Side Kick – Martial Arts Technique

This page provides details on the martial arts side kick. Side kicks are powerful kicks but tend to be slower than other basic martial arts kicks (i.e. roundhouse kick). For example, a martial artists needs to chamber their kick and then fire out the side kick versus just launching a roundhouse kick directly at the target. Nevertheless, given its power, a side kick can a very effective self-defense weapon. The side kick can be done either with the rear leg (see below) or front leg. For information on other martial arts kicks (i.e. axe kicks), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main section on Martial Arts Kicks.

Martial arts kicks and all other martial arts techniques should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.

Wiki – Best Martial Arts Books

Instructions for a Rear Leg Side Kick

  • From the fighting position, the martial artist will rotate their body until their side is facing the attacker. They will pivot on their front leg and their front foot will pivot 180 degrees.
  • As they rotate, they will bring their rear leg forward until their knee is up near their waist and their foot is facing the attacker. Their knee will be almost 270 degrees from its starting position. This is the “chamber” portion of the side kick (as the martial artist is bringing their leg into position in order to launch the side kick).
  • The martial artist will thrust their foot forward and strike the attacker with the sole of their foot or blade of the foot (outer edge of foot).
  • Tip – Beginners can use a chair or rail in order to maintain their balance while practicing the fundamentals of a side kick.
  • Also see the section on the Front Leg Side Kick for a faster but less powerful variation of the traditional rear leg sidekick.

Martial Arts Side Kick Variations

Taekwondo Instructional Video on Side Kicks

Side Kicks for Beginners

Martial Arts Side Kick – Breaking Wood Boards

Martial arts side kick

Image provided by Wikimedia Commons