Most of the other martial arts, and street fighting, emphasize kicking.  Therefore, you must train against kicks and have some knowledge of how to kick to be able to defend yourself.  Even though Black Sword Aikido does not advocate high kicks, it does advocate learning to throw a low kick, low meaning below your opponent’s waist when he is standing, with force and retaining your balance.  It must be remembered that a low kick becomes a high kick once your opponent is folded up.