Kickboxing employs some devastating lower and upper body attacks. The cut kick (also called a leg kick), is designed to "cut" through the target, immobilize your opponent, and destroy his foundation. A kickboxer who can't stand can't fight. Therefore, upon the successful completion of the cut kick, the fight ends. Two of the most powerful strikes you will ever use in kickboxing are the knee and the elbow. The knee is capable of inflicting severe damage. Since some kickboxing tournaments allow elbow strikes (generally, if pads are worn), it also benefits the kickboxer to learn fighting according to Muay Thai rules. The beauty of the elbow strike is its devastating power and the difficulty defending against it. The small, hard bone of the elbow translates into a devastating striking weapon. The elbow's proximity to the body makes this primarily a short range technique. The sweep is yet a good short range technique you can use to unbalance your opponent and set him up for the finishing strike. A sweep is essentially a low kick to your opponent's leg. Separating his legs with a sweep opens his centerline to strikes. On the centerline are some of the most vulnerable targets: nose, chin, chest, and solar plexus.
