Yoko geri

Name

Romaji:
Yoko geri

Japanese:
横蹴り

English:
Side kick

Terminology

A penetrating kick along the lateral line.

Position in the sequence

Block:
Heikō-dachi

Position in the sequence:
Technique 27

Preceded by:
Yoko keage geri

Followed by:
Kansetsu geri

Starting position

Heikō-dachi, hands at the front of the obi.

Commands

Follows in the second block of the kicking section.

Counting

Practiced in the second part of the kicking block.

Kiai

According to the count of the kicking section.

Execution

The knee is gathered high and the leg is then driven sideways with penetrating force. The hip enters the technique and the supporting leg rotates correctly.

Technical key points

• clear chamber position
• the hip must follow through
• supporting-leg rotation is crucial
• retract the leg before setting it down

Common errors

• low knee preparation
• no hip extension
• poor rotation of the supporting leg
• technique thrown outward without penetration

Purpose

To train a penetrating lateral technique with hip drive and structure.

Relationship to further training

Idō Geiko: Carries into yoko geri with movement.

Kata: Side-kick principle in formalized form.

Kumite: A basis for a penetrating lateral kick.