The Side Kick is one of the most powerful kicks in our arsenal.  Due to its form and power, this kick is difficult to block and is best avoided by moving out of range or to the side of the kick.   The Side Kick’s targets can be as low as the foot and as high as the head.

The Side Kick:

• From a horse stance, move your back foot forward behind and in front of the forward foot.
• Place it down with the heel pointing toward the target.  As you are shifting weight forward onto that leg, pick up the knee of the forward leg.
• Kick out the foot of the forward leg and counterbalance by gradually moving your torso backwards.  At full extension, the body should be a straight line towards the target.
• The higher the knee is lifted, the higher the kick can go.
• Contact is made with the heel of the foot and at full extension of the Side Kick – the heel is higher than the toes.

  

  Brea Shaolin Kung Fu – Heel

• Always try to deliver 100% of power to each kick during practice, as well as kick as high as possible.  If you can kick high with power and balance, then you can certainly kick to the lower and mid-range targets with confidence.
• The Sick Kick is effectively used at a downward angle to crumble an opponent to the ground.
• Power, speed and balance are generated from proper form, strong “core” and leg muscles, and a relaxed body.  Those characteristics are attained by doing thousands and thousands of them with purpose and a pursuit of perfection.