Setting up an Effective Head Kick in MMA Combat

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With a background as a combat infantryman in the U.S. Army, California resident Jason Borba has been an Army combat instructor and currently serves as head MMA trainer at an elite athletic training center. Among the mixed martial arts techniques that Jason Borba emphasizes in his Southern California practice is the head kick, which can be an effective knockout technique.

Traditionally used in fighting styles such as Taekwondo and Muay Thai, the head kick is difficult to land against an agile opponent and requires the proper set up. This often involves a series of feints and baits involving jabs, punches, and leg kicks that keep the opponent in a reactive mode, trying to avoid blows.

At the same time, it is possible to give off deceptive “tells” that provide a false sense of predictability and lull the opponent into complacency. These include taking a look at one's lead leg before kicking, or emitting specific sounds when undertaking different modes of attack.

Mix up the arsenal with strikes to the midsection and legs and establish a powerful but established pattern. If this is working, the opponent will be tensed up and on guard against a lower strike and leave the upper body, including the neck and head, exposed. At a moment when the opponent is off balance, try throwing a near hook in tandem with the kick to disguise it and ensure maximum chance of impact.

MVP - Merging Vets with Players

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Image: MVPMergingVetsandPlayers

After serving in the military, Jason Borba returned to the mixed martial arts arena. In addition to training for matches, Jason Borba has worked as a physical trainer in West Hollywood for the last four years. Of the many pursuits the combat veteran engages in, he participates in Merging Vets with Players.

Also known as MVP, the group was designed to transition service members into civilian life after serving in the military. The group got its start after its founder realized that athletes and veterans have similar issues upon leaving sports and military service. Both have very structured lives revolving around tight schedules with little free time for themselves, and when they do return to civilian life, there is little to dictate what they should do or when they should do it. MVP helps to provide this missing structure.

While veterans are a part of the group, MVP comprises players, coaches, and mentors as well. The overall mission of the group is to create a space for people who understand what it means to overcome adversity, and members are welcomed into a family whose numbers continue to grow.