Easy steps to Create Kicking Power

One of the best ways to create kicking power in martial arts students is to have them train on a heavy bag like the Wavemaster XXL.  Some of the more basic drills with heavy bags are done by having the student repeatedly kick/punch the bag for a specific amount of time, for beginners using the same kick/punch while more advanced can mix it up. 

One of the best things about these drills is that they are done with a partner so there is a constant motivation to keep moving and match the intensity/power of the other person on the bag.  These drills can also help with large class sizes since each bag can be doubled/tripled up on by your students.  One important thing to remember when doing heavy bag training is to match up the students with similar skills levels.

First Drill:  Two students get on opposite sides of the heavy bag.  Immediately after their round kick each will move 90 degrees to their right/left.  Usually by the third kick you will notice the moderately skilled and above students will form a rhythm which also teaches them timing.  Important: Just make sure they know which direction they are going before the drill starts.

Second Drill:  This drill focuses on increasing punching power.  Students will stand at the opposite side of the heavy bag again, and when commanded to begin will begin punching the heavy bag with alternating fists.

Third Drill: On this drill the students will be at the opposite sides of the bag and will begin by throwing combination punches at the heavy bag with full power.  When the heavy begins to sway the students have to move from keeping it from hitting them.  This drill gets pretty fast and out of control so you might want to do this one in short periods.

Fourth Drill:  This drill will begin with one student holding the bag while to other is off the bag in punching and kicking range.  When this drill begins the student that is holding the bag will move the bag to the sides and back and forth all the while the other student will continue to punch and kick the heavy bag.  The student punching and kicking will have to use their footwork in order to stay within range of the bag.  To make this more advanced the holder can also move around the bag forcing the kicker/puncher to use their footwork to do so also.  One important note: It is best if the student holding the bag can hold the bag at the top or bottom of the bag on the opposite side where the other student will be kicking high/low. 

These four drills are relatively basic in nature but will build tremendous kicking power in your students.  If you enjoyed these drills you can read more training tips at "The Mixed Martial Arts Zone Blog"