Kicking from the Horse Stance

(Informative comments by Mr. Sascha Williams from a recent discussion on Facebook about whether or not there is any benefit to practicing kicks from a horse stance.)

If you practice Mr. Parker's Self Defense Techniques, you should practice certain kicks from a Horse stance.

While I had the opportunity to work on Kenpo's material with Mr. Parker directly, I believe that once I respond here, some of you will realize that what I'm about to say, you actually already knew, but you might have not thought about it.

I doubt I am the only one who realizes that the first technique in the Kenpo system which actually employs kicks from a Horse Stance is Scraping Hoof, which employs a Scooping Heel kick, as well as a knife edge kick from a Horse Stance.

Then, there's Destructive Fans, which executes a sweep kick from a Horse Stance, but one could argue that it's not specifically a "kick", as Mr. Parker didn't specify further, other than stating to "sweep the opponent's leg" from a Horse Stance position.

But then there's Reprimanding the Bears on 2nd brown, which employs a front thrusting ball kick from a Horse stance.

I realize, the question posted might have been more about "traditional" kicks (Roundhouse kick, Side kick, back kick, etc.), but that just demonstrates how Mr. Parker thought differently than most people.

Personally, although not contained in any technique from a Horse stance, I would recommend to also practice the Back Scoop kick (aka vertical hook kick) from a Horse stance, since that has practical application.

And then that would also expand to the Reverse Snap kick, in the event that the opponent isn't close enough for a Scoop kick, but yet at the perfect distance for a snapping version of that kick (i.e.: Reverse Snap kick.)

Regarding the advantage of a scooping kick, the general answer would be: In the right situation, it will be the fastest strike available, with the highest probability of success.

Just like a hook punch.

Essentially a hook kick (which is what a scoop kick is), just like a hook punch, or hooking heel palm, etc) takes advantage of the fact that there is an unprotected target available as we retract our arm or leg.

A hook strikes on the return (after passing the apex). So it benefits from Forward Momentum (in addition to Rotational force), but all of this moving towards 6:00 o'clock, so retreating (aka Advancing to the Rear).

Like the first strike in Striking Serpents Head.