How to Perform a Side Kick in Karate

A side kick is an effective way to keep an attacker away from you. Powerful and practical, it is one of the first techniques taught in karate.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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1. Face forward and spread your feet in a straight line, about shoulder-width plus half apart. Point your feet straight ahead and grip the floor with your toes.

2. Bend your knees forward of the ankles and keep your back straight as you press your knees outward, as if riding on horseback.

3. Keep your legs and feet facing forward as you turn your upper body to the side, looking in the direction of the attack.

4. Raise your fists to guard your midsection.

5. Slide your back leg forward until it is under your body supporting your weight. The foot of the supporting leg will turn 45 degrees away from the direction of the kick.

6. Pull up the knee of the front leg toward the chest as far as possible. Keep the heel close to the leg as you pull up. Keep the toes of the kicking foot pulled back with the heel forward as the striking surface.

7. Rotate the upper body and hips away from the direction of the kick while thrusting the kicking leg out directly to the side at the target.

8. Retract your kicking leg immediately following the strike.

9. Return to your original position to defend or strike again.

Tips & Warnings

• The back leg will be slightly bent to support and help maintain balance throughout the kick.
• At full extension, the toes of the kicking foot will be below the level of the heel of the kicking foot.
• Keep your head level throughout the kick.
• Practice all techniques from either side, but master one way first.
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity.

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[gibjak]

on 10/19/2009 Heres a quick demo of a side kick http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjiynUiEEUc

on 3/28/2006 This is a actual wrestling move, it's also a great restraining hold. It requires a strong grip, strong arms, and height advantage(for leverage).

1. Get behind your target.
2. Thrust both of your arms under his arms.
3. Pull both of your arms up to behind to neck quickly.
4. Lock your hands behind his neck.
5. With all your upper body strength, punch down hard on his neck, this will put pressure on his neck, and make it difficult to breath.
6. Try to get him on his knees for additional leverage, so you'll be pushing down on him.
7. Release the hold after a minute or two, or until his passes out, because this move can cause serious injury to the neck, even death, if the oxygen is cut out for too long.