Introduction: The Oblique Kick Problem

Modern UFC fighters, particularly John Jones, frequently employ oblique kicks and side kicks directed at the knee to control distance and damage opponents. This instructional segment addresses the rising prevalence of this technique and provides systematic defensive strategies.

Fundamental Knee Defense: The Check

The primary defense against knee-targeted kicks is the shin check—pointing the knee inward to create a hard surface. This technique is essential for any fighter facing opponents who utilize knee strikes, and detailed instruction is available in dedicated leg kick defense materials.

Exploiting Balance Loss

When an opponent commits to a single-leg kick, their balance becomes compromised. The defender can immediately capitalize by closing distance, creating an offensive opportunity that proves particularly effective against distance-fighting specialists.

Distinguishing Kick Variations

Several related techniques target the knee: the oblique kick, the side kick, and the sliding side kick. Understanding these distinctions allows defenders to recognize and respond to each variation with appropriate timing and positioning.

Defensive Positioning and Counter Setup

By pointing the shin upward and slightly outward, the defender either deflects the incoming kick or forces the attacker to absorb impact on the point of contact. This positioning simultaneously loads the defender's weight for an immediate counter-strike.

The Cobra Punch Counter

Following successful kick defense, the fighter executes a lead-hand cobra punch while simultaneously closing distance. This can be followed with a cross, hook, or stepping hook, similar to techniques employed by combat sports icons like Shogun Rua.

Secondary Offensive Options

If the cobra punch doesn't result in a knockout, the defender can transition into karate-boxing combinations or pursue takedowns. Against wrestlers, this defensive sequence creates openings for grappling entries that would otherwise be unavailable.

Unified Defense Against Kick Styles

Whether facing martial arts-specific kicks—Shaolin, Judo, Wing Chun, or standard MMA variations—the fundamental check remains consistent. The defender points the knee, loads weight, and immediately initiates the counter-punch sequence.

Distance Control and Psychological Advantage

By mirroring an opponent's technique, the defender closes distance while demonstrating competency in the attacker's specialty. This psychological pressure, combined with consistent successful defense and counters, gradually neutralizes the opponent's preferred strategy.

Offensive Knee Kicks and Jab Prevention

Once inside with a sliding side kick to the opponent's knee, the defender's advanced position renders the opponent's jab ineffective regardless of reach. This positioning simultaneously sets up combinations while maintaining control of the engagement distance.

Learn UFC MMA How to counter Knee kick kicks finally oblique & Sidekick Side

DanTheWolfman

Oblique Roundhouse Kick

2 min read·10 key moments·PT4M22S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction: The Oblique Kick Problem
•Fundamental Knee Defense: The Check
•Exploiting Balance Loss
•Distinguishing Kick Variations

Learn UFC MMA How to counter Knee kick kicks finally oblique & Sidekick Side Formerly TheCombatSystem.com & NOW MAKE SURE TO RE-SUBscribe to the NEW Channel also Named TheCombatSystem.com where All my Combatives stuff is, ALL MY NEWER Grappling & MMA Stuff will be uploaded, my fighter interviews MMA 1 on 1, and all cool old martial arts, judo, Bruce Lee Vids etc. CHECK PLAYLISTS on both Channels to find what you want! CatchJitsu.com Learn Best How to do MMA UFC Grappling Catch-Jitsu RCW Real Catch Wrestling Jiu-jitsu Techniques Striking Rare Amazing Submissions Subs Submission RCW Wolfman Combatives from Dan The Wolfman Combat System! Training in Many different martial arts since 1986 and MMA/Grappling w many many of the world's best UFC MMA Fighters, Fight Teams, and Grappling/Jiu-jitsu Instructors since 1997. Daniel Breakdown Brazilian BJJ Russian Systema Gracie Scout vs coach instructor Combat System CatchJitsu For More MMA & CatchJitsu,Fighter Interviews,Old Vids http://www.Youtube.com/MMACatchJitsu For Combatives Self-defense Also Subscribe to http://www.Youtube.com/WolfmanCombatives http://www.CatchJitsu.com http://www.TheCombatSystem.com http://www.DanTheWolfman.com http://www.MMA4SelfDefense.com http://www.MMAForSelfDefense.com http://www.RealCatchWrestling.info http://www.DanielTheodore.com jon jones knee kicks

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about oblique roundhouse kick?

This video covers introduction: the oblique kick problem, fundamental knee defense: the check, exploiting balance loss. It provides detailed instruction from DanTheWolfman.

How long does it take to learn oblique roundhouse kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.