(Tutorial video)

Thrusting Side Kick Tutorial

Japanese Term:

Yokogeri Kekomi (YOH-KOH-GEH-RHEE KAY-KOH-MEE)

Instructions:

Look and point your arms in the direction that you will be kicking. Tuck the kicking knee in the opposite direction of the kick, pivoting your standing foot the same direction as your kicking knee. The heel should be tucked tightly to the back of your leg, foot and toes pulled up toward the shin. The kicking surface is the bottom of the heel. The kicking knee should be slightly lower than the foot and stomach level and should not be by your standing knee. Thrust the leg out, make sure the heel is higher than the toes. When the leg locks out, retract it to the tucked position and then place your foot on the floor. Remember that this kick is a tuck, then thrust the leg motion. You must retract the leg before putting it down on the floor. The bottom of the heel is the kicking surface with the toes and foot pulled toward the shin.