Top 10 Kicks - by Augustus John Roe (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Good kicking provides an extra layer of depth and complexity to one's combat skills.

Elevate your fighting game with this essential guide to the top ten functional kicks. Good kicking can be used tactically in a wide variety of situations, such as to control range, surprise opponents or setting up further strikes. The training required for kicking provides improved strength, fitness, balance, and flexibility by utilizing the entire body in a powerful and natural way.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fighter, you'll gain valuable insights into:

• The ten most effective kicks for real-world martial artists.


• Ways to incorporate kicks into your fighting style.


• Methods for improving strength, balance, and flexibility.


• Tactical applications in various fighting scenarios.

This book has been written with functionality in mind. It features ten of the most practical and effective kicks drawn from several martial art systems. Whether your goals are fitness and flexibility, training for competition or real-life self-defense scenarios, the kicks presented here will serve you well.

Written primarily with beginner and intermediate fighters in mind, it can also provide variations and potentially alternative approaches for more seasoned kickers to add to their own repertoire too.

Don't let weak kicks hold you back. Transform your fighting ability and gain a crucial edge in competition. With clear instruction and expert tips, you'll become a more well-rounded and formidable fighter.

Review Quotes

"Kicking is an important part of training in many martial arts, which is why you should read Top 10 Kicks Every Fighter Should Know by Augustus John Roe. This book is full of helpful tips and tricks and useful for practitioners of any style. I especially enjoyed the thought-provoking ratings he generated for each kick, scoring each for damage, speed, and difficulty. Even though I have been training for nearly 40 years, I still found little things here and there that deepened my understanding of kicking, things that I am excited to pass on to my students and use against my opponents!"
--Joe Varady, Grandmaster 7th dan, author of The Art and Science Training Series (Stick, Staff, Sword and Self-Defense)

"A comprehensive and accessible guide to martial arts kicking; it makes it easy to put into practice for fighters of any level and practitioners of any martial art. Roe provides scaling for multiple components of martial arts, such as damage, difficulty, and speed, along with tips to enhance training and execution. I highly recommend Top 10 Kicks Every Fighter Should Know for anyone who wants to improve their kicking game."
--Kamil Nguyen Van, Lightweight MMA Champion (Lion Championship, VMMAF)

"Top 10 Kicks Every Fighter Should Know is an outstanding page turner. Augustus John Roe does an expert job of describing the best used kicks for self-defense. He points out the beauty and athleticism of kicks but advises correctly how the simplest ones are usually the best.
I really liked how he provided various set up techniques along with great ways to practice each kick for improvement. I will be using all his recommendations.
I found myself looking forward to the unusual 'angles' chapter. I thought including a kick from the ground was a very smart idea. I look forward to having all my students read this book as it is written well and accurate."
--Sensei Jim Pawlak 6th dan Shotokan Karate, owner of Fair Haven Martial Arts, NJ.

"Since the earliest days of martial arts, the kick has been a dominant technique. In Top 10 Kicks Every Fighter Should Know, Augustus John Roe effectively pays homage to these powerful moves. This well-thought-out book is an enjoyable read, especially with its engaging success stories involving the kicks.
The variety of kicks presented provides readers with numerous combative options. The top ten kicks are drawn from various martial arts and sports, which I particularly appreciate given my eclectic martial arts background. Every martial art has its own strengths, including its kicking techniques. I especially liked how the author clearly classified each kick based on damage, speed, and difficulty.
This book concisely educates martial artists of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. I highly recommend Top 10 Kicks to anyone looking to add a real kick to their martial arts practice!"
--Andrew Zerling, martial artist, award winning author of Sumo for Mixed Martial Arts

"Augustus John Roe's compendium of leg techniques stuns the reader both in its concision and depth. With its intuitive array of diagrams and illustrations, Top 10 Kicks Every Fighter Should Know comprises an indispensable entry to kicking for the martial arts enthusiast."
--Thầy Quảng Huyền or Master Quảng Huyền

"This book is a fantastic resource for any martial artist looking to expand their kicking arsenal, as well as beginners who want to learn the basics. Roe's clear and concise explanations, coupled with practical demonstrations, make the techniques accessible. I really enjoyed the anecdotes from the author, who described real situations where he and others have used the techniques. This book is a must-have for anyone serious about improving their kicking game. Highly recommended!"
-- Sensei Clement Martin, head instructor Kishinkai Aikido, Vietnam

"Top 10 Kicks Every Fighter Should Know is one of the most solid breakdowns of practical kicking I've seen in a long time. Augustus Roe manages to keep things simple without watering anything down. Whether you're a striker, someone training for real-world situations, or just trying to build a strong base as a martial artist, this book delivers.
Each kick is explained with real-world application in mind--not just for sport, but for actual survival and self-defense scenarios too. I appreciated the focus on fundamentals over flashy techniques. The setups, drills, and tips are easy to follow but deep enough for any level to sharpen their skills. As someone who trains and teaches both modern and historical martial arts--from MMA to tactical defense and sword work--I think this book deserves a spot in every fighter's library. It's not just about the kicks; it's about the mindset behind them too."
--Patrick Chitwood, martial artist, founder of the Warriors Tribe brand, creator of The Tribal Warrior publishing company