what is a hatchet kick and why would I use it?
Shawn writes that the hatchet kick is a hybrid turning Wheel Kick and an in-to-out Axe Kick. The striking surface is the back center of the heel and the head, neck, and shoulders are the targets. Getting inside another’s Observe, Orient, Decide and Act loop can win a match for you–or allow you to seize and keep the initiative in a fight. I thought that the hatchet kick would be easy, but I’ve been humbled! Fortunately, following Shawn’s safety procedures on page 11 (take one step at a time) kept me from injuring myself. It’s just that unless my opponent’s head is lower than my own waist, he’s in no danger of my hatchet kick for now! 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 a
