What is the scissor knee and how to throw it

Jumping strikes hold a special place in martial arts. They are both incredibly powerful and rarely used, making them devastating attacks that can catch your opponent by surprise. Their explosive nature, combined with their relatively infrequent use, makes jumping attacks stand out in the eyes of the judges and can turn the tide of a melee in your favor.

A particularly exhilarating jumping jab that is rarely seen in either Muay Thai or Kickboxing is the scissor knee strike. This seemingly simple technique is incredibly effective as both an attack and a range-closing tool, making it incredibly versatile for aggressive fighters and acrobatic athletes looking for a breathtaking finish.

In the next paragraphs we will introduce you to this unusual weapon, describing not only what it is and how to throw it, but also providing examples of how and when you can use it effectively. By the end of this article, you will not only learn how to master this unconventional attack, but you will also learn the best times to use it. With these tips, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how and when to unleash your full arsenal of jumping attacks.

The scissor knee

The scissor knee is a more versatile and powerful form of the conventional jumping knee, and its simplicity comes from the fact that it is actually based on this famous strike: to throw a scissor knee you must first throw this attack.

This requires extra energy, but since the scissor knee can be used both at close range, as a fake vertical headshot, and at long range, as a long-range attack that closes the distance at the speed of light, it’s worth more that’s worth it. further effort.

Here’s how to throw a scissor knee strike in two simple steps:

1) Throw a jumping knee

When you see the right opening for this strike, leap forward from the canvas, bringing your back knee up to your chest as you close the distance between you and your opponent. Your front leg will naturally move backward as you push your hip forward, loading it for the second phase of this stroke.

2) Pedal with your legs

Once your back knee has reached its maximum height, shift your hips to bring it behind you as you snap your other knee forward. If you do it correctly, it will feel like you’re riding a bicycle in mid-air (which is why some people call this attack the bicycle knee).

As your second knee approaches your target, tilt your upper body backward to push your hips forward, extending your reach and increasing your power as the scissor knee connects with your opponent.

When to throw a scissor knee strike

Part of the reason jumping strikes are not performed regularly in Muay Thai and Kickboxing is the fact that they are high risk. They can be easily read, and if they are not positioned correctly, the fighter who attempts to land one exposes himself to counterattacks that end the fight.

While they may be high-risk, they’re also high-reward, so if you want to throw a scissor knee (or any other jumping attack), the secret is as much in knowing when to throw them as how.

Here are 4 situations where you could safely throw a scissor knee strike:

1) When your opponent is hiding

One of the main risks associated with jumping attacks is that they can be easy to read. If your opponent sees them coming, he can easily step aside or set a trap for a counterattack.

One way to hide your scissor knee from your opponent is to force him to cover first. Just like Andy Souwer did in this video, throw a high-volume hand combination to get your opponent to let their guard down. Then, when their vision is obscured by a combination of their gloves and your fists, you’re primed and ready to throw your scissor knee.

2) When your opponent charges towards you

Jumping attacks can be great to use against aggressive opponents as they march towards you. Their forward momentum not only increases the power of your scissor knee as they close in on the strike, but also makes it harder for them to dodge and change direction.

Remember, aggressive opponents often aim to trap you at close range, but throwing a scissor knee almost guarantees that you’ll find yourself face to face with them upon landing. Therefore, you need to be sure that it will land before you launch it or that you have an exit strategy planned immediately after you do so.

3) When your opponent is on the ropes

If you are fighting an evasive opponent who is constantly cutting corners or moving from distance as you push forward, the best time to throw a scissor knee is when he is pushed into a corner or onto the ropes where he has limited opportunity to escape.

4) When your opponent is shaken

Jumping attacks, such as the scissor knee, are a great way to end the fight after shaking your opponent. Once you have them off balance and defenseless, you will have plenty of time to execute the strike for maximum effect.

In summary

Scissor knees are a deceptively simple strike that can be effective for both novice martial artists and professional fighters. Because it is built directly onto the standard jumping knee, the difficulty in landing this shot comes not from the technique itself but rather from knowing when it is safe to throw it.

If you train your eyes to look for the right openings, like the ones we’ve described here, you’ll not only be able to execute effective scissor knees, but you’ll also find safe opportunities to execute your entire arsenal of jumping strikes. as well.

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