WHY YOUR SIDE KICK SUCKS! (in the nicest way possible)

Some CRITICAL tips for improving your side kick. These tips will help you have more power, speed, flexibility, and control over your kicks.
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Hi everyone! My name is Donavan Barrett and I'm a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Martial Arts have changed me not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I want to spread my love for Taekwondo as well as inspire confidence and spread love around the world!
Let's be friends!
Instagram: / donavanbarrett
Facebook: / donavanbarre. .
Twitter: / donavanbarrett

[@donavantkd]

Hi everyone! If you liked this video, I just launched my PRO Side Kick course. It contains a full warm up routine, 20 minute stretching routine with tips on how to get the most out of the stretches, 3 strength workouts for more control, and in depth tips on technique, power, speed, and balance. Everything you wanted and needed to know about the side kick..plus more! It's available for $49 and you can learn more and enroll here: donavansdojang.com/p/pro-side-kick

[@dumitriuflorentina6137]

WHY YOUR SIDE KICK SUCKS! (IN THE NICEST WAY POSSIBLE)

[@johnfolsomtroy]

This is a great technique for getting my cat off the refrigerator.

[@nothingsofar8535]

*Jazz music stops*

[@iskandervr1902]

Hahahaha

[@landenmingham960]

lmfaoooooooooooo

[@clif.c.2906]

#1. I'm a 63 yr old male white belt who subscribes. I started to watch you to learn how to stretch properly. I bought a book on stretching for dancers. Some guys buy fancy sports cars and chase 20 yr old women around to feel younger. I chose WTF TKD,. I am learning stuff here that supplements my class. You are really good at teaching technique. TKD is a great sport at my age for enhanced quality of life during aging. I feel so much better and am less stressed.

[@jamescandelaria4840]

absolutely agree, turning 63 this year in August. Donavan is a very good teacher!

[@mkostovski]

45 and kicking…at least learning to kick. Karateka here. But TKD gives more focus on kick training. So, I am stealing techniques :)

[@regor5806]

TKD FOR 7 MONTHS SELF TRAINING And my New Problem Is The Left Sidekick....(16yrs Old)

[@essadjallow6307]

@@regor5806 a green belt buh still have some problems with ma sidekick hes good

[@sarahjane1354]

i feel like there was a reason this was in my recommended and i feel called out 🥺🌸

[@donavantkd]

Honestly your icon photo is everything and I’m in love with Harry Styles 😂

[@sarahjane1354]

Donavan Barrett Oh my gosh thank you aha! 💓💓 me too honestly I’m suddenly straight when it comes to Harry... 🌷

[@NoNewfriendss]

I've been thinking about joining a martial art this week but didn't type it into youtube. I think Google has perfected mindreading technology.

[@michaelleonard5744]

You'll Improve Champion!! That's why we are all here! 😎💎 Learning from others is key then apply is the most important thing. Learn apply learn apply Master.

[@honeymoon1263]

Hahah I'm the same

[@dwaynegreen1786]

Probably the most detailed breakdown of the sidekick I have seen on KZbin. Thank you Donavan for shearing your time and knowledge.

[@donavantkd]

So glad you enjoyed it! It is my biggest passion to do so :)

[@hopegizzyyun8196]

not me trying to learn taekwondo by watching videos before actually going to a class👀👀😂😂

[@anyacollins8791]

Lolll ur not alone 😩🤣

[@jestfullgremblim8002]

Hahaha

[@minazo0]

Hi r u still in tkd it's been three years how r u?

[@peterander581]

Sometimes I ask myself what to do if an enemy falls down on me from heaven. I think I would do a side kick.

[@tobyclain9467]

Peter Ander It’s an effective variation of the sidekick when dealing with an attacker in mid-air attempting to rain down chaotic terror of violence from the sky with a psychological mindset and inspiration from anime villainy. It usually knocks them out due to the surprise of the kick when properly landed on the chin or face. It also injures them to the point of 48 weeks if landed anywhere in the body due to the attacker’s momentum from the fall. The worst thing they can expect from this kick is that it greatly bends time and space in a way that it rewrites the future timeline where the offsprings of the attacker that once existed there no longer exists possibly more than the actions of Dr. Who on crack. While this time shift is happening, the attacker will be too busy folding and rolling on the ground from the pain of being kicked on the groin they’ll involuntarily hallucinate Master Ken of Ameri-Do-Te restomping his groin for a lifetime despite never having met this man before in his life nor having once witnessed Ameri-Do-Te. If you want proof of this execution, watch Bruce Lee vs. O’Hara. This kick I’ve been explaining so far that lands to the groin goes beyond the fears of man.

[@ohnocrazzycrow9332]

After 34 yrs training and enjoying any tutorials I gotta say I enjoy this guy he teaches it so begineers actually understand ,I've even used a description once or twice as it's a better way of putting it than mine ,,I just still trying too get by the efeminate ways he's got ,Respect dude

[@archangel98632]

Mind... Blown. I'm a (relatively) flexible martial artist of over 20yrs and have ALWAYS had a garbage side kick, and #2 explained everything from my crappy kick, to my poor balance during execution, to my messed up knee! I gave up tkd in 5th grade because of this, have gone to primarily hand arts (boxing, MMA with primarily roundhouse, etc). Thank you so so much

[@donavantkd]

That's what I'm here for. Glad I could bring you some clarity. Get back to kicking haha

[@wesleyLTH]

"you side kick sucks" me: ... True that...

[@donavantkd]

Omg it’s just poking fun 😂. At the end of the day we all suck because there’s always room For improvement and more to learn

[@kevinrock4159]

#utterance h%

[@robertocapocchi8379]

Beautiful form, dude! Clear and helpful info, too. The last bit, the “stay loose” one, is the one that’s kicking my butt. But not for long!

[@Handalumaban]

I just wanted to say...that I really find your videos..very helpful, and entertaining. PLEASE keep it up as we need more quality channels like yours.

[@zsazsacraza1267]

Love the way you broke it down. Your kicks and technique are amazing! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@jenix105]

This came at just the right time. I trained up to Blue maybe 8 or 9 years ago, life got in the way and dropped it. Since then I have gotten excessively into Triathlon, started lifting heavy, and rediscovered the joy of combatives. I never had a good side kick and always relied on my roundhouse. I love how this felt. Thank you for making this move back into training that much easier. Subbed and will be following from here on.

[@donavantkd]

Glad to have you as part of the community! :)

[@mycroftholmes7003]

I think your sway-back issues are made worse by your chamber. Back in the 70's and 80's all of us black belts knew that to make the side kick useful in self defense or sparing it had to be a high chamber where the knee is angled to and is as close as possible to your rear shoulder. The sidekick should be taught, in essence, as a linear stomp with the outstep of your foot or your heel. when kicking high, the knee chamber is, at the height you recommend, but, again, chambered deeper towards your rear shoulder. for someone with your anatomical issues, essentially your glutes and your lower back are WAY too tight and much stronger than your abs. Other than this, i believe your sidekick is awesome. It doest hook or slice and despite your tight lower back you manage NOT to turn your shoulder over the plane, making it a back kick essentially. Thank you for this. M(TKD 4dan, retired)

[@spoonman73]

Agreed. That flat parallel chamber was amateur hour all the way. I trained in the 80's as well and always used a 45 degree knee chamber no matter what kick I was throwing.

[@jsobrino]

spoonman73 honestly the level chamber was something that was taught to me for performance type side kicks (mainly for demo team type-stuff) so that's how I've been doing them for a while. I will try an angled chamber though based off what you two are saying, next time I drill my sides just to see what the difference makes for me

[@RadarORLY]

I admire the speed and precision of the author. However - I agree that his pelvis tilt was reinforced by many repetitions of side kick squeezed in one plane (like at 5:55).

[@chaoticfanboy347]

@@spoonman73 well now in 2021 the difference between 1st and 2nd (at least for second degrees) is the chamber…i know that from first hand experience

[@ybamba1]

Thank you! Your balance is amazing.

[@Misguidance]

This was incredibly helpful. Thanks Donovan!

[@guytaylor2318]

Fantastic tips, many thanks Donavan. really helpful :) I'm in my mid forties and started TKD just over a year ago - Will be doing my blue tag grading this weekend so this will really help with my technique. Keep them coming my friend !

[@donavantkd]

So glad I could help! Thanks for supporting the content ✌🏽

[@Tito-cb8ky]

Nicely done. Thanks for the tips.

[@olgaappearingday2357]

Wasn't even looking for this, but thank you this is great. And your funny, love it. Please make more technique videos

[@edwardofrias8220]

I love it bro! Thank you!🙏🏽💛

[@christinacalderon4760]

That was so good, the alignment tips help so much.

[@samscorgie3484]

This was really helpful, and watching you so ‘effortlessly’ position, kick, punch etc is so inspiring! Beautiful, strong and effortless motion :)

[@aileenmyra3051]

Thank you so much for that clear side sick lesson. Wow! You’re way better instructor that my instructor. I’m a subscriber now!

[@therealmfwic9503]

First time I’ve seen one of your videos. Excellent tutorial! Definitely some things I’ve been doing wrong and I’ve been in TKD for 5 years now. Thanks man! PS you just got a new subscriber!

[@donavantkd]

Glad the video could help you! And thanks so much for subscribing.

[@petercrooks5021]

Awesome video, thank you Donovan 👍

[@wesavelawns2406]

Hey thanks for all your videos. They are very helpful. I've been trying to get more flexible of my kicks. You're a great instructor keep up the good work 💪

[@donavantkd]

Thanks so so much!

[@BrickzSenghorOfficial]

Thank you for sharing. You and Alex are always helping when I'm in the comforts of home

[@donavantkd]

Thank you! Hoping to film with Alex again some time soon!

[@BrickzSenghorOfficial]

@@donavantkd no problem. And that'll be awesome. Wish me luck also. I'm testing for my last black stripe before black belt come the end of this month. 😊.

[@nayottamarakamai]

Thank you. Your video helped me alot.

[@TKDKoreanArt]

Very good explanation! 👍

[@VW_Bay]

This really Helped Me get Better Thank You I love your Content

[@mandag34]

Thank you for a great master class!

[@soyleduardo7467]

This was really useful!

[@michaelw7867]

Great tips, thanks!

[@harithefightlover4677]

Great tips😍😍😍

[@jessemelendez6305]

Hello Donavan, very nice demonstration, excellent advice

[@nickmason4651]

Great tips man, thanks

[@waterman3230]

As a Hapkido instructor I can say this is EXACTLY right. I have seen so many "black belts" making all the mistakes he outlines, and they all seem to have knee problems. Way to go sir!

[@emilygrace3526]

Thank you for this. I'm a first degree in American Karate, and I'm well aware that my side kicks suck. Which is embarrassing, because my instructor is known for his side kicks and it's my favorite kick. Very embarrassing. I've started the journey of fixing my side kicks. Pretty much everything you said in this video is what my instructor already taught me... you definitely know your stuff. I'm going to be working on this. No longer shall my side kicks suck!

[@chandrawagner4061]

#1 is correct. #2 has poor alignment and the body is a little too low. I really like the "what have you learned" aspect of the video! Also wanted to mention for anyone who doesn't know, that whip-like motion you mentioned is super helpful for your hand techniques as well. You get alot more power relaxing into your motions than forcing them all the way through. Great video as always!

[@donavantkd]

Thank you! I want to do more of that in future videos. And absolutely! That's actually how I developed my kicking technique. I thought about the way I develop power in my hand actions when doing poomsae haha

[@muaythaimama100]

You RULE, man. I effing LOVE you!! 💖😍🙌🏻

[@priyamwadaprajapati5256]

This is the best video to demonstrate a side kick, Thanks Donavan for sharing the knowledge.

[@donavantkd]

That's incredibly kind thank you!

[@HansOloOoOooo]

I'm sitting in the library and should be writing my thesis, but spent the past few hours binge-watching your channel

[@donavantkd]

This is the highest of compliments but also DO YOUR SCHOOL WORK xD

[@Narindra9]

you've gained another subscriber bro!!!

[@soreyacelleri6730]

You quite literally named everything I do. And I do have messed up knees! Thank you so much this is so helpful, I’m working on the form Koryo and really want to get a good side kick

[@ChrisAlbertH47]

Formidable balance. Your control of the kicks even in slow motion is great.

[@Jeffjutzu]

This really helped me on my kicks, thank you!

[@donavantkd]

Awesome! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@achilles7042]

I be seeing you on Instagram Jeff, keep building brother!

[@insane4934]

You are martial arts and you inspire me to do martial arts 😊

[@leporteur2lumiere190]

Thank You for the Tips Donavan :-) Peace & 💪 & ❤

[@donavantkd]

Of course! Glad to help :)

[@ronnysudiono315]

I think you have done nice explanation! I didn't know that we have to start with "flat knee" for example. Also you've explained the WHY one should always pull back the kicking leg, not just tell us to do so. The same level of logic you've done for the reason not to lean too far with the torso. The turn your hips not your foot tip is also usefull for me.

[@MonkeyMadness1989]

Absolute legend. Most detailed tutorials on YT. Great for people too poor to go to TKD class lol

[@Jeffjutzu]

I'm def using your vids to send my actor friends that are cast in a power ranger fan film. They need help on learning how to move their body like a martial artist good enough to sell it in a movie and legs are the biggest hurdle right now. You rock keep this up because this does help martial artist a lot!!!

[@donavantkd]

Power Rangers were my life as a kid. Glad I can be a small part of the project!

[@as680783]

Wow! Not what I was expecting. Just happened upon this video looking for tips for sidekicks (Muay Thai). Holy crap, MT sidekicks are 99% waist height if used at all, and then I see this guy go from the chamber, which I did recognise, to the extension to over 6-foot high, which I didn't. I didn't realise that TKD sidekicks were so high. Do you use regular 90-degree extensions like karate or kickboxing or are they all head height? Awesome video btw, really enjoyed the technical nuances. Cheers and stay safe. Btw, the first or pic on the left is the correct technique because the body is straight and aligned and head focused on target. Other photograph your centre of gravity is off and leaning to one side and poor posture.

[@anonymousdevildog1406]

I'm a RED belt in Taekwondo atm.. RESPECT to this guy. Wish I had an instructor who taught this stuff.

[@robingalyardt9735]

Thank you , very well presented .

[@donavantkd]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@gregorya.thompson6730]

Excellent demonstration of a side kick!

[@One1Raptor]

Nice video. I practiced "old school" teakwondo in the 80' and 90s, where my teacher was really focused on technical stuff like this for optimal power in the moves.

[@donavantkd]

Thanks for watching!

[@2espiritumariaelena946]

Thank you, this video is really helpful. Btw, I’m preparing for my competition this feb so yeah need to work harder 😆. From Philippines

[@michaelleonard5744]

Thank you SOOOO much Gracie Break Down and your channel is pretty good, what gym are you out of?? Would love to train with you one day!

[@Jacquelinexo]

I love your channel! You do have a great side kick!

[@donavantkd]

That's so kind thank you! :)

[@singingpanda3132]

Nice video Donavan! Love the way you explained the side kick... Yes 1 is correct... 2 is clearly off balance and out of alignment.

[@donavantkd]

Yes correct! And thank you very much :)

[@freesiaacademy4510]

1 - looks more like what you described as correct in this learning tool. My first time and I really like how you're able to spurn out so many kicks in one swoop on the 8:31 time-point. I have subscribed and also hit the notification bell. Thanks for the invite. What food or supplements do you recommend? What exercises and routines do recommend? Thanks for sharing

[@pippenf.5111]

#1 is the correct side kick. Thank you for this great tutorial.

[@pilargarcia9465]

You are wonderful. Here a grandma trying hard!🥰 Saludos from Perú.

[@joaoguilhermebastos519]

Thanks Don! Ur cool. Aaaaand KNOWS THE STUFF

[@vernedudeman]

Thank you!!!

[@amarahafeez1150]

8:33 had me in awe!! Great tutorial!

[@aceleeonstudios8122]

Thank you! its 1 and I want your Kicking program! Im super stuck on getting any higher on my kicks despite very frequent training

[@a.nafisi506]

You are the best bro 👍👍👍👍

[@silversunastrology]

You're a God. Best explanation of side kick I have seen. Now to talk about that alignment and flexibility... what other workouts do you do? Yoga, pilates?

[@donavantkd]

That means so so much! Strictly TKD and flexibility work. I'm working on an E Course that is going to share my stretching and strengthening techniques and go in depth on why it delivers results in the most efficient way possible. Stay tuned! :)

[@aarondavis8094]

Nice form!

[@roddielumsden1501]

Everyone should have a friend and instructor like Donovan

[@akrisda1863]

Good tips I like all

[@keithhorton4990]

One of the best side kick tutorials I've seen, do well thought through! Competes with Ginger Ninja Trickster (GNT) which is almost eponomous at this point. One follow up might be a follow up showing a side kick that focuses more on speed when it looks like one contiguous motion, like a circle as the leg comes up. One of my favorite kicks and one that is so difficult to matter. Another amazing video!

[@donavantkd]

Glad you enjoyed the vid! Thanks so much for the suggestion and for watching the video :)

[@lrwhiteley]

@donavan excellent video

[@milaank7570]

Hey... Love from India. Thanks bro.. It is really very helpful information...

[@justindoyle3072]

Love the sport always wanted to take it but because of a accident I lost a toe and had many schools say they won’t teach me but keep up the videos

[@bernardrosario3527]

#1 is correct, as your shoulder and hip are in alignment with your knee. Donovan, thanks for the great guidance.

[@donavantkd]

Glad to help! I'm gonna let more people answer before I give away if you're correct :P

[@JustforNow777]

Gorgeous side kick!

[@jarinorvanto4301]

Very good.

[@alexabriones5390]

You are fantastic and fabulous!!!

[@donavantkd]

Aww thank you so much! :)))

[@jimchilson8433]

thank you. very good teacher. i want to search your other videos. i hope you have ways to learn proper spinning kick techniques. hook for example.

[@peterzenner2020]

Thank you. #1 appear correct... because you said the body should not go below the hips.

[@donavantkd]

Hmmm I guess we'll have to see if you're correct haha. I'm gonna let a few more people answer before I say which one is correct.

[@pautuber7180]

Thanks a lot Donavan for your video. The right kick is the number 1, in this 2 there is an missalignment ;)

[@mikestephenson4811]

Awesome tips

[@donavantkd]

Thank you! :)

[@WEIRDNEWSNETWORK]

All of your instructional points for side kick are correct and well demonstrated and clearly explained. I do see you breaking your own rules a little bit especially when demonstrating multiple kicks i.e. letting the hip come out and leaning forward. But, you are so flexible in your case it doesn't matter that much. And, we don't always have to do the optimum technique to be effective. Mike Warren and Bill "Superfoot" Wallace both proved back in the day that even the knee chambered (speed) kicks could be super effective. However, since you are striving for Moo Duk Kwan perfection I want to add two important points to the mix. 1. Optimum foot position is heel up toes down - the point of your heel will break bones and will drop your opponent even through a chest guard (Hogoo). 2. Pivoting on the ball of the foot is essential for maximum power and extension to not only turn your foot but also to allow the heel to come up off the floor and slide forward. It is impossible to fully extend the hip even if fully rotated without taking the weight off your heel for one point balance on the ball of your foot. We tend to want to keep our standing foot flat on the surface for fear of it sliding out from under us. But, that won't happen so long as we keep our head up and back straight, aligned with the shoulder, hips and heels. This one point balance letting the foot slide on the ball of the foot adds power, extension and makes all kicks cover even more distance.

[@virtualtourmlshawaii1848]

#1 is correct because your torso is above your hip. Great video. I learned a ton. Thnx!

[@caseyhenderson7661]

Awesome martial artist. Kicking control. Balance. Power. Recovery. Breathing. Precision. Everything. Very nice. #TKD #YeopChagi Hello from Jin-pal Hapkido!

[@cmumma13]

I will check out your flexibility vids. I was up to compete for National Champion this year, but after 50 rounds of chemo and have malnutrition from that I am pretty stiff. It has also thrown my balance off big time. I can tell when I am doing my side kicks in Koryo. I would appreciate any tips on trying to strengthen and get my flexibility back along with my balance. Thank you so very much.

[@cmumma13]

1 is correct. Body alignment and proper weapon. Thank you.

[@andrewmasyuki2472]

Wonderful side kick you got there Donovan, I must confess, to execute a good side kick is tough .

[@donavantkd]

Thank you! Although it's a basic kick, it is one of the hardest to truly perform correctly.

[@andrewmasyuki2472]

@@donavantkd i do concur with you,it becomes hard especially when kicking higher than the waist level.

[@sisayatumo4410]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial. for your question, I think the 1st one is the correct side kick.

[@donavantkd]

Correct! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@jecksantos2892]

Competition is up soon🥶🥶🥶 Bless me master Donavan🙏🙏🙏🤪😊 have to address this real quick for im doing Oh Jang for doubles and singles :)

[@fatenafarah3474]

I love your cannel

[@noahevanswicks]

Wow, I love you 😂💙

[@donavantkd]

Wow I love you more!

[@heliophiliastudios7702]

man i love your sass

[@princevalantinojkd]

In terms of executing a near perfect kick then personally I look more at the general alignment, only in pattern training is this more important, if however we look at street fight situations then maintaining a lower body alignment is not required,in fact Donovan demonstrates the best functional street fight kick here but he Say's that it looks ugly,however in reality it is functional, short,fast,effective and beautiful, great video Donovan

[@SapiaNt0mata]

thanks for the tips. as for your anterior pelvic tilt, you can watch videos on youtube on how to fix it. i also have this but it's minor. like 5-10 degrees.

[@donavantkd]

Yeah I've been working on it and it's gotten considerably better and my Taekwondo is way more on point than ever now that it's being addressed.

[@sammyparker3622]

You are right sir I always look for mistakes when I'm sparring in tournaments I always looked for bad footwork bad kicks because when someone is off balance it's easy to get points off of them

[@brettbarager9101]

Helpful vid. Thanks. I originally trained in a traditional style of karate. When we learned the side kick, we only turned our foot 90 degrees . . . that kinda worked. However, when I started TKD, I learned a new way to do the side kick: turn the foot 180 degrees! Suddenly, I had more distance, more power and was faster. Currently, I do the side kick with my front leg as a defensive technique. Even this way, turning that back foot makes all the difference! Same with turning the hip.

[@WarriorofSunlight]

Only pivoting 90 degrees is horrible for the ground knee joint, because the force will travel sideways across the knee joint, instead of along it. Also, pivoting all the way opens up the hips and allows you to get better height, reach, power, balance, everything. Side kicking without pivoting right can mess up the knees and cause all kinds of problems.

[@andrewhancock2451]

Curious. What style of karate only pivots the ground foot to be at right angle to the direction of the kick? I almost always see the ground foot pointing away from the direction of the kick (to various degrees).