Groin Kick Training That Works—Jik Tek Jun Fan—Core JKD Kicking
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Krav Maga Groin Kick·corejkd
Ming shows a way to train groin kicks that works against a resisting attacker. Our Self-Defense Training and Curriculum…
Krav Maga Groin Kick
SubFamilyKrav・Maga・Groin・キック(Krav Maga Groin Kick)
Translation: krav maga groin kick
Overview
History & Origin
Krav Maga combative striking developed for military and civilian self-defence. [1]
Effectiveness
Maximum effectiveness for self-defence scenarios. [1]
Lineage
Krav Maga combative tradition. [1]
Competition Record
Self-defence system — not used in sport competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Krav Maga Groin Kick-specific combative striking mechanics
Position & Entry
From fighting stance — Deliver krav maga groin kick with full commitment
Variants
Standing
Ground
From clinch
Videos
ISRAELI KRAV MAGA SERIES | Ep. 20 Basic Defense Against Kicks
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Krav Maga Groin Kick·Oren Mellul KravX
Learn more at www.orenmellul.com
ISRAELI KRAV MAGA SERIES | Episode 5: Push Kicks
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Krav Maga Groin Kick·Oren Mellul KravX
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Krav Maga groin kick is taught across two distinct contexts by the instructors. Oren Mellul (KravX) emphasizes the groin kick as a defensive tool deployed when an attacker's legs are spread apart, positioning the kick between the opponent's legs from a fighting stance with hands raised. Mellul stresses that this technique differs from the push kick, which targets the central body and pelvis when an attacker is moving or running toward the defender, using the ball of the foot and heel while leaning the upper body slightly backward. The push kick serves as a stopping mechanism against forward momentum and can defend against strikes or weapons like knives, leveraging leg length as an advantage. CoreJKD (corejkd) offers a complementary perspective focused on groin striking mechanics and practical limitations. This instructor argues against deep shin engagement, advocating instead for the instep kick (jik tek from Jun Fan) executed with a light flicking motion from the knee, coupled with pendulum footwork (slide and step) to maintain base stability and distance control. CoreJKD emphasizes that groin kicks executed during transitions lack power and stability, highlighting the necessity of training against aggressive, rushing opponents to develop realistic reaction timing and range awareness. Both sources agree on the importance of training repetition and muscle memory, though they prioritize different tactical contexts—Mellul focusing on reactive self-defense scenarios and CoreJKD emphasizing technical efficiency and base maintenance.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Oren Mellul KravX — ISRAELI KRAV MAGA SERIES | Episode 5: Push Kicks: Introduced the groin kick as a technique used when an attacker's legs are spread, contrasting it with the push kick (central body strike) for moving attackers. Emphasized hand position, weight distribution, upper body lean, and applicability against armed threats.
- Oren Mellul KravX — ISRAELI KRAV MAGA SERIES | Ep. 20 Basic Defense Against Kicks: Provided broader context on defensive principles and counterattacks following kick defense, establishing that Krav Maga relies on instinctive natural reactions and that muscle memory development through repetition is essential for effective technique execution.
- corejkd — Groin Kick Training That Works—Jik Tek Jun Fan—Core JKD Kicking: Detailed the instep kick (jik tek) as superior to shin strikes for groin targeting, emphasizing pendulum footwork for base stability and range control. Stressed the critical need to train against aggressive, rushing opponents and highlighted power and stability deficits when executing kicks from transitional positions.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
8
Very High8/10
Combative strike designed for real-world self-defence
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— Unified MMA — Groin strikes prohibited
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWBC/Boxing — Prohibited — below the belt {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
— WKF — Prohibited
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDFKyokushin — Prohibited {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
— WT — Prohibited
WT Competition Rules 2024PDF— ITF — Prohibited
ITF Competition RulesPDF— WAKO — Prohibited
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY — Prohibited {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
— IFMA — Prohibited
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Practise on pads and focus mitts (Lichtenstein, 2007)
✓Train with protective gear for eye/groin targets
Common Mistakes
!Telegraphing
!Insufficient commitment
!Poor follow-up
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Detect threat → Krav Maga Groin Kick → Follow-up strikes → Disengage
Sources & References
Primary Source
The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible (Lichtenstein, 2007)
1Book[1] Lichtenstein, Y.A. (2007). The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible. ISBN 978-85-907111-0-0.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Lichtenstein, Y
2Citation[1] Lichtenstein, Y.A. (2007). The Book of Krav-Maga: The Bible. ISBN 978-85-907111-0-0.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Lichtenstein, Y
Community
Athletics
Accessible to all body types
Speed over power emphasis
Notes
The groin kick is the most commonly taught first-response technique in Krav Maga — targeting the groin causes immediate incapacitation regardless of the attacker's size. Imi Lichtenfeld's principle: attack the body's most vulnerable targets first. (Lichtenfeld system; Krav Maga manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I defend against a groin kick when I'm not sure which direction the attacker is coming from?
According to Oren Mellul (KravX), you cannot defend with just a localized hand position. Instead, you need to move your entire body and redirect the attack aggressively while moving backwards to create distance and control the threat from any angle.
What's the key principle behind an effective groin kick defense that works against multiple attack angles?
Oren Mellul emphasizes the principle of 'minimum defense against maximum attack'—a single defensive motion should work against kicks coming from different angles and directions, making it a versatile technique.
Should I try to close distance when defending against a groin kick?
According to Core JKD, your goal should generally not be to engage and close distance unless you are very skilled at wrestling or handling opponents with superior strength, as closing range can put you in a disadvantageous position.
Why is maintaining stability important when executing a groin kick counter?
Core JKD explains that if you fire a counter from an unstable position, your next combination will be less successful because you'll be in points of instability—so always ensure you're firing from a stable base.
How does the Krav Maga Groin Kick work?
The Krav Maga Groin Kick is a direct front kick to the groin delivered with maximum speed and minimal telegraphing, designed as a primary self-defence opening technique.
Where does the Krav Maga Groin Kick come from?
Krav Maga combative striking developed for military and civilian self-defence.
Is the Krav Maga Groin Kick legal in competition?
Unified MMA: banned — Groin strikes prohibited; WBC/Boxing: banned — Prohibited — below the belt; WKF: banned — Prohibited; Kyokushin: banned — Prohibited; WT: banned — Prohibited; ITF: banned — Prohibited; WAKO: banned — Prohibited; K: banned — 1/GLORY — Prohibited; IFMA: banned — Prohibited
How dangerous is the Krav Maga Groin Kick?
Danger rating 8/10. Combative strike designed for real-world self-defence
How do I set up the Krav Maga Groin Kick?
The standard setup chain: Detect threat → Krav Maga Groin Kick → Follow-up strikes → Disengage.
How do I defend against the Krav Maga Groin Kick?
Standard counters include: Block / Distance / Evasion.
What are the variants of the Krav Maga Groin Kick?
Common variants: Standing; Ground; From clinch.
How effective is the Krav Maga Groin Kick in competition?
Self-defence system — not used in sport competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Krav Maga Groin Kick?
Top errors to watch for: Telegraphing / Insufficient commitment / Poor follow-up.
What are other names for the Krav Maga Groin Kick?
The Krav Maga Groin Kick is also known as Krav Maga Groin Kick, KM Groin Kick, Combative Groin Strike.