Multiple Opponents


  • Start Position:
    • Begin in a balanced fighting stance with the right side leading and both hands raised in the Defense Position.
    • Keep the knees slightly bent, the shoulders relaxed and the abdominal muscles gently engaged.
    • Maintain sufficient space in front, behind and to the sides for traveling movements, kicks and changes in direction.
    • Prepare to perform the combination toward imaginary targets in front of and behind the body.
  • Description:
    • Multiple Opponents is a traveling cardio kickboxing combination that incorporates punches, kicks and changes in direction.
    • Beginning in a right-lead fighting stance, perform a left knee strike, right front kick and hitch kick toward an imaginary opponent in front.
    • Continue with two backfist strikes and two back kicks directed toward an imaginary opponent behind the body.
    • Pivot to face the rear and perform a quick jab-cross-jab combination.
    • Repeat the sequence beginning with a left knee strike toward the new facing direction.
    • This combination emphasizes cardiovascular conditioning, coordination, balance and spatial awareness.
  • Sequence:
    1. Step 1 - Left Knee Strike: From a right-lead fighting stance, raise the left knee toward an imaginary opponent in front of the body. Lower the leg while maintaining balance.
    2. Step 2 - Right Front Kick: Raise the right knee and extend the right foot into a controlled front kick. Retract the leg and regain balance.
    3. Step 3 - Hitch Kick: Perform a hitch kick toward the front, using a controlled preparatory stepping or hopping action before the kick. Return to a balanced stance.
    4. Step 4 - Double Backfist: Perform two controlled backfist strikes toward an imaginary opponent behind the body, adjusting the stance and upper-body position as necessary.
    5. Step 5 - Two Back Kicks: Perform two back kicks toward the imaginary opponent behind the body. The original variation uses jumping back kicks, which should be reserved for advanced participants with adequate balance and landing control.
    6. Step 6 - Pivot to Face Rear: Pivot to face the imaginary opponent behind the original starting position, allowing the feet to turn naturally with the body.
    7. Step 7 - Jab-Cross-Jab: Perform three quick, controlled punches in sequence: jab, cross and jab. Retract each fist toward the Defense Position.
    8. Step 8 - Repeat: Begin the combination again with a left knee strike toward the new facing direction. Continue the sequence as appropriate for the available space.
  • Precautions:
    • Check the space behind and to the sides before performing backfists, back kicks or directional changes. Maintain adequate distance from other participants and use imaginary, non-contact targets.
    • During pivots and rearward strikes, allow the feet to reposition naturally with the hips and torso. Avoid twisting planted knees or forcefully locking the elbows and kicking knees.
    • Maintain balance during the hitch kick and consecutive back kicks. Avoid excessive backward leaning or kicking without first establishing a stable supporting position.
    • Jumping back kicks increase impact and landing demands. Reserve them for appropriately conditioned participants and avoid jumping when balance, joint tolerance or landing control is uncertain.
  • Notes:
    • Beginner variation: Replace the hitch kick with a regular front kick and perform controlled standing back kicks instead of jumping.
    • Lower-intensity variation: Use smaller kicks, slower punches and deliberate stepping rather than rapid pivots or hopping movements.
    • Class variation: Adapt the combination to travel toward the right and left sides of the room while participants generally face the front wall.
    • Teaching suggestion: Practice the rearward movements and directional pivot separately before combining them with the punches and kicks. Have participants establish their new facing direction before continuing the sequence.
    • For additional technique information, see Cardio Kickboxing Basics.