Here we look at 7 basic fighting moves step by step used across different martial arts that anyone of any experience level can learn.
These 7 basic fighting moves are included because they are relatively simple yet very effective techniques in a self-defense situation.
Anyone (no matter size, weight, age of gender) can learn and train these basic fighting moves step by step, solo training with quality video tutorials or from a martial arts instructor.
Below you will learn 7 basic fighting moves that you can learn and train on your own at home.
And they are:
- Push kick
- Double leg takedown
- Horizontal elbow
- Knee from clinch
- Oblique kick
- Hip throw
- Palm strike to the face
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1. Push Kick
In muay thai the straight push kick is called ‘teep’ and it is a very commonly used technique that is also simple to execute and learn but very effective also.
The push kick is common is pretty much all striking martial arts that include kicks, whether muay thai, Karate, Taekwondo or Krav Maga.
Uses
The push kick is very useful for keeping distance and pushing someone away from you with your longest weapon – the extended front/lead leg.
The target is usually the opponents mid section.
But it can also be used to the upper chest, face or even the legs to off balance your opponent.
Especially if they are throwing a kick or advancing forward aggressively.
The push kick depends a lot on timing and does not require a lot of strength and power to execute.
With good timing you can knock down a bigger and heavier opponent and then make your escape if in a self defense situation.
Push Kick Basic Fighting Move Step By Step
The push kick is performed from the fighting stance.
The lead push kick is executed by lifting up your lead leg/knee to the chest and using your hip to push or thrust the lead foot forward into the target.
You will need to maintain balance on your rear leg which is you standing leg.
The lead hand swing down for momentum and balance.
The rear hand stay up to protect the face.
2. Double Leg Takedown
The double leg takedown is one of the most commonly used takedowns in MMA and the UFC.
The Japanese name is morote gari.
This is due to the effectiveness of the technique and the fact that it can be executed by smaller people on larger and heavier opponents.
The website MMA Fight DB looked at over 2,072 trips and throws in 799 MMA fights.
And the site found the most commonly used takedown was the double leg.
This technique is commonly used in just about every martial art that includes grappling and takedowns such as:
- MMA
- Sambo
- Sanda
- BJJ
- Judo (currently banned in competition but was commonly used and taught in the past)
- Wrestling
How to Do the Double Leg Takedown
From close distance take a deep step with lead foot and lower your level.
Shoot in with lead knee on the ground in between opponents legs.
Both hands behind the opponents legs.
Hips and head up and drive through with body while taking your opponents balance with your hands on the back of their legs.
3. Horizontal Elbow
There are many different types of elbows but the horizontal elbow is one of the most basic, effective and easiest to learn.
It is a close range weapon that can be used to surprise the attacker, stun them to make your escape or even knock them out.
Horizontal Elbow Basic Fighting Move Step by Step
From close range begin the strike by flexing your wrist and turning the shoulder of the same side of the elbow strike.
Your opposite hand can protect the face or pull down on your opponents hand to open up their face for the horizontal elbow.
Push and turn with your hip and shoulder to let the elbow fly straight out to the opponents face.
Aim to keep the elbow in line with the shoulder on the same side.
4. Knee from Clinch
The knee is another close range weapon.
It is a common strike used in MMA, Muay Thai, Karate and Krav Maga.
You can target the attackers groin or torso area.
Perform the Basic Knee
It is best if you have some sort of grip on your attackers head or shoulder area to pull them down into your knee strike.
Simply raise the knee up, drive off the standing leg and drive your knee into the target while pulling them down to spear them with your knee.
5. Oblique Kick
The oblique kick can be effective to disable your attacker and injure their knee cap.
It is also used well by Jon Jones in the UFC as a long range weapon to hurt an opponent and keep distance.
Execute the Oblique Kick
Using a more side on stance than the push kick, raise the attacking knee up and force the leg down and side on into the attackers knee cap or thigh area.
As in the demonstration video below you can also do the Oblique kick when the attacker grabs you.
6. Hip Throw
The hip throw is a common throw in most grappling martial arts such as Judo, BJJ. Wrestling, MMA and Krav Maga.
It requires close distance and getting your hips below and under the opponents hips.
It is very effective but requires technique over strength and size and can be performed by a smaller person on a larger and heavier opponent.
The hip throw relies on leverage and thus strength is not a major requirement to execute the hip throw.
Hip Throw Technique
You will need to be close to your opponent to grapple and have a good trip with your arms over their upper body.
Turn and lower your hips under your opponents hips.
You essentially will carry your opponents weight on your hips using your strong leg, back and hip muscles.
Use your upper grip to pull them onto your hip and bump them up and as you turn and flip them or toss them over your hip.
7. Palm Strike to Face
The palm to the face is mostly disallowed in combat sports competition .
But is very useful for self defense and is safer than throwing a standard fist pinch where you risk breaking your hand against the attackers skull.
It can quickly surprise an attacker and blind their vision for an instant so you can follow up with a knee, elbow or oblique kick and make your escape.
Open Palm to the Face
You can use either your lead or rear hand to strike. The lead hand is a closer weapon and faster to execute.
The target is your opponents face, eyes or chin area in order to quickly stun an attacker.
Think of straightening your arm out and into the face of the attacker with an open palm either horizontal or vertical open palm can be used.
Final Thoughts – Basic Fighting Moves Step by Step
This post has given you 7 basic fighting moves step by step.
And they are fairly easy to learn and apply by all levels of experience and regardless of strength and size.
That being said it is best to practice these basic fighting moves step by step on your own with a punching bag, with a partner or shadow drilling.
