Home Β» KKB Kick β†’ Check (Defense) πŸ›‘οΈ Anti-Counter Drill (3 Γ— 10)

KKB Kick β†’ Check (Defense) πŸ›‘οΈ Anti-Counter Drill (3 Γ— 10)

KKB Kun Khmer Kick β†’ Check (Defense) πŸ›‘οΈ Anti-Counter Drill (3 Γ— 10)
Home Β» KKB Kick β†’ Check (Defense) πŸ›‘οΈ Anti-Counter Drill (3 Γ— 10)

One of the most common ways fighters get punished is simple: they kick… and admire it. πŸ˜… In KKB (Kun Khmer Boxing), every kick must have a defensive β€œinsurance policy.” The best one is the Kick β†’ Check habit: as soon as your kick returns, you’re ready to check the counter πŸ›‘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.

KKB Kun Khmer Kick β†’ Check (Defense) πŸ›‘οΈ Anti-Counter Drill (3 Γ— 10)

πŸ“Œ Table of Contents


1. What Is β€œKick β†’ Check” 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 opponent’s 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:

  • βœ… Kick with balance
  • βœ… Return the leg fast
  • βœ… Set your weight so you can lift the checking leg instantly
  • βœ… Guard stays high the whole time

It’s not only defense β€” it’s confidence. When you know you can stop the counter, you kick harder and smarter. πŸ’₯


2. Why This Defense Stops Counters πŸ›‘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:

  • 🧠 Automatic reaction (no thinking needed)
  • 🦢 Fast recovery (leg returns under you, not behind you)
  • βš–οΈ Balanced stance (you can lift to check instantly)
  • πŸ›‘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:

  • 🦡 Low kick counter (fast chop to your base leg)
  • 🦢 Body kick counter (especially if your hands drop)
  • πŸ₯Š Cross counter (when you over-rotate)
  • ↩️ Step-out + kick (angle and return)

Kick β†’ Check mainly protects you from the fastest and most damaging: kick counters. πŸ›‘οΈ


4. Technique Steps (Simple & Clean)

Step 1: Throw the Kick With Balance

  • βœ… Eyes up, chin down
  • βœ… Hands high (don’t β€œswim” your arms)
  • βœ… Hip turn, but don’t fall forward

Step 2: Return the Leg Fast (Under You)

  • βœ… Bring the kicking leg back to stance quickly
  • βœ… Don’t leave the leg hanging in the air
  • βœ… Land light so you can lift again

Step 3: Be Check-Ready Immediately πŸ›‘οΈ

  • βœ… Weight centered (not stuck heavy)
  • βœ… Heel light on the floor
  • βœ… 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 πŸ›‘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)

Partner’s 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 β€œchecking harder.” The secret is being ready sooner. ⏱️

  • 🦢 Land light after the kick (heavy landing = slow check)
  • ↩️ Recover to stance, not squared
  • πŸ‘£ Small step adjustment if needed (don’t freeze)
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Guard never drops (hands protect while legs reset)

Coach cue: β€œKick… and come home.” 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 you’re safe AND repositioned. βœ…

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. πŸ”₯


8. Common Mistakes (And Fixes)

  • ❌ Slow leg return β†’ βœ… snap back under your hips
  • ❌ Landing heavy β†’ βœ… land light, heel ready to lift
  • ❌ Hands drop on the kick β†’ βœ… keep guard high the whole time πŸ›‘οΈ
  • ❌ Over-rotating β†’ βœ… turn the hip, not your whole body
  • ❌ Square stance after kick β†’ βœ… return to fighting stance immediately

Want your kick game to become complete? Use these internal pages:


10. FAQ ❓

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?

2–4 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 you’re over-rotating or landing heavy. Reduce power, tighten stance, and focus on returning the leg under your hips.