One of the most common ways fighters get punished is simple: they kickβ¦ and admire it. π In KKB (Kun Khmer Boxing), every kick must have a defensive βinsurance policy.β The best one is the Kick β Check habit: as soon as your kick returns, youβre ready to check the counter π‘οΈ.
This page teaches you the exact drill: 3 Γ 10 reps, clean technique cues, timing, footwork, partner options, and the biggest mistakes to avoid.

π Table of Contents
- 1. What Is βKick β Checkβ in KKB?
- 2. Why This Defense Stops Counters π‘οΈ
- 3. The Counters You Must Expect
- 4. Technique Steps (Simple & Clean)
- 5. The Drill: 3 Γ 10 Reps (Solo + Partner)
- 6. Timing & Footwork Keys
- 7. Progressions (Beginner β Fighter)
- 8. Common Mistakes (And Fixes)
- 9. Keep Training (KKB Silo Links)
- 10. FAQ
1. What Is βKick β Checkβ in KKB?
Kick β Check means: after you throw a kick (low kick or body kick), you immediately recover in a way that lets you raise your shin to check the opponentβs counter kick.
In real fights, the opponent often counters with a quick low kick or body kick the moment you land. So the KKB rule is:
- β Kick with balance
- β Return the leg fast
- β Set your weight so you can lift the checking leg instantly
- β Guard stays high the whole time
Itβs not only defense β itβs confidence. When you know you can stop the counter, you kick harder and smarter. π₯
2. Why This Defense Stops Counters π‘οΈ
Most counters work because the kicker is stuck in recovery: weight too heavy, hands dropped, stance broken.
Kick β Check fixes that by building:
- π§ Automatic reaction (no thinking needed)
- π¦Ά Fast recovery (leg returns under you, not behind you)
- βοΈ Balanced stance (you can lift to check instantly)
- π‘οΈ Shield effect (shin block discourages opponents)
When your partner feels you check every time, they hesitate β and that hesitation gives you control.
3. The Counters You Must Expect
When you kick, expect one of these quick answers:
- 𦡠Low kick counter (fast chop to your base leg)
- π¦Ά Body kick counter (especially if your hands drop)
- π₯ Cross counter (when you over-rotate)
- β©οΈ Step-out + kick (angle and return)
Kick β Check mainly protects you from the fastest and most damaging: kick counters. π‘οΈ
4. Technique Steps (Simple & Clean)
Step 1: Throw the Kick With Balance
- β Eyes up, chin down
- β Hands high (donβt βswimβ your arms)
- β Hip turn, but donβt fall forward
Step 2: Return the Leg Fast (Under You)
- β Bring the kicking leg back to stance quickly
- β Donβt leave the leg hanging in the air
- β Land light so you can lift again
Step 3: Be Check-Ready Immediately π‘οΈ
- β Weight centered (not stuck heavy)
- β Heel light on the floor
- β Your checking knee can lift instantly
Micro-cue: After the kick lands, imagine your next move is already a check.
5. The Drill: 3 Γ 10 Reps (Solo + Partner)
A) Solo Version (Shadow / Air)
Do 3 sets Γ 10 reps each side. Focus on clean recovery.
- 1 rep = Kick β Return β Check-ready position (pause 1 second)
- Keep guard high the entire rep π‘οΈ
B) Heavy Bag Version (If You Use a Bag)
- Kick the bag (low or body)
- Return fast
- Immediately lift into check (touch your shin guard/leg position)
C) Partner Version (Best Anti-Counter)
Partnerβs job is to counter lightly after your kick (controlled speed).
- You kick β partner counters with low kick
- You check β reset stance
Important: Start slow. Increase speed only if your form stays clean.
6. Timing & Footwork Keys
The secret is not βchecking harder.β The secret is being ready sooner. β±οΈ
- π¦Ά Land light after the kick (heavy landing = slow check)
- β©οΈ Recover to stance, not squared
- π£ Small step adjustment if needed (donβt freeze)
- π‘οΈ Guard never drops (hands protect while legs reset)
Coach cue: βKickβ¦ and come home.β Then check.
7. Progressions (Beginner β Fighter)
Progression 1: Pause Check (Beginner)
Kick β Return β pause 1 second in check-ready stance. Build the habit.
Progression 2: Live Check (Intermediate)
Kick β Return β instant check (no pause). Smooth and fast.
Progression 3: Add Exit (Advanced)
Kick β Return β check β angle exit (left or right). Now youβre safe AND repositioned. β
Progression 4: Counter After Check (Fighter)
Kick β Return β check β counter back (jab-cross, teep, or low kick). This turns defense into offense. π₯
8. Common Mistakes (And Fixes)
- β Slow leg return β β snap back under your hips
- β Landing heavy β β land light, heel ready to lift
- β Hands drop on the kick β β keep guard high the whole time π‘οΈ
- β Over-rotating β β turn the hip, not your whole body
- β Square stance after kick β β return to fighting stance immediately
9. Keep Training (KKB Silo Links) π
Want your kick game to become complete? Use these internal pages:
- β Technique hub: Kun Khmer Techniques
- 𦡠Long weapons focus: Day 3 β Kick Control (Long Weapons)
- π₯ Drill for body kick mechanics: Step-In Body Kick (Rear Leg)
- π‘οΈ Improve defense: Day 4 β Defense & Counters
- π₯ Warm-up + mobility: Warm-Up & Stretching
- π Skills for sparring: Sparring Training
- π§€ Protect yourself: Injury Prevention
10. FAQ β
Why do I need to check right after kicking?
Because many opponents counter with a fast low kick the moment your leg comes down. Kick β Check protects your base and stops the easiest counter.
Which kicks work best for this drill?
Start with low kick and body kick. Once the habit is strong, add step-kicks and kick feints.
How often should I train Kick β Check?
2β4 times per week is great. Even 3 Γ 10 reps at the start of training builds the habit quickly.
Can I use this in sparring safely?
Yes, as long as both partners keep it controlled. Start light and focus on clean checks, not power counters.
What if I lose balance after kicking?
That usually means youβre over-rotating or landing heavy. Reduce power, tighten stance, and focus on returning the leg under your hips.

