Correct Sidekick Technique

The power side kick is one of the most explosive kicks in martial arts. It is also known as a step side kick or sliding side kick. The martial artist gains power by sliding sideways, winding up their leg and hip, then unleashing it in a single powerful blow. It can be used to finish off an opponent or break down a door. The power side kick is an essential technique for every martial artist to know.

Stand in a side stance with feet about one and a half shoulder width apart. Distribute your weight evenly between your feet. Your body should be sideways so that a line drawn through your two feet would point at your target. Hold your hands up in clenched fists. Turn your head to look at your target. Maintain eye contact with the target throughout the power side kick.

Step toward your target with your rear leg while keeping your forward leg where it is. Place your rear foot behind your forward leg. You should now be standing with your legs crossed standing flat on your front foot and on the ball of the rear foot. You will only be in this position for a fraction of a second. The purpose of the step is to propel you toward your target with significant momentum.

Wind up for the power side kick by raising the knee of your front leg. Bring it as high up and away from your target as you can. The more you turn your hip the more power you will have in your power side kick. Transfer your weight to your back leg. Your body should still be moving forward from the momentum produced by your initial step.

Unleash your power side kick as you approach your target. Time your kick by estimating your momentum, the speed of your kick and the length of your leg. They must all be released at the same moment into your target. When you kick push your leg out sideways with your hip as if you are stomping your target. Strike the target with the heel of your foot.

Follow through with the power side kick. Be sure to transfer all your energy by kicking through your target. Do not pull your leg back too soon. Since this is a power kick you want to cause maximum damage. You therefore must be extremely accurate with your power side kick. Maintain eye contact with your target through the entire kick and aim at it with the heel of your kicking foot.
Tips & Warnings

* Since the power side kick is dependent on momentum, many martial artists like to skip into it. Instead of taking deliberate steps try shuffling your feet like you are running sideways. Just be sure to step behind your kicking foot.