BIOMECH Breakdown: Anderson Silva’s Front Kick

I’m just now getting to read this post. Great info. Glad I joined your mailing list.

ERIC PART 2 PLEASE! but not just that, more of these kinds of posts would be awesome too! Love the blog sir.

Great post Eric!

You make things easy to understand and your knowledge on training science is awesome, really like the Ultimate Strength and Conditioning program!

Keep up the good work!

great work !! like always !!! willing and waiting to learn !!!!

Excellent work Eric…waiting for Part 2…

Awesome stuff Eric! Nobody breaks down MMA like you do. Thanks!
-Jeff

I find you breakdown, kinematic evaluation to be an excellent example of how scientific analysis improves all around understanding and can improve our actual practice and performance. Your website is great, I will WOT (Web of Trust) it immediately.

i agree with the comment that said the whole biomech breakdown is a bit overkill but it’s very interesting to read…is there a pt.2 yet? cheers Eric

Very cool! That was an excellent breakdown!

Amazing detail thanks alot. i will try this next time im sparring
i would like to get a break down of GSP superman jab follwed by the inside/outside leg kick

This was awesome, I’d love to see more biomechanical breakdowns of MMA technique.

Asking me math questions for spam protection? Thats rough haha, How about the round kick?

I like the breakdowns. I’d like to see the same breakdown for Fedor’s casting punch he used to KO Brett Rogers.

I’m glad to see some traditional martial arts brought back into MMA, and the breakdown is great. I’m looking forward to seeing some more KO and submission breakdowns Eric!

Specific techniques for BIOMECH breakdown – roundhouse kick, spinning back kick, inside thigh kick. It addition to the techniques themselve, especially interested in what to do with guard while throwing these. If you throw one and get clocked in the process, not a good thing.

Yeah as it happens I d like ta C a breakdown of knee kicks if it was possible

WOW – you guys really enjoyed this one eh?

Awesome – I’ll definitely do a Part 2 and keep this going as a regular feature.

If there are any specific techniques you’d like me to do a BIOMECH Breakdown of, let me know here!

Great analysis, u gotta do a part 2!!!

I absolutely loved that biomechanical breakdown of Anderson Silva’s front kick technique. The frame by frame photos along with the red marker arrows highlighting the subtle but important sequence of events is priceless.

For many, this is top secret stuff and I am extremely shocked that you would share this with us. When I say shocked, I really mean pleasantly surprised!

Thank you so much for the highly detailed description of what’s going on. I have been waiting for such a long time for someone to have the guts and the vision to present this information in a highly detailed but easy to understand manner!

Kudos to you my man! Well done! = )

Although the kick was effective, the three flaws that if were corrected would have make the kick most effective and probably completely knocked Befort out are.;

The rear foot should have stayed flat, not on the toes. This is Karate 101. Instead of going to the toes, the rear leg should have slightly pivoted externally to allow the foot to stay flat. This would have given Silva even more power as the energy would have been amplified by the rear knee extension as the kick landed.

Also both of his guards were down during the execution of the kick. another no-no

also, although Silva did snap the kick, he did not snap the kick to it’s full potential. the knee must return to flexion just as quick as it went to extension. This give the kick it’s “bull whip” effect. Mass x velocity = power. Power is what creates max impact effectiveness

As someone who trains, teaches, and competes in combat sports; the thing that has always impressed me regarding Silva is the amount of power he is able to distribute with seemingly little effort. The speed at which he attacks is blinding. I’d like to see what he does to develop his fast-twitch muscle fibers.

Very nice Eric, we will be waiting for part 2.
Anderson told everybody that he trained that kick with Master Steven Seagal, some people in Brazil are saying that the kick come from capoeira. I train Wing Chun Kung Fu and we have a very similar front kick. Steven Seagal said that he made some variation to the traditional aikido front kick after so many years studying. What I feel is that traditional martial art is showing again that can be very efective.

HI Eric, I actually like Vitor and I trained Brazilain jiu-jitsu for a few years so what I was wondering if you could show a video on Vitor falling and the proper way to fall backwards ( I`m terrible i know , sorry Vitor).

He may have learned this from Steven Seagall but this is a “karate” kick, not an aikido one, and it is certainly not new. Give credit to Steven Seagall for being a well rounded martial artist who learns from many arts, not just aikido, and obviously, so does Anderson Silva. Even is karate, kicking to the head is a high risk technique for most people. Lots of credit to Anderson Silva and a little luck too.

Ok, so I was born in a little town…. AHHHH, JUST PART TWO PLEASE!!!!!

Thank’s Eric.
I relly appreciate all the articles you put out.Most of them help me develop my workout cardio fitness routines,thnk’s a lot!!!
i’m sue you will reach out the 40 comments!!!

Part 2 would be great Eric, so is the idea of doing something like this as a regular feature, nice one!

However, I have to pull you up for something in the article, no list of amazing and unorthodox Silva knockouts is complete without this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s6rF0gId4E

Thanks Eric

Eric Reply:
February 9th, 2011 at 3:05 pm

I’d never seen that one before – thanks Ferg!

Reply

I would love to see part 2. I REALLY need to get my push kicks as good as my round kicks

Hey eric. Would love to see part 2 of this article. Also how would I go about trying to generate the same power using the front leg only? As it is a small hole in my stand-up.

Hey man
Appreciate all the articles you put out. And some of them actually help me develop my programs, nutrition and mental preparation.
I think too much emphasis is on the kick and the power. It looks to me that it was just a normal quick kick, no loading(telegraphing) and hit Vitor on the chin. Sometimes scientific breakdowns are Overkill.
I’d prefer to see a breakdown of getting knocked out when you are hit on the chin. Maybe some exercises to assist in this area. I bite on a rope with weights and bob my head to strengthen my neck, dunno if it works, but I heard it also strengthens the jaw as well.
The other thing I liked about the fight was how Anderson slowly closed the distance, I dont know if Vitor noticed it but he didn’t look like he adjusted accordingly. Which gave Anderson the opportunity to throw a quick one out there. Dunno!! I may have just overkilled it.
Chur ma bro.

Would love to see part 2
Also agree with a couple of point above about technique. I can hear my TKD instructor say at least five things.

1) Early shift in body weight and foot movement could be read by a fighter more use to kicks like this
2) yep as above back foot on floor (also vulnerable to sweep as well as power issue)
3) I was taught to push hip into kick without leaning back to avoid off balance issue
4) Guard! I’ve seen Muay Thai use the arm swing to gain power on round kicks but it drops the guard making vulnerable to counter – TKD would see swop of guard with the kicking side moving forward as teh back leg comes through
5) Foot position pressure=force/area kick with ball of foot only

Can’t argue that it did the job and its far easier to talk a good fight than do it

ready for part 2

Great breakdown. Further breakdown with video would be nice.

Great idea, more breakdowns would be great. It’s amazing how effortless the “Spider” makes it look. This guy is my favorite to watch, so dynamic.

Eric,

I love the mechanical breakdown. I have a background in exercise science, work as a physical therapy assistant, and completed a fellowship in applied functional science. I love to break down the mechanics of any movement, but especially love mma. I could never fight, but I hope to be able to contribute to the sport with my knowledge someday. I would love to see part 2.

Great analysis of the technique! The front kick is a basic technique in many martial arts. I am glad to see more MMA fighters using a variety of stand up techniques. Kicks executed correctly at the right time in the fight can be very effective. I definitely want to see your part two!!

I’ m thai,for me it’s just one kind of Teep. it’s never surprised that I saw Silva’s Teep.
I saw it many weeks for these kind of knocked out in Thailand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU8c2hWVW3A

part 2. for sure.

That’s a really awesome write up Eric! I’d love to see more.

I see you’ve already got more than 40 comments, but I’m still throwing in a vote for more. I LOVE kicking. Can’t think of a more satisfying way to burn off extra stress or energy than to kick the crap out of something, even if it’s a poor, defenseless piece of equipment.

Yeah man good stuff,I think you go over the type of kick to set the record straight

Would love to see pt 2

Great breakdown! Must do part 2! Awesome stuff!

Hey Eric first of all I never find any info from you to be boring. I always learn something from your articles. And my thought on Anderson’s front snap kick. I believe that Anderson is a black belt in tae kwon do. It is a everyday practice kick in TKD. I did watch a video where Steven Seagal has mentioned that he helped Anderson with that kick. This kick is very common kick in many different martial arts. Enough said. Yes I do appericate all the articles and videos that I receive from you. Keep up the good work and yes plz let see part 2. Ty.

I definitely would like to see more! It’s funny, he uses his right hand like it’s his power hand, but he fights in the southpaw stance. That shot that ended Griffin’s night was a pawing jab. I’d hate to see what would happen if he finishes someone with his left!

Great breakdown of the traditional jodan maegeri (high front kick) from karate.

yeah man would like to see that mate

…

cool stuff, buddy ! I really like this analisys :)

Get break down, look forward to part 2

Hey Eric- you started so u got to finish! Great work so far.

Hey Eric

U can’t imagine the stuff that was going through my mind when when I saw how u broke the whole move up like that. I definitely want to learn and apply it in tournaments and practice when sparring. I mean Anderson used a front kick to take the guy out – how awesome is that? We have to see part 2. Come on Eric

No doubt Eric!! We NEED the second part of this analysis and we NEED that “exercises specifically designed for maximum front kick power”!!
Please, let us have the second part.

Thanks!!

Thanks very much for the break down Eric, bio mechanics is one of my favorite subjects, especially when applied to mma or the martial arts in general.

Look forward to part 2!

Hey Eric!

I’d like to ask that, how can a kick be so powerful with the heel of the supporting leg off the ground? I don’t understand that. I was taught to turn the ankle at 90 degrees, and stand still on the supporting leg, so the kick can have a stable base. This is like he is dancing around in a very unstable position, if the opponent would have taken a step closer at the moment of the kick, Silva had fallen down. What do you think?

A video would be sweet of it.

Thanks
Roland

Yo
I’m glad to see A.S. showcase the front kick/teep.
Is there a perferred natural body type for different technics?
My Front kicks have always been excellent. I have naturally very flexible hips, good balance and short legs. I can and do land them at will against dudes when i spar and have no issue with head high kicks. However my roundhouses are poor and easily blocked. Most dudes I spar are Irish (have long legs and not very flexible) their roundhouses are much better than mine but their FK’s are poor with no power.
Is there a connection?

Great post Eric…give me part 2!! Couldn’t believe the knockout, the greatest fighter who EVER lived. He’s unbeatable. Come on UFC, give us Silva v GSP!!!

I´m the 40th comment who want Part 2:-) Let´s get it on!

Great analysis Eric. I would also add the force production/transfer of the right leg through the triple extension of the posterior extensor chain (ankle/knee/hip joint). Awsome transfer of energy which led to the power in the front kick. Plenty of SSC exercises and olympic lifts to practice this. Look forward to your exercises in part 2!

Part 2 please!!!!

You missed the point of the kick, man
:)

It fakes high of the kick and changes angle in the process of the movement just to avoid Vitor guard. If you get to see the kick in slow motion look at how he changes the angle of the kickk the moment it passed newar vitor guard… it’s a slight movement. The knee does a slighly (tiny) external rotation… You can take a look at the knee position in pictures 4 and 5 but it’s more noticeable in motion

Awesome biomech breakdown, can’t wait til part 2 comes out :)

Amazing stuff. i look forward to part 2!

Love it! Please do the second part!

I loom forward to part 2! Amazing stuff

Hey, Eric. I’d be interested in part 2.

Hey Eric,

Part 2 would be great. I agree with David however. His foot should remain on the floor for greater stability. I’m not too keen on the leaning back as well as combined with the raised heel, it just increases your chances of losing balance. His kick did work out well in the end but I don’t think one should try to emulate the exact technique he used.

Eric… you have to do a follow-up man

I think he knocked one guy out with a crazy elbow strike. No question he is a great striker.

Gotta do it. I beseach, thee, Eric!

To me it looked like a normal teep/push kick but slightly modified to bring it up to the face. Everything is the same as far as hand, foot, and body position. Forrest Griffin landed the same kick to Tito a few months ago in their fight, I think it was the 3rd round. Now that I think about it I remember eating one of those in sparring like a year or 2 ago.

Definitely would love to see part 2. As far as my high kicks are, I feel it’s easier for me to throw a front kick than a round kick(I know, extremely odd :)) and would like to see if I’m on my way to correctly developing knockout power for this kick.

That fight blew my mind last night! Eric part 2 would ne greatly appreciated. I, being a novice in all aspects of the sport have never seen a biomechanics breakdown but I believe it would greatly affect my learning in a positive way. Thank you.

please do a part two!!!!!!!!!!!!

man i lost money on that kick,lol.

thanks you for these walk threws

Hey Eric

Excellent post, but I think you forgot to mention that he used the rear leg to develop velocity to add power to the kick.

Anyway great post, can’t wait for part two.

Take care.

Cool to see biomecanics like this. I’d like to see a part 2.

the more info on sport specific exercises the better, bring on part 2

I didnt get a chance to catch the fight But a friend of mine told me hte results of the fight and most people probably would be like no way but when he told me silva knocked out belfort with a spartan kick I just looked at him and could actually picture it in my head .

I don’t know if “Coach Rob” is correct in saying Anderson Silva learnt to kick from Seagal but it does look like he learnt from someone who’s primary art does NOT include kicking. Wikipedia says that he trained in Taekwondo from age 14 and was a BB by age 18. This indicates sport style TKD where emphasis in on connecting with a ‘target’ rather than maximising power.

Anderson could improve his kick by keeping the standing foot flat on the deck to maintain better stability and to reduce the amount of force that is absorbed at impact by this foot returning to the deck. He also appears to connect with the heel or broad sole of the foot rather than the ball of the foot. Impact is a combination of force over area and the smaller the area used to deliver that force, the greater the impact.

But like all skills, they take time to learn and improve. To be successful at UFC you need to be a very good generalist, and not a perfect kicker. You rarely see a good kicker on UFC because of the time it takes to learn good technique and because of the high risk of take-downs. Having studied the Art (not sport) of TKD for 40 years I see a lot of opportunity for good kicks in UFC, but then I’m an average Jo, not a professional athlete. :-)

ps: Eric, this post should count for 10 of your 40+ comments required for Part 2. :-)

Yea, come on man part 2!!!

Hey, Eric, I’d love to see Part 2

You gotta make a part 2 man

Please do part two. Yes this is great I think it would be an outstanding regular feature.

Make a part 2, I have a tight hip flexors and want to learn how to get rid of them.

part 2 please! thanks

Hell yeah i would like to learn more on this Eric. I wonder how long it takes to develop that with the quickness and ease he used. He just snapped it out like a whip. Im thinking he is pretty flexible in hips. Cant wait to see part 2.

Part 2….DO IT.

Great stuff, can’t wait for part 2

I am definitely interested in learning more!!!

Vitor got caught by a technique he wasn’t familiar with or hasn’t seen a lot of. Most people train in (or spar against a someone trained in) Muay Thai, which has the “Teep” (similar to a Tae Kwon Do Push-Kick).

This is more of the Karate/Tae Kwon Do Front Snap Kick which has a different angle/plane of attack.

Kudos to Anderson Silva for continually learning and evolving, the true path of a Martial Artist.

It is highly unprobable to KO an opponent with a front kick ,I would love part 2 ;)

Part 2please Eric

hey, lets see part 2. knowledge is power, and if that means knock out power then more is better right? lol

I’d like to see more. Does this mean that you can’t overbuild your legs with too much puffy muscle because that definitely limits your kicking flexibility? I’d like to learn more about bulk vs. speed.

As a sports science guy I always loved biomechanics & how it applied to various sporting situations. Really enjoyed this write up Eric, so much so I have shared it on my Facebook page! Great work. Looking forward to part 2!

Eric please do a part 2 on this article thanks

Hey Eric….you forgot the most important lesson. He learned this style of kick and practiced it all the way up into the cage…from none other than the Aikido Master Steven Seagal. Now every one will flock to find an Aikido Master…lol.

The lesson learned here is that Anderson Silva is humble enough to learn something new and apply it to his game from an old school martial artist. He even spent time with Freddie Roach to learn a little bit more about boxing. The greatest striker in MMA is still learning… Now that’s a dangerous combination.

Regards

Coach Rob
http://www.maineventboxing.com

Fantastic write up. I’ll be waiting for Part 2. By the way.. I was just talking about how I think he see’s fights like he is in the Matrix..

Dude, you gotta do a part 2! No question! I’d love to learn how to get power on my front kicks/teeps.