Head Kick Meaning in Mixed Martial Arts

A head kick is a high strike delivered with the foot or the shin. The fighter aims for the side of the head or the neck area. This technique requires great flexibility and balance to execute with speed and precision. A successful head kick often results in an immediate knockout due to the force. Fighters often set up the kick by throwing punches to distract the opponent’s vision. Shins are preferred over feet because the bone is much harder and more durable. The kick follows a curving path that can go over or around blocks. Defensive fighters must keep their hands high to guard against these sudden high attacks. Training for this move involves thousands of repetitions on heavy bags and pads. An athlete lands a left head kick after feinting a low leg kick. Turning the standing foot outward allows the hips to rotate fully for maximum power. Pointing the toes away from the target protects the small bones in the foot. This strike changes the momentum of a fight faster than almost any move.