Historical Context and Kicking Philosophy

World War II combatives emphasize kicks as enablers rather than primary finishing techniques. In historical contexts where combatants wore heavy boots and carried equipment, falling to the ground created vulnerability, making kicks purposeful tools to set up hand strikes, grapples, or weapon deployment rather than standalone techniques.

Side Kick to Edge-of-Hand Combination

The side kick begins with the body turned 45 degrees from the threat, raising the knee without telegraphic movement before driving the heel downward onto the opponent's kneecap. As the foot strikes, the practitioner steps forward to immediately deliver an edge-of-hand blow to the throat, using the kick's momentum to close distance.

Compression from Side Kick to Chin Jab

Following the edge-of-hand strike, the practitioner immediately transitions to a chin jab while maintaining forward momentum. The chin jab can be driven percussively with body weight before rolling the fingers upward into the eyes, allowing for eye rake or face control to further disable the opponent.

Front Kick to Throat Strike Sequence

The front kick targets either the groin or underside of the knee, executed either by chambering the knee before firing or by hoofing the leg straight upward. As the foot contacts, the practitioner drops forward to deliver edge-of-hand strikes to the collarbone and windpipe in succession.

Striking Downed Opponents: Spike, Stomp, and Axe Methods

Three primary kicking approaches apply to grounded opponents. Spike-based kicks use the toe to strike sharp targets like the jaw and ribs; stomp-oriented kicks drive the heel downward onto the ribs, groin, or ankles; axe-oriented kicks sweep the heel laterally, a technique prominent in historical Royal Navy combatives training.

Tactical Positioning Around a Downed Opponent

Rather than immediately moving to the head, practitioners should target accessible targets like the groin, kneecap, or ankles when an opponent is down with legs toward them. This approach maintains distance from potentially grabbing limbs while allowing progressive repositioning around the opponent's body.

Force Escalation and Legal Considerations

Practitioners must assess whether force applied to a downed opponent (head-level, torso-level, or lower extremity) is legally and ethically justified for their situation. Training emphasizes pre-incident familiarization through heavy bag work before attempting controlled sparring applications.

Balance and Practical Training Methodology

Practicing grounded kicks while maintaining balance against a resisting, grappling opponent requires significant conditioning. Training should progress from stationary heavy bag practice at full force, to anatomically-aware sparring where partners actively wrestle and attempt to control the kicking leg.

Put the boot in

Tommy Moore: Bartitsu Lab, Boxing & Gutterfighting

Boot Defence

2 min read·8 key moments·PT10M53S video

Key Takeaways

•Historical Context and Kicking Philosophy
•Side Kick to Edge-of-Hand Combination
•Compression from Side Kick to Chin Jab
•Front Kick to Throat Strike Sequence

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about boot defence?

This video covers historical context and kicking philosophy, side kick to edge-of-hand combination, compression from side kick to chin jab. It provides detailed instruction from Tommy Moore: Bartitsu Lab, Boxing & Gutterfighting.

How long does it take to learn boot defence?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.