The way I was taught to do the kick was to stand sideways to the oncoming attacker and kick out with the bottom of your heel in a pushing movement, kind of like stomping on a branch to break it. They said don't be wimpy about it -- jamb the sucker's kneecap right through his leg.

I suspect that a kick to the side of the knee takes less pressure, as I had a *dog* do it to me unintentionally. All he did was come at me at a run, then swing his hindquarters into the side of my knee as he took off again. The pain was awful and I couldn't walk even a step, and he didn't hit me as hard as I would try to kick an attacker. I stood there, thinking I would still be there in fall, when I saw a neighbor and yelled for her to go inside & get my Mom's walker.

With a good kick, I'll bet you'd be talking some extensive surgery.

As for telegraphing the move, many a guy has been kicked higher with considerable effectiveness, and I suspect that a guy would suspect that's what you were aiming for, rather than his knee.

OTOH, I haven't been in many brawls, so I will bow to this forum's other participants in that respect. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Sue