Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)
Axe Kick is the third volume in the extremely well written and fully illustrated, Achieving Kicking Excellence series of martial arts related books.
Axe Kick, along with the other nine volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series, goes into intricate detail over all aspects of executing the co-primary kicks, which in this case are the Out-to-In and In-to-Out Axe Kicks, and several of their main variations.
Starting with a basic anatomical analysis of this
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Review by Alain B. Burrese for Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)
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The third volume of Shawn Kovacich’s Achieving Kicking Excellence series is Axe Kick, and like the first two it is an excellent resource regarding this specific kick. Like other books in this series, Kovacich wrote a text with detailed explanations on the execution and application of the axe kick and its variations. Also like the others in the series, this is the most complete written description with photographs of the axe kick that I know of, and is an excellent addition to any martial artist’s library. It will be especially beneficial to those that teach the axe kick and variations in their curriculums.
The author, Shawn Kovacich, set two world records for endurance high kicking that were certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and has an impressive record in the tournament circuit having competed in tournaments such as the Sabaki Challenge among others. With those credentials, I expect him to provide solid instruction on the execution and application of kicks, and he definitely delivers.
Axe Kick includes brief chapters on basic anatomy, warm up and stretching, strength, speed, and power. Many martial artists, especially instructors, will have more complete references on these topics. However, it is nice to have these brief chapters that have the basics all in one volume, especially for those that do not have a large martial art library. I feel it is important that Kovacich includes these if for nothing more than to introduce the basics and encourage the reader to seek out more instruction on these important elements to kicking. I have said the same thing about the other volumes in the series, but include it here as well to make this review stand on its own.
The reason to include this book in your library is for the instruction on the axe kick. Kovacich starts out with a very good description of the basic principles of movement for the axe kick including target areas. He then delivers an excellent description with pictures of how to perform the out-to-in axe kick. I don’t think a person could give a better explanation with pictures in written form than Kovacich does here. The next chapters teach variations of the axe kick including: Back Spin Out-to-In Axe Kick; Spin Back Out-to-In Axe Kick; Off-Setting Out-to-In Axe Kick; Switch Out-to-In Axe Kick; and the Step Back Out-to-In Axe Kick.
After the descriptions of the variations, Kovacich gives detailed instruction with pictures of the In-to-Out Axe Kick. This chapter is followed by the variations: Off-Setting In-to-Out Axe Kick; Cross-Over In-to-Out Axe Kick; Hop/Slide Forward In-to-Out Axe Kick; Hop/Slide Backward In-to-Out Axe Kick; and the Switch In-to-Out Axe Kick.
Kovacich includes training and practice methods, a trouble shooting guide, and axe kick applications in subsequent chapters. This rounded out the book to make it a complete stand alone volume on the axe kick, and by far the best resource out there on this difficult technique.
One of the things I really enjoy in this series of books is the notes. Each chapter has notes and in these you find excellent gems of wisdom. Not only will they help your kicking on the described kick, but are relevant to other kicks too. For instance, in this volume, one of the notes states, “The ability to effectively and efficiently utilize high section kicks depends primarily on the following four factors. A: Your expertise in kicking. B: Your overall flexibility and physical condition. C: Your environment at the time. D: Your opponent.” I wrote about similar issues in the kicking chapter I wrote in Fighter’s Fact Book 2 with Loren Christensen.
Like Back Kick and Wheel Kick, the first two books in this series, a person could criticize this text regarding the repetitiveness of some of the pictures and descriptions of the wheel kick variations. If you are reading this book straight through cover to cover, yes, the repetitiveness could become boring. If you are using the text as Kovacich intended, as a learning tool, this should not be a factor. I much rather have each kick explained in its entirety, rather than be referred to a different part of the book for the elements that are similar or the same. There is a big difference in a book intended to be read from cover to cover and a book intended as a resource guide. The Achieving Kicking Excellence series are guide books, and the format is perfect for this kind of instruction.
Shawn Kovacich’s Axe Kick is the third book of the series and an excellent instructional text for any student or instructor of the kicking arts. Its detailed descriptions and photographs are clear and easy to understand, while his kicking notes provide quality instruction and advice to improve one’s training and execution of this important kick. I am definitely looking forward to future volumes in the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Alain Burrese
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series.
Review by Alan D. Cranford for Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)
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This is Volume Three of ten books devoted to mastering kicks. Shawn Kovacich devotes this book to the axe kick. This review examines Shawn’s book from a practical stand point–how well does this book enable me to learn the axe kick?
Shawn likens a properly executed axe kick to a lumberjack’s axe splitting wood. While only right leg techniques are shown, Shawn doesn’t think you’ve mastered the kick unless you can apply it with either leg. This book is geared towards executing the perfect axe kick.
I’m 50, 6’3″ tall and 220 pounds, but I’m not an athlete–just healthy. I cannot perform the axe kick higher than my own waist right now–I’ll need to improve my flexibility. It isn’t too much of a handicap for self defense–or active military service–but for those of you involved in karate matches, you need the high kicks for the match-winning points. Of course, if I fall to the ground or can hold onto something, my kick gains stability, height, and power–at the cost of being fixed in position for an instant. The axe kick uses the heel bone–the back center of the heel bone. Target areas are the head, shoulders, and collar bone.
I have training prejudices: I like to employ mirrors, a video camera or two, a minimum of one sparring partner, and at least one referee when I train. Multiple sparring partners are to keep me from getting stuck kicking at the same height each time, and because in the real world, my problems usually come in bunches. Often, I must train alone or not train at all, so I have to limit my training intensity for safety. A second set of eyes can help spot flaws–and prevent injuries. It is very hard to dial 911 when one’s back is thrown out. These kicking techniques can injure the practitioner if done incorrectly. I like both mirrors and video because when I initially practice, I can watch myself in the mirror. For realistic practice, I need to concentrate on technique and the target instead of watching my own reflection–instant video playback aids me in spotting what happened. I can even figure out if my kick was in the right place or not! Shawn wrote about the “crawl, walk, and run” phases of training and the basic and advanced kicking techniques are covered in detail. Exact detail. Train at your own risk. I perform a risk reduction prior to training–assess the risk level and employ risk reduction techniques to make training safe. Remember that training is synthetic reality, intended to be less expensive than gaining real-world experience.
I think that “Achieving Kicking Excellence: Axe Kick” is well organized. There are twelve chapters. The introduction defines the kick and advises how to use the book. Chapter One is kick anatomy: bones and muscles. Chapter Two recommends warm up and stretching exercises. Chapter Three is Basic Principles: striking surface, target areas, and 11 other key points. Clear graphics left me with little doubt about what part of the foot to apply and where to hit my opponent. Chapter Four covered the primary co-kick technique, “out-to-in”. Again, the graphics are very clear. They include “dance step diagrams” showing where the feet go–footwork is critical to effective kicking. The photos have numbered labels stressing correct positioning of each part of the body. Chapter Five is variations of the primary technique. Chapter Six is the “in-to-out” co-kick technique and Chapter Seven covers variations. Chapter Eight covers training and practice techniques to achieve skill, strength, speed, and power. Chapter Nine is a trouble-shooting guide. Chapter Ten is applications: how to use this in competition or combat. Chapter Eleven is Shawn’s awards and accomplishments. Chapter Twelve previews the next volume in the series. There are a table of contents, a recommended reading list, and an index.
This is an excellent study guide. I can train some now, on my own, and when I find training partners (sparring partners and a referee) I might even get proficient!
Review by K.H. for Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)
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The next book in Shawn Kovacich series, “Axe Kick,” covers just that, the axe kick, from about every angle one could possibly approach this subject. Shawn if anything, is consistent, which aids this series. The reader knows what to expect, details about muscle groups, target areas, and proper technique are standard in his “Achieving Kicking Excellence” series.
Now, I must state my bias: I have never been much a fan of this kick and taught it as part of the curriculum knowing some other student my fall in love with the kick. In all the years of competition, full contact or point, I only saw one person who could use this technique properly (Tomas Kurowjoski spelling – Shidokan Open). Shawn has a picture of him using this kick in the same tournament, whether he was successful with it, I don’t know; however, what I do know is that he has mastered the technical knowledge on all the workings on learning, teaching, and applying this kick.
He demonstrates both the in and out axe kick and adds other photos such as a man using an axe and constant use of a protractor showing peak points. Each muscle group is mentioned and how it applies to this maneuver. His application section works well These books excel as instructor’s aids and out of the three I have reviewed so far, this book has provided the most information about a certain kick and how each muscle is working to make this kick excel. This series is quickly turning into a reference set for instructors and students alike.
Review by Aaron Hoopes for Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)
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Like all the titles in Shawn Kovacich’s Achieving Kicking Excellence series, book 3 Axe Kick is a comprehensive study of one of the important kicks used in modern martial arts today. The book is incredibly thorough with numerous photos demonstrating the every aspect of the kick in minute detail. Mr. Kovacich knows his stuff and it is obvious that he has spent many hours honing his technique. The book provides an in-depth study of the bones, muscles and mechanics involved in the kicking technique.
In addition, the book contains a wealth of supplemental information on strength, speed and power generating exercises to enhance the technique. There is also a section on stretching as well as the application of the technique.
This book is ideal for any martial artist who wishes to perfect their axe kicking ability. The beginner will find a wealth of information to assist in developing proper mechanics while the advanced practitioner will glean some vital knowledge from an accomplished teacher.
Be sure to check out the other books in this series. You are sure to find one that addresses the specific kick that you need work on.
Aaron Hoopes
author of Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing, Movement and Meditation
Review by Jeffrey Peter A. Hauck for Axe Kick (Achieving Kicking Excellence, Vol. 3)
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Author Shawn Kovacich has exploited an important niche in his “Achieving Kicking Excellence” series of martial arts instructional texts.
Shawn is quoted as saying “In an unarmed self-defense encounter, your kicking skills or lack thereof, can be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. In today’s society, kicking is not only used more frequently, but it also ranks as perhaps the most versatile and underrated weapon that you have in your arsenal.” I agree with him.
I found “Axe Kick” (volume 3 of 10 in the series) to be so highly detail oriented that it overcame any presupposition of dryness and boredom to which I initially attributed to it. In short, I was “hooked.” Laid out in terms that the novice can easily follow and the practicing martial artist can incorporate into his or her regimen, Shawn starts out with the historical background of the Axe Kick and then introduces the reader to the physical and physiological body movements and mechanics associated with the kick.
Providing tips on conditioning and training, Shawn demonstrates foot movement by foot movement the Axe Kick’s basic principles and then introduces the primary In-to-Out Axe Kick and then Out-to-In Axe Kick to his audience and follows with six variations of each; (some of which I have never even heard of!).
Shawn demonstrates the principles of each kick with clear photographs that leave nothing to the imagination. Fortifying the text with chapters on “Warm Up and Stretching,” “Training and Practice Methods,” “Trouble Shooting Guide,” and “Kicking Applications,” to name a few, Shawn provides the reader with more than a full understanding of what could and mistakenly be known as a “simple kick.”
Totally complete at 258 pages, and chocked with all sorts of valuable information from the “nuts and bolts” of technique description and demonstration to body dynamics, this is without a doubt the “gold standard” by which any examplar of martial arts kicking should be judged by.
This book can stand alone or be incorporated within the series. I rate it at five stars without hesitation or reservation. Well done!
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