How To Catch A Push Kick - Martial Arts Self-Defense

This page focuses on how to catch a push kick in a sparring or self-defense situation. Often attackers will throw a push kick when they are in-close in order to attack your stomach or push you away. However, this leaves them vulnerable. If you can catch this kick, you can control their body and leave them open for a sweep, an attack to their captured leg, a submission technique, etc.

Instructions for Technique

• When an attacker throws a push kick, you should move backwards away from the kick in order to reduce the power of its impact.
• With the kick's reduced power, you can attempt to capture it between hooking your hand under the ankle of the attacking foot.
• With your other hand, place it over the top of the foot so the attacker can not lift his foot and escape.
• Pull sharply on the captured leg in order to destabilize the attacker. FYI - If you do not pull on the attacker's captured leg, your attacker can hop forward on one leg and punch or grab you.
• You can then attack the captured leg with a downward or vertical elbow strike, attempt to sweep your opponent's non-captured leg (as he will be stuck balancing on one leg), etc.