Brilio.net - Pencak silat is a martial art originating from Indonesia and has been known in various parts of the world. One of the important elements in pencak silat is the kicking technique. Each kick has its own purpose and function, whether to attack, defend, or evade. This article will discuss the various kicks in pencak silat that can be mastered by practitioners.
1. Front kick (Straight kick)
Front kick is one of the most basic and effective types of kicks in pencak silat. This technique is done by pointing the leg straight forward with the aim of attacking an area of the opponent's body, such as the stomach or chest. The advantage of this kick is its speed, so it is often used to initiate an attack.
Front kick in pencak silat is usually taught at the beginner level because the technique is easy to understand. Although it looks simple, the power of the front kick is very dependent on the coordination between leg strength and hip thrust. Mastery of this kick is very important to form the basis of various kicks in pencak silat that are more complex.
2. Side kick
Side kick is one type of kick in pencak silat that is more difficult than front kick. This kick is done by turning the body to the side and pointing the foot to the side of the opponent. This technique is useful for attacking the opponent's ribs or waist, which are usually more difficult to protect.
One of the advantages of a side kick is that it has a wider reach than a front kick. Also, because of the twisting motion used, a side kick can produce more impact, making it harder for an opponent to dodge.
3. Circular kick
The various kicks in pencak silat also include a circular kick, often referred to as a crescent kick. This technique is done by swinging the leg from the side in a circular direction towards the target. Usually, this kick is aimed at the opponent's head or neck to produce a deadly effect.
The circular kick requires high flexibility and balance. Therefore, practitioners who want to master this kick must train their leg muscles and increase their body flexibility. If executed well, the circular kick can be a powerful weapon in combat.
4. Back kick
The back kick is a technique used to attack an opponent in the back position or as a counter move after an attack from behind. This technique is done by rotating the body quickly and directing the heel of the foot back to attack the opponent.
The various kicks in pencak silat, including the back kick, require high concentration and speed. These kicks are often unexpected and can surprise the opponent, thus providing a tactical advantage in combat.
5. T kick (sole kick)
T-kick is one of the basic techniques that is also included in the various kicks in pencak silat. This technique is done by bending the knee then swinging the sole of the foot forward to kick the target. Usually, this kick is used to hold or push the opponent, not to attack hard.
T-kick is effective to control the distance between yourself and your opponent. In addition, this kick is often used as a defensive technique when the opponent tries to attack from the front.
6. Kepret kick
Among the various kicks in pencak silat, the kepret kick is one that has its own uniqueness. This kick is done by swinging the leg quickly towards the head or upper body of the opponent. Usually, the leg used to kick is the back leg, with a movement similar to whipping.
The kepret kick is often used to trick opponents because of its high speed and accuracy. However, this technique requires good body balance so as not to lose position when attacking.
7. Horse kick
This kick is better known as a kick that is done from the horse-horse position, which is one of the basic positions in pencak silat. Various kicks in pencak silat, including kicks from the horse-horse position, are useful for maintaining balance and maintaining position when launching an attack.
The horse stance provides a strong base, so that kicks launched from this position have greater thrust. In addition, with the feet already in a ready position, this kick can be done more quickly and accurately.
8. Breakthrough kick
The dobrak kick is a type of kick in pencak silat that is usually used to open up the opponent's defense. This technique is done by directing the sole of the foot to the middle of the opponent's body, usually to attack the stomach or chest. With full force, the dobrak kick can cause the opponent to be pushed back.
This kick is often used when the opponent tries to get close or when the opponent's defense seems weak. The breakout kick gives the practitioner space to launch the next attack.
Mastering the various kicks in pencak silat is important for every practitioner who wants to improve their self-defense skills. Each kick has its own uniqueness and function, from basic attacks such as front kicks to more complex kicks such as circular kicks and back kicks.
By practicing and mastering these kicks, a silat practitioner is not only able to defend himself, but can also attack his opponent more effectively. Mastery of these kicking techniques is the key to becoming a skilled silat practitioner in the martial art of pencak silat.