Elite-Fighters Kicking Categories

The Elite-Fighters System of Martial Arts has devised a complete and unique approach to kicking methods in the martial arts. Within these, and the attached, documents you will find the appropriate level of kicking that will correspond to your ability. Grading your kicking ability at the Ranking Trials will assist in ranking you at the appropriate level. The following charts will describe the various categories, characteristics, and difficulty ratings. After you view these, you will then be able to plan properly to maximize your training, tactics and fighting style to be ranked at the appropriate level for your fighting ability.

The following chart lists the placement where all kicks are categorized:

Categorical Breakdown of Kicking Methods

Characteristic

Warm up/Flexibility

Kicking methods designed to limber up and find range of motion prior to working out.

Balancing

Kicking methods used to teach basic mechanics of kicking. The kicks used are not necessarily combat effective kicks.

Stationary

These kicks are combative kicks, within the striking range, that are executed without the need of additional footwork, or maneuvers to make effective contact.

Spinning

The kicks utilize a pivot or body rotation to complete the action.

Mobile

These kicks utilize footwork in the form of step through maneuvers and shuffles in order to reach the target effectively.

Aerial

These kicks employ methods that leave the ground in the form of hopping, jumping, springing and flying in order to reach the target effectively.

Combination/Specialized

These kicks utilize a combination of kicks and/or maneuvers to complete the action. This category also includes some specialized methods that have not been presented in other categories.

The following chart lists the difficulty rating of the kicks that correspond to the qualities listed in the Grading System. The Difficulty Rating Value will be the "multiplier" used when you are scored for placement at the Ranking Trials. More will be dicussed about Ranking Trials Scoring in upcoming articles.

Difficulty Rating of Individual Kicks

Difficulty Rating

Rating Characteristics

Novice - These kicks require little practice, flexibility or skill.

Advanced Beginner - These kicks form the rudiments of essential kicks that one must master to effectively advance. Demands are made on balance and body mechanics.

Capable - These kicks add to the working vocabulary of the developing martial artist. Demands are made for maneuverability, flexibility, and fluidity of motion.

Proficient - These kicks comprise the level at which the average martial artist should kick. Demands are made for speed of movement, economy of motion and target acquisition.

Expert - These kicks comprise the level at which the advanced martial artist should kick. Demands are made on power, pre- and post- events (non telegraphing), and overall form.