How Do You 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. 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. Bend your knees forward of the ankles and keep your back straight as you press your knees outward, as if riding on horseback. Keep your legs and feet facing forward as you turn your upper body to the side, looking in the direction of the attack. Raise your fists to guard your midsection. 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. 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. Rotate the upper body and hips
