How to Side Kick - Tips for Power and Balance

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Bad side kicks... you see them everywhere. Movies, commercials... even in kickboxing and martial arts classes!
Here are three tips to help anyone learn how to side kick with more power and better balance.
First off, I'm a big fan of proper body alignment. In fact, I think your body can teach you more than your instructor! Here are two questions to ask your body about the side kick...
QUESTION 1: Should I kick sideways or towards my rear?
Try this: Swing your leg forward and backward. Now side to side. Which feels better?
QUESTION 2: Should I kick with my heel or the blade?
Try this: Stomp on your heels. Now on the side of your foot-- actually, don't do that! It hurts!
If your body is like mine, you just learned this about the side kick--
1) A side kick is not executed to the side.
2) You should kick with the heel, not the side of your foot.
The reason for both is simple-
Your foot, knee, and hip deliver and receive pressure along the joints, not across them.
Putting pressure across your ankle, knee, or hip is a surefire way to get injured. As a rule, the higher you kick, the more you should turn your body.
Based on all that, here are three side kick tips direct from your body--
1: Turn your support foot so the line of force runs along the foot, not across the foot.
2: Kick with the heel. When I kick with my heel, there’s bone and muscle behind it.
3: Get your butt in line. Align your glutes between your torso and the kicking foot. If you remember nothing else, remember this-
aim your butt, kick their butt!
The key to accomplishing all of this is in executing a full pivot. I leave the timing up to you. Just make sure that when your foot strikes the target, your body is in the same natural position as when you swing your leg and stomp your heel.
The big lesson? Listen to your body. It can teach you a lot more than just how to side kick! :)
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WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for informational and educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before engaging in any exercise or martial arts program.

[@Jon-Gardner]

You’ve just fixed my side kick in 6 minutes - thank you so much! It now feels stronger and more natural to throw.

[@AndoMierzwa]

That makes me very happy! Thank you for the comment!

[@wassimwassim2660]

"Listen to your body", You said it all with these worlds, great video! (y) Greetings from Tunisia. :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

That really is the best advice! Thank you from the U.S.A! :)

[@BeyondSoul1.]

hell yes I'm subscribing. its 4 am and I was wondering if my form was right. it was not. thank you.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! My next piece of advice.... get some sleep! Thanks! :)

[@PoppingMagic]

Great advice! This has improved my side kick by miles! Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

That makes me incredibly happy! Thanks for letting me know!

[@developerninja619]

Ando Mierzwa your side kick isn't technically correct. You gotta stay turned with your side while you strike

[@munadchili6420]

@@AndoMierzwa i have a questio when you side kick should you lift your knee straigth up ore 45 degres up?

[@AndoMierzwa]

@@munadchili6420 You should be able to kick from any position! Sometimes my foot comes straight out to the target... sometimes it winds around... sometimes it's in the middle. All depends on what's happening. :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

@@developerninja619 Do your thing!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Hey! Different styles call kicks by different names. So, for anyone who thinks I'm throwing a back kick and not a side kick... A back kick -- FOR ME -- is when you turn 180 degrees away from the target and kick with your toes straight down. The side kick is close, but not the same. Whatever you call your kicks, hopefully we can agree on using the natural movements of the body.

[@meep9001]

thank you soooo much the whole time i tried to do a side kick it would always end up comming out as a round house until i heard the saying "aim your but to kick their but" thatnks man this helped me alot!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Thanks for letting me know! :)

[@princevines8930]

Sir can u tell me what does u wear

[@princevines8930]

I meant shoes

[@AndoMierzwa]

Just the basic Adidas Tae Kwon Do shoe.

[@riodemark9999]

I knew it! The position you're most comfortable with is the right position!

[@AndoMierzwa]

If you argue with your body, you will lose! :)

[@riodemark9999]

Nice kick btw!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks very much!

[@eltonjohnsdildo1291]

Sounds like my trip to Cancun.

[@CRB5587]

Your personality is awesome! You get your point across and it's very helpful information for a beginner like me. Keep the vids coming, please and thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Crystal Boggs Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to say that, Crystal! Keep kicking!

[@peterpace3379]

Flim Flam 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@Buzzshot_GW]

For ur own sake this guy is a terrible role model and knows nothing about tradition karate or martial arts. The guys wearing a vest and shoes with his gi for God’s sake

[@maliksarmadawan255]

Crystal Boggs u look soo hot mom

[@muhammadryan654]

i got yelled by my teacher for kicking my opponent with my heels (eventhough i won the tournament) but you were right. when i tried to use the blade of my foot, it hurts. thanks for the vid. helped me a lot :D have a good day. cheers :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

Congrats on the win, Muhammad... and for protecting your foot. Keep kicking!

[@stormytrails]

If you break that fifth metatarsal of your foot, the blade of your foot it takes months to heal. No walking cast for you. That little bone is the slowest healing bone in our bodies. The heel has no such frailty. Using the blade of your foot should only be used full motion and power by experts who know how to protect the more fragile bones of the hands and feet by incorporating the stronger bones to protect those wimpy bones on the side of your foot. Think about the hand! There are more muscles and bones in our hand than anywhere else in the body. Also more pain. If one does not understand how to move so that you won't smash your hand or foot to transfer the power of your body into and through the foot or hand, gee, I wouldn't be going full out until you do.

[@zommellemmoz3999]

The "blade position" is there to faciltate the kick - that is you cannot do a proper kick with you flat foot = its useless. Get your foot in the blade position, pull the big toe up, turn the foot slightly in the direction of your shin and then your strike area will be the ankle. Check out the video clips from the old shotokan masters circa 1957, 1960 etc.

[@matthewmitchell8678]

If you’ve ever broken a board you strike it with your heal. It won’t break otherwise. Trust me I hold A LOT of boards each week for people of all ages and it’s all the same. No heal no break it’s that simple.

[@martialartstips5177]

I think you should only use a plate of your foot if you're aiming for the attackers throat which is really difficult

[@Father_Brother_Son]

You are absolutely right on everything you said and that is exactly how I was taught to kick my whole life in TKD

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the confirmation, sir!

[@micakey7248]

Thanks for this video. I'm starting taekwondo in a few weeks so I've been watching the Martial Art Training playlist. These really help I feel very prepared. Thank You again.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Good for you for getting started! Happy training!

[@kylehensley1660]

Thank you for this video! I've been going to 9Round fitness for a little over a month now. It's working and I'm losing weight and feeling great, but the side kick has always been my nemesis. So, I finally decided to do a little youtube search for an instructional video, and came to yours. This is exactly what I needed to see! I was the guy doing it the way you showed in the beginning, plant foot sideways, kicking with the blade of my foot, and falling off balance with every kick once the bag pushed back. I can't wait to get back in the gym and try this on the bags. In the meantime, I'm going to practice on my own. Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome, awesome, awesome, Kyle! Happy kicking! 👍🏼

[@taraconstruction5796]

I already open all the KZbin content about martial art kick, and I never had a very clear analytic explanation of kick than here. This is such an amazing KZbin channel

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@HanoCZ]

Amazing explanation, simple & understandable. Many thanks.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for saying that! Happy kicking!

[@lazygamer1872]

Great video and awesome technique. Would of been good to see you throw one full power and full speed. 👍

[@pugmanplays]

best video i have seen on side kicks, finally someone explaining what my body has been trying to tell me, good job sir

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome. Thanks for the comment!

[@wmred]

Best tutorial I’ve seen so far. Thank you.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@endima6204]

Good video, good explanation I agree fully!

[@ourlessy]

Thanks a lot! Your videos make a lot of sense and are very helpful. I like that they are direct and get to the point and explain things well while still being casual and amusing. Look forward to seeing more. Could you give some tips on improving rolls falls and throws in an upcoming video? Would love to see that. Thanks for all the useful videos.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks very much for the comment! Yes, I'll move those topics up my list! Happy new year!

[@PeterSodhi]

LISTEN UP - after 7 months of Karate my kicks were still terrible - I watched all of Sense Ando's kicking videos (Side kick, Chamber, Pivot etc) and I practiced this week and destroyed the kicking exercises today! My Sense even commented and starting giving me more complex moves... last week I freaking sucked! Kicking is the hardest part of Karate and these videos own it!!!! Thank you Sense - I am on your newsletter as well :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

That is a great comment! I am honored to be part of your journey, sir! Keep kicking!

[@shelleyteter9199]

Out of all the videos on how to teach a sidekick, yours has the most logic and I say that because I teach the same way. The sidekick is the hardest kick for me teach! Thanks for the video.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Glad we’re on the same page! Keep up the good work, Shelley! 😁👍🏼

[@watenallace663]

you have the best martial art videos I have seen!

[@AndoMierzwa]

+wate nallace A great compliment. Thank you!

[@sonnygallo5662]

My most challenging basic kick. Your info is given in a way that even a chimpanzee could understand. Good job sensei please keep up the good work. Peace and OSU

[@AndoMierzwa]

Nice people like you keep me going, Rebecca! Thank you! :)

Thank god I found your videos before starting training. Update: tried SK today and was manageable alone from your training video. Good habits employed. However I am currently unemployed and your videos allow me to improve myself during this free time. Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome. Using time wisely is the secret to everything! Keep it up! 👍🏼

[@rampandya2694]

You're doing great work by making these videos. I thought I was pretty good at those punches and side kicks but these videos made me realize some flaws in my punches and kicks. And I've been working on it. Thanks a lot.

[@AndoMierzwa]

It never ends.... we can all keep getting better! Thanks for the comment!

[@ankokukeshi]

Your really open minded in your teaching method. It's really nice to see a fellow instructor pay attention to the human body instead of dry old tradition.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Right! Ultimately, it's your body that says what's right and what's not. Keep kicking!

[@juliusdileta809]

Awsome vid iam 48 years old trying to get back in the karate

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome. Welcome back, Julius!

[@YouMineNL]

i love how you say this is what i think and what i like and not like other youtubers like this is how you should do it.

[@karatemom24RedHawk]

I love your videos! They make sense and are entertaining!

[@rodneyhammon1793]

What kind of shoes are those? Good for working out?..keep the tips coming!..it's great sound advise! And it really helps! ...thanks....Rodney

[@AndoMierzwa]

Hi Rodney! They're just standard Adidas TKD shoes. Nothing fancy. Although it was hard finding red! :)

[@LonleyGuns]

Your instructions helped me a lot in Karate. Thank You! :)

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Keep fighting!

[@miguelangelpedraglio9320]

The BEST video IVE seen! Very practical,very realistic.it works.make sence!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words, Miguel! 🙏🏻

[@Dan0101010101010]

Great to see a video by an instructor that really knows his trade! Thanks bro! Ironically I self taught myself the near exact way you teach just going by what feels most powerful.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Dan0101010101010 Thanks for the comment, sir! Yes, it's amazing what you can learn on your own. The trick is having confidence in what you find! Keep kicking!

[@joshpck]

Great video. In Taekwondo we don't use all those types of side kicks like karate; we also don't turn that much backwards when we thrust out the leg. We align perfectly side ways and keep the knee at a 90 degree angle. In karate (to my understanding), there's the snap side and the thrust side; in formal Taekwondo there's just yop chagi, and there's one way to do it, because it's always a power move. That said, one of the first sparring/self-defense moves you'll learn in TKD is the defensive side kick -- this proves to be an exception to that rule because you're using the front leg. The pivot is less and the chamber is shallower so that it can be launched more quickly. However, despite its ubiquity within Taekwondo (and even karate), I have yet to find the defensive side kick in the Kukkiwon's formal Taekwondo text book.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for the comment, Josh! I believe older TKD (ITF) uses the fuller pivot for side kicks... that's where I learned it! The snap side kick, rising side kick, or any kick that points the side of your hip to the target, is the one I have issues with. Yes, for jamming an attacker at the knee or hacking at the shins/ankles, the side-facing kick feels fine, but swinging the leg up higher than that leads to pinching for me. Interesting that the defensive side kick is not in the Kukkiwon's text! It really is a basic! Keep kicking, sir! :)

[@joshpck]

***** I had a co-worker at a dojang I used to be the chief instructor at -- he was ITF and did the full turn like you showed. It looked like a forward back kick, but he turned away so much it obstructed his vision. WTF/Kukki style Taekwondoin don't turn that much because it'd be faster and more deceptive to use an actual back kick, and because turning away that much during a relatively slow kick such as a back leg side kick opens you to a counter (the first of which would be getting a push kick to the back or the head). The Kukkiwon version isn't a snap, it's a thrust. The hips scissor during extension so that the knee can drop slightly. Trying to force the knee to stay up will lead to knee pain in my personal experience, but turning the knee downward would be in my personal opinion a different kick (forward back kick) and a bit of an over correction. A proper KKW side kick has the knee facing out sideways at roughly parallel, but with a slight downward slant. However, I personally don't actually use a side kick higher than the ribs. I practice high, but I don't spar with it high. I've tried high side kicks on the bag and I feel that pinching in the hips. I suspect that bodily alignment is not optimal when you're kicking that high.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Good point on the back kick! I actually edited out a piece of the video where I compared the thrusting side kick to a back kick. For me, the difference is about 20 degrees on the support foot. Meaning: if your foot is 180 to the target and your kicking foot is toes down, then it's a back kick. When you start to rotate the support foot to the front, it becomes a side kick. For me, if I kick higher than the belt, I stay over 90 degrees on the support foot. If I kick lower, I can get away with being under 90 degrees. And like you say, when staying around 90, turning the knee down helps keep the hip in a stable position. Sounds like we agree on the pain associated with kicking at the head from a 90 degree or less pivot. Maybe that's why so many high kickers get hip replacements! Keep kicking, sir! :)

[@quasar4601]

His kick is almost like a back kick. So much turn its odd. I just use mine as strong jab.

[@Elurin]

dropping the knee looks (and is) sloppy and a really bad habit to get into when your first learning the side kick; keeping a high chamber is something that my instructor made sure I worked on right from white belt. I agree with not using a high side kick while sparring: sometimes I would do it accidently when doing a spin/180 side kick as my leg would naturally drift upward from the momentum and I would kick my sparring partner in the face. Instead, I found that turning that side kick into a front leg hook kick, defensively or offensively is much more preferable to me as I would rather kick someone in the side of the head rather than the face.

[@mapsandmaverics]

Wonderful videos Sensei. Makes me wonder if Bruce Lee was alive today and had his own martial arts channel on KZbin how awesome would that be...

[@AndoMierzwa]

I get the feeling he'd be making movies and taking lots of selfies of his abs. Thanks for the comment!

[@mapsandmaverics]

Thanks for replying Sensei. Great admirer of your work.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for watching, sir!

[@stormytrails]

Don't think Bruce would be a good teacher. His style is unique. I love the loud vocalization he does, did you know it actually increases strength by 13% ? That is what the 'studies' show at any rate. If he tried to do a demonstration they would have to s l o w i t w a y d o w n. Otherwise all one could see is a blur.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Interesting about the vocalization. Gotta look that up! Thanks!

[@aprilking2836]

I love your communication of it all!! It makes it easier for one to remember.... I will be subscribing... Keep up the Big Work!!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words, April! 🙏🏻

[@phymadori545]

Your view and approach on martial arts are logical, scientific, and a great achievement is expected.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@DrMACPOW]

As a huge muscular guy that can leg press about 1200 lbs max, I'm very lucky and thankful to have an incredible balance and flexible legs that allow me to front kick above my height (6'3"). The side kick has always been my favorite and I'm glad I can perform these kicks. It'd be a lot better if I could kick as fast as Sensei Ando.

[@AndoMierzwa]

1200 lbs! I do not want to feel that kick! 😄

[@leoramirez4024]

trash talk in a kick with out saying A word

[@AndoMierzwa]

Exactly! :)

[@RoflJoker1994]

A word. hahaha i get it.. A .. haha ..

[@shreyas1650]

Dylan wait what I don’t understand

[@glennabourne9017]

great videos,love the humor,great info,most helpfull

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that, Glenna! :)

[@DouglasLee777]

Awesome, you are a natural teacher! Very easy to understand.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate that. Thank you!

[@potatoman8060]

Thanks my grandma didn't stand a chance

[@jrab1684]

Me: Hey body does it feel better when I swing my leg? My Body: *replies* yEaH.. Also Me: *RUN*

[@AndoMierzwa]

The body is wise!😁

[@jrab1684]

What's up Master....🙏

[@AndoMierzwa]

@@jrab1684 Just Ando! :)

[@drleo2641]

I was glad to see this video. I've been kicking my sidekick more like back kick the way you demonstrated when striking things. With the heel driving out. It's different in Kata when a true Sidekick is called for and needs to be shown. But it certainly works better when applied using the combination side / back kick OSU!

[@stormytrails]

Sensai Ando!! I just ADORE your teaching style and obvious credibility. Watching you standing on one foot yakking away completely grounded and secure says so much!! I love your lessons that go right into the source, the muscles, where every part of the body should be, lots of details, my goodness you are so good! So very right!..To anyone reading this, I am endorsing Sensai Ando!! He knows what he is teaching and i am so impressed. He is a rare teacher! And yeah, I know what I am talking about...whatever!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Ha! Thank you, Stormy! That is the best endorsement ever! I'd say you definitely know what you're talking about. :)

[@stormytrails]

Yes I do...and I take my 'endorsements' seriously!! I seem to have learned the ability to see proper movement, placement and sometimes it becomes tedious for hubby! 'Look, look, honey...see that dude's hands? The palms face that back wall , see that 'athlete' stance? Hips forward torso curved inward..." or "see those knees, the toes? pointing different directions"??? or "see how they pop their knees back, or use momentum to lift that weight and allow it to fall back", or "damn, those shoulders are up around their ears" or whatever. So when I see you I am looking for errors...finding NONE. Very rare! Grins. You are a great teacher, period.

[@AndoMierzwa]

You're far too kind... I'm fixing errors constantly! :) But for now, I'll take the kind words! Thank you!

[@tunefulsoulonaroll7669]

2:15 , lol @alligators .. gr8 video.

[@AndoMierzwa]

It could happen! :) Thanks!

[@tunefulsoulonaroll7669]

yes, haha . i will try to chain punch it if it happens , been practicing that a lot on my kickboxing bag i got a while back, got few 20-30 combo left right punches at quite a speed, did it a few times well, but unfortunately hurt my fingers practicing that sometime bcos i dont use gloves because i do a little bit of iron man training too, so thought it would be a good way, though im a noob compared to you at pretty much everything still i want to learn it all. , right now Im focusing on getting my kicks as high as possible watching different stretching tutorials, but im stiff as a log, as i just played cricket and football as a child and stopped and did not play for 5-6 years during my college times.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Slow and steady, my friend. Just keeping asking your body for a little more and it will adapt. There's still plenty of time to be even more awesome! Happy training!

[@tunefulsoulonaroll7669]

Thank you . I sure will try my best.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome!

[@isaiahdavila8407]

"I don't even want you to lessen to me" Me:ok bye

[@kukibukiesquire3116]

Back in the early/mid 80’s (age 11 or so) I learned the sidekick by slow four count repetitions, grabbing on to the back of a chair for support. A deep chamber, but level, not turned over. Years later I switched from TKD to Moo Duk Kwon, where the sidekicks looked closer to yours. Uechi Ryu taught me non-chambered kicking, where the side kick is designed to go into the pelvis. Great video.

[@AndoMierzwa]

So many variations! Do what works for you! 👍🏼

[@banditaacharya1362]

Very powerful you are. I am trying your side kicks.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Hope it works out! Keep kicking!

[@monstermayank]

Are you losing eye contact with your opponent while delivering this kick?

[@AndoMierzwa]

No, sir!

[@monstermayank]

Thank you sir, your channel is very helpful.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I hope so! Thank you!

[@didyousaychocolate8544]

Moon them 😂😂😂😂😂

[@PineappleBoots]

Loving these videos. Thanks sensei

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure, sir! Happy training!

[@mattnobrega6621]

Straight forward and easy to understand. Well done sensei ando.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you, sir!

[@vahemirocopalian815]

That's not side kick your teaching, that's back kick (ushiro geri) on 45 degree torso. Side kick is blade. Yes. To kick off defense guard, or oncoming legs and arms. Side kick is not to attack opponents torso, hip or legs. You can use jodan side kick to kick opponents neck, chin or head with the blade of your foot also. If you wanna hit the torso, hip or legs you use what you show, back kick in any angle your torso want it to be. Side kick with the blade of your foot is best to hit arms and hands of the opponent with much power and speed to lose their contraction or to numb their arms. But watch for the elbows.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Good tips! Thanks!

[@mrmalavey1098]

I would have to agree with you, maybe not so aggressively on the criticism but I was thinking it looked more like a back kick also. In karate I was taught to use the blade of the foot, in kung fu I train and teach to use the heel as that's just a difference in styles. imo I feel the heel is a better option as I wonder how much pressure it would take to break the ankle ( just thinking about when people punch with a bent wrist)

[@quasar4601]

He does turn so much that it kind of looks like a back kick ??

[@colinsmith9160]

This is (basically) a correct SIDE kick in taekwondo in terms of base rotation (100%), trajectory (except we put more emphasis on circling the knee in front of the torso before extending), body alignment, and foot position. What makes this a side kick (vs. back kick or "reverse side kick") is that the shoulder--hip--heel are in a straight line down the SIDE AXIS of the body at full extension, from tip of clavicle in shoulder through middle of hip joint, through extended knee, through flexed angled, to mid-heel. What is called a "side kick" in different versions of karate and other arts may vary, but side kick is quintessential archetype kick of taekwondo (the kick-y-est MA of MAs), and for all the reasons he stated (natural body mechanics/joint physiology, physics of force), these are excellent tips. And yes, force is supposed to come largely from the gluts, which are brought on board fully if hip is in correct position to begin (flexed in prep, and angled up according to desired height of kick). If you don't engage gluts, you going to rely on Iliopsoas and piriformis?? Good luck generating any real power with those. Quite frankly, I was relieved to see these correct tips because it is often taught wrong. For anyone wanting to improve their side kick this is good advice, don't be discouraged by naysayers who learned some kind of mixed round/side kick now believe its a side kick. (source: I'm III black belt Songham TKD)

[@quasar4601]

The side kick is one of the best kicks in Karate and TKD . If I had to master one kick, it would be that. It would be impossible for me to ever do a spinning heel or axe kick. Those kicks are beyond deadly but you need insane coordination

[@mugenmason4206]

...sensei? Yin Yang? Red Gi? shoes on? what style is this?

[@AndoMierzwa]

Just me. :)

[@raulortavalero6219]

good answer...

[@oneDonly]

Ando Mierzwa More importantly, what kinda shoes are they are where do I get them. I know they're Addis, but are they mat shoes.

[@michaelrivas8648]

taekwondo shoes

[@mikemichaels4500]

It's a Rex Kwon Do offshoot.

[@ren-sama4203]

Thank you for the tips Ando-Sensei🙏🏻

[@AndoMierzwa]

It is my pleasure! Thank you for the comment!

[@SabeelCombatives]

Excellent tips, thank you. I knew all these things but I don´t think I fully understood WHY we do it this way until you broke it down.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Excellent! Thank you for the comment!

[@tazrianalamjitu]

Your kick looks more like a Backkick rather side kick.

[@fabienbordes7788]

exactly what i was thinking.

[@Elurin]

I think its because he's dropping his knee just before the kick, otherwise its a very sloppy green belt level side kick.

[@rockhensley6080]

Tazrian Alam. I believe its all about styles. Kicks as a Chinese fighter does. Just saying

[@NanHoumSian]

it may look like a back kick but it's not. When you do a back kick, you take a step, you face the other way and kick like a horse - it's called ushiro geri (sorry for my english)

[@iancook1506]

Therefore his kick is not a side kick, but a back kick. So, his side kick is the worst because it isn't one.

[@mrsenor5233]

that's a side kick dumbass

[@iancook1506]

No. YOU, are the dumb ass. You can see that his hip has rotated past his centre line, making it a back kick. This bloke does not understand a lot of what he is doing, so therefore is incorrect in his descriptions.

[@mrsenor5233]

Wow an all capped word. That's still a sidekick, kid. 😂😂

[@iancook1506]

Not the way he does it, so it isn't. He/You are confused.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Ian Cook Yikes! I hope we can all get along here! Like I said elsewhere, a back kick -- FOR ME -- is when you turn 180 degrees away from the target and kick with your toes straight down. The side kick is close, but not the same. The main point is to use the natural motion of the body so you don't hurt your hip. But as always, do whatever the heck you want to do!

[@RenshiMichael]

Great video! I've told all my students for years "aim with your butt" and and anyone who listens with a grain of salt improves their side kick ten fold. Keep up these great lessons Sensei.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Exactly! You've got to use those big muscles. Thank you for the back up!

[@austinewanga]

This is awesome...i had, at one point, struggled with this kick and even thought i had problems with the muscles around my hip and groin supporting abduction of my hip...The technique was actually wrong. I'm gonna be nice to myself now. Arigatou Sensei!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Yes, be nice to yourself!😁

[@qwerqwer9939]

Thanks I’ve been struggling with this for a while and now I’m better with it

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Thanks for letting me know!

[@mick62mick]

Sensei Ando makes a lot of sense. Thanks for these great videos!

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate the kind words, sir. Thank you!

[@Dakero]

Exactly how I was taught, use your supporting foot's heel to aim at your opponent before you launch your kick. We did call it a back kick, but were also told not to use the side kick in the exact way you mention. I have enjoyed all of your videos. Excellent instruction and you deliver it very concisely.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Sure, different people use different terms, but there are only so many ways to deliver power through the foot! Thanks for the comment!

[@DefangtheSnake]

Awesome, very well explained and useful!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Appreciate that!

[@gf4453]

The explanation I was looking for. Thanks!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Keep kicking!

[@tonytoob4123]

Awesome! Your intro got me glued throughout the video.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏻

[@richardbrown6307]

thanks you have a great way of simplifying things, i'm just starting to try kicks and couldn't figure out why i always feel off balance and at a disadvantage when kicking and you have helped me realize what a difference to power and balance foot placement makes, especially the part about travelling through your joints not across, super helpful keep up the good work.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the feedback, sir! I believe in working with the body at all times. You can get away with bad habits when you're young, but over time, you're gonna pay for them. Keep kicking!

[@taekwondomaster4609]

Thank you Sensei Ando.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for watching!

[@michaeltotjeful]

first video i watch from you, immediatly subscribed! Keep up the good work

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Thank you and welcome!

[@RemekMM]

You are so helpful. Thank You Ando. Im grateful. Its very difficult to explain something clearly. You are talented teacher.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind comment!

[@jesshothersall]

I like emphasis on protecting the body from damage by listening to it first, and the slow easy to follow demos, thanks.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words, Jessica! Happy training!👍🏼

[@robertjackson3819]

Awesome. You sound like a wonderful teacher. Thank you so much.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Robert Jackson I appreciate that, Robert. Thank you!

[@chrisbarlow9384]

simple and clear, havnt watched you before but i really like your style of teaching. you give great examples as to why you do things the way you do.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate the comment, Chris! I'm a little slow, so I need to break things down! Keep fighting!

[@sesamesyrup3766]

Wonderful advice! Currently wanting to start martial arts again, so this helped a lot! Thank you so much!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Don’t wait! Start a little every day and make it official! 👍🏼

[@minerva-265]

This really helped. Thank you so much! 😃

[@AndoMierzwa]

Great! Happy training!👍🏼

[@raulortavalero6219]

Thats a really good lesson to take in care, thankyou sensei

[@AndoMierzwa]

You're very welcome, sir!

[@autism2artism]

Love your instruction Sensei Ando!💛

[@AndoMierzwa]

You made my day. Thank you! 😊

[@manuela.8676]

Great tips. Very useful. Nobody else explains this, as far as I know.

[@AndoMierzwa]

I appreciate the support, sir! Thank you!

[@4_4_4..]

I've started watching your videos to help my kids (12 & 10 years), but I liked it that I'm considering joining Taekwondo classes soon! Thanks from me and my kids!

[@AndoMierzwa]

That is fantastic! Yes, absolutely get on the mats! Happy kicking!

[@snowCat168]

Good technical skills aside, you are funny and entertaining. Please keep it coming Sifu Ando. Thank you so much !

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the kind words, sir!🙏🏻

[@bahaakrayem4104]

Awesome instructor.. Thanks

[@AndoMierzwa]

Very kind of you. Thank you!

[@MeiLinChen123]

This helped so much!!! Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Happy to hear that! Keep kicking!

[@raoahmadshaharyar7720]

You are the best teacher in the world. Sensei

[@AndoMierzwa]

We all can help somebody!

[@e.angelg.caballero1798]

Wow! You just made my day with your video. You were super clear and easy to understand. Great job!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@brianmalave4286]

Thank you very much Sensei for this lesson!

[@AndoMierzwa]

My pleasure, Brian! Happy training to you!

[@YanaRose1998]

I just recently found you and subbed. You are so amazing... I'm actually learning to improve my fighting skills and losing weight. Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

So happy to hear that. Keep fighting for your health and happiness! 🙏🏻

[@dennispark612]

Hello Sensei Ando, my name is Master Park, I'm a 4th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and I just wanted to say thank you for putting out great content to share with the public. We focus a great deal on kicking techniques in Tae Kwon Do and I have to say that I agree 100% with everything you mentioned in this video. I also viewed your foot placement video and really enjoyed the clockwise technique you mentioned. I use the pool player analogy with my students as well...works great. Thanks again and keep up the great work. I'm glad to see other instructors sharing proper and effect technique.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Dennis Park Thank you so much, Master Park! I am truly honored that you took the time to comment. That your comment was positive is a nice bonus! I hope our paths will cross again. Keep kicking, sir! :)

[@guitargod6997]

Really appreciate the sage advice! Thanks!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you for the comment!

[@kenbessemer4913]

turn, kick and enjoy, this is my new favorite guy!!!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you kindly, Ken!

[@JuanCarlosHernandez-sy8fi]

Awesome info ando these kind of videos are really helpful. Especially when ur still pretty new to martial arts. Thanks 🙏 🥋

[@AndoMierzwa]

+Juan Carlos Hernandez That was my hope! Thank you, sir!

[@jordanhill7455]

This guy is great, full of wisdom

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much, Jordan! :)

[@kenosiar]

I finished your martial art challenge with this kick, now that I know how to do it better, I'm going to do the challenge again with this one.

[@AndoMierzwa]

+kenosiar That is awesome, sir. Keep it going!

[@elbioiseas4231]

Very good tips. Thanks.

[@AndoMierzwa]

You're very welcome!

[@monicapone4300]

Thank you for posting this. I just started kickboxing and my body hasn't been able to grasp side kicks. I'm definitely going to try this.

[@AndoMierzwa]

Hope it helps! Happy training to you!

[@lohenbrau]

Just found this video. Great description! Thanks for the tips!

[@AndoMierzwa]

+lohenbrau My pleasure! Thank you!

[@aioros8349]

Great advices! Thank you!!

[@AndoMierzwa]

You're very welcome! :-)

[@lav.s772]

Totally useful, thanks Ando

[@AndoMierzwa]

Very happy to hear that! Thanks!

[@zapffe4264]

You explain these things so good!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!

[@souffled]

Some solid pointers Sinseh !

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thanks for watching!

[@derekcashaw9007]

Great instruction! Thank you!

[@AndoMierzwa]

Thank you very much!