Good points and yes the defensive jump spinning rear kick is a formidable kick because the opponent had committed themselves. I watched lots of YouTube video of Korean flying kicks for this post and I cannot see the worth of a running, flying kick unless the opponent is frozen in fear. But I do grant you (not that I am a final arbitrator) that there are many instances where one would work well.

I remember getting into a fight at the bar after having a couple of free beers, with a couple of guys… I fought the biggest guy with a right snap kick, left wheel kick and right jump spinning heel kick (that missed) and wound up on my butt!.., I think the beer may have had more to do with that but I then transitioned into straight line techniques and had no issue after that.

The is the thing about the school we went to that I liked… it was more about how to transition if a fight was not going your way then depend on everything being perfect!

Glad to post your pics… it adds to the breadth of the site.

John W. Zimmer
MySelfDefenseBlog.com

Due to the fact that you and I have the same background, I usually agree with you 95% of the time. And I do agree with your comment that “When someone is in the air, they cannot change directions or speed”. However, I do think that a defensive, jump away, spinning rear kick is very effective against a hard charging opponent in a sport sparring match. As you know I have used this technique many times with great success. You have two examples of this on your Pix page (thanks). And although the “jump away, defensive spinning rear kick is not technically a “Flying kick”, you are in the air and cannot change directions or speed.

I do want to clarify my comment by saying I would not consider the above mentioned kick a sound street move. When defending yourself on the street you need to stay grounded, basic, fast and effective.

Best regards,

David Hays

PS, I miss the days of you bouncing, you always had great (real life) self defense examples to share.