hit the target then I push of the target to bring my leg back. It's a VERY hard thing for me to explain in words. Once it is learned correctly though it is a VERY powerful weapon. I through the Thai style round kick at the leg, body, and head levels with success. It's just like any strike, if you set it up right, you can pull it off.