The Yoko Geri, or side kick, is probably the best kick to use in a defensive situation in Go Kan Ryu Karate. If an opponent decides to charge you, a quick side kick can halt them in their tracks and deliver serious damage to their upper or lower body. In a training situation, many people will try and kick as high as they can to stretch their limits and get a feel for what their range of motion is. In an ideal situation, a side kick will be delivered to an opponent’s midsection or knees. Just like other kicks, the more flexible that one is, the greater their range of motion will be.
Now, what should be noted is that their are different ways to deliver this kick. The most common form is to kick with the sole of your foot. This is the general way to deliver a side kick, which is why there is little need for practice. The other way to deliver a side kick involves using the outside edge of your foot. This is accomplished by turning your foot inside towards you as much as possible when you kick. Kicking with the outside of your foot allows you to generate more power and deal more damage.
To deliver a side kick, start in a normal fighting stance. While looking to your right, take your right knee and bring it upwards as high as you can; the higher the knee, the higher the kick. Keep your leg in a tight formation close to your body. You will have to bend your left knee in order to maintain balance in this position. Then, simply kick your leg out toward your side in a thrusting motion. Be sure to turn your ankle inwards if you wish to kick with the outside edge of your foot. Once the kick has landed, bring your leg back to the position it was just in before you kicked. This allows you to either deliver a second kick or place it back on the floor.
Here are a few tips for the Yoko Geri:
1. Do not attempt to kick with the inside edge of your foot. This is improper technique and will do more harm than good.
2. Keep your arms close to you to help with stability. Flailing your arms around will cause you to lose balance.
3. Make sure you lift your knee as high as possible to deliver the best kick you possibly can.
4. When you kick to your side, make sure to kick straight and not on an angle for maximum power.