Yoko Geri - Side Kick

Overview

We often get into a "who can kick the highest" mentality in the dojo, and whilst it's good to push yourself to greater skill, the side kick will rarely be used above the waist. In a self-defense situation, it's most effective used to the knee, but you need to remember that such a strike could leave an opponent crippled for a very long time, so it's only to be used in dire need. In a dojo, many people find the side kick to be a great defensive strike to use against an on-rushing opponent, particularly if you've been turned for some reason.

There are three versions of this kick; snapping, thrusting or stamping. Stamping kicks use the sole of the foot and are the easiest to do, which is why we never practice them. The thrusting and snapping versions both use the outside edge of the foot, between the heel and the bone that sticks out in the middle. In order to make this the first part of the foot to strike the target, you'll need to roll your foot over at the ankle as far as you can. Many people say that it helps to form the correct foot shape if you pull back your big toe as much as possible too. The smaller the area of your striking surface, the more penetrating power the foot has, and the more power it will exert per square inch.

Used in these katas

Bassai Dai

Technique

Start in parallel stance with your guard in front of you. Look to the right and lift the knee of your right foot as high as possible. The higher you lift your knee, the higher you can kick. Hold your right foot close to your left leg. Bend your left leg to help you to keep your balance and hold both arms to the side in a guard.

Sharply thrust your right foot out towards the target, bending the ankle and shaping the foot as it travels. If you are doing a snapping kick, then keep your hips in their natural position as you kick, and immediately pull your foot back after it has made contact.

If you are doing the thrusting version, you will want to drive through with your leg to get maximum power, and to do that, you may need to turn your supporting foot away slightly so that you can be sure that the back edge of your foot is the part that strikes first. This version depends upon its power to prevent an opponent from grabbing your foot, but once the kick has been completed, return your foot to your knee, just as you would with a snapping version. You can then return your foot to the floor or deliver a second kick.

Some tournament fighters suggest that you should extend the kicking-side arm out in time with the leg in order to provide cover in case of a counter-attack, whilst the other guard should be held with the elbow tight to the opposite hip.

Common mistakes to avoid

Most mistakes with this kick are to do with foot shape, and the surface you use to strike with. Have you rolled your foot over as much as possible so that you're striking with the edge? Have you pulled your big toe back and twisted your foot to make sure that the back edge of the foot strikes before the front?

Don't let your arms flap about wildly and unbalance you.

If you don't lift your knee high enough, you can't kick properly.

Be careful to ensure that your foot extends in a straight line to its target, rather than rising up in an arc, which is far less powerful.