5 Advanced Kickboxing Techniques to Take Your Training to the Next Level

Kickboxing is a dynamic, high-energy sport that requires dedication, strategy, and technical skill. Whether you're an experienced martial artist or someone who has been training for a while, you may find yourself reaching a plateau in your progress. At Element Martial Arts in Calgary, we believe that the key to advancing in your kickboxing journey lies in refining your technique and pushing your limits with new challenges. 

In this post, we’ll cover five advanced kickboxing techniques that will elevate your training and help you gain the edge in your practice. These techniques require precision, timing, and a deep understanding of your body mechanics. Let’s get started. 

Switching Stance for Unpredictability 

One of the most effective ways to break through the standard rhythm of a match is to keep your opponent guessing. Switching between stances—such as from orthodox to southpaw—can disrupt the flow of a fight and open new opportunities for strikes. This technique is not just about shifting your position; it’s about making your opponent react to your movements. 

When executed well, switching stances allows you to set up attacks from angles that are unfamiliar to your opponent, making it harder for them to predict your next move. It also helps to create balance in your fighting style, allowing you to develop stronger and more diverse attacks from both sides. 

Feinting to Set Up Powerful Strikes 

Feints are a common but essential tool in advanced kickboxing. A feint is essentially a fake move designed to make your opponent believe you're going to strike in one way, only to quickly follow up with a real attack in a different direction. 

For example, you might feint a jab to get your opponent to react defensively, then throw a hook or uppercut to catch them off guard. Feinting helps to control the pace of the fight and manipulate your opponent’s defence, leaving them vulnerable to your real strikes. To effectively use feints, it’s crucial to have the right timing and read your opponent’s tendencies. At Element Martial Arts in Calgary, we emphasize the importance of patience and precision when using this technique to ensure it’s as effective as possible. 

The Spinning Back Kick 

The spinning back kick is one of the most powerful and flashy techniques in kickboxing. This strike combines speed, power, and surprise. The move involves spinning 180 degrees and driving the heel of your rear leg into your opponent’s midsection or head. While it can be challenging to master, the spinning back kick is devastating when executed properly.  

The key to pulling off this kick is timing and balance. It’s important to use your hips and core to generate the necessary power while maintaining a strong stance before you initiate the spin. The element of surprise is also a huge advantage, as most opponents won’t expect the kick, especially if they are distracted by other movements.  

At Element Martial Arts in Calgary, we guide our students through the technicalities of the spinning back kick, focusing on improving coordination, power, and accuracy.   

Low Kick Setup to High Kick 

A combination that can leave your opponent vulnerable is the low kick set up with a high kick. This technique involves throwing a quick low kick to the leg, which forces your opponent to lower their guard. Once they react, you capitalize on their lowered defences by quickly following up with a powerful high kick to the head. 

The key to mastering this combination is fluidity and timing. You want to make the low kick feel like a part of the natural sequence rather than a setup. If your opponent anticipates the low kick and defends it well, you risk leaving yourself open for a counterattack. Therefore, the faster and more seamless strategy is the transition from a low kick to a high kick, the more successful you’ll be at landing a clean strike. 

Elbow Strikes in Close Quarters 

Elbow strikes are often overlooked, but they can be extremely effective, particularly in close-quarters situations. When you’re too close to land a clean punch or kick, elbow strikes provide a brutal alternative. Whether you’re in a clinch or just in a tight range with your opponent, throwing elbows can land powerful blows to the head, temple, or body. 

Elbows can be used in a variety of ways—downward, horizontal, or even spinning. Mastering these strikes requires control and precision, as the target areas are often small and require great accuracy. When combined with effective footwork and clinch control, elbow strikes can be the difference between winning and losing a fight. 

Elevate Your Kickboxing Game Today! 

Kickboxing is an ever-evolving discipline, and advancing your techniques is essential for continued growth. By incorporating advanced techniques like stance switching, feinting, spinning back kicks, low-to-high kick combinations, and elbow strikes into your training routine, you’ll be better equipped to handle opponents of all levels and improve your overall skill set.

Ready to take your kickboxing training to the next level? Book a trial class at Element Martial Arts in Calgary today and start mastering these techniques with expert guidance. If you have any questions or need more information about our classes, don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to helping you elevate your training!