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Shotokan Technique · Kick

横蹴りYoko-geri — Side kick

Yoko-geri (横蹴り, “side kick”) strikes to the side with the knife-edge of the foot (sokutō). It comes in two forms: yoko-geri-keage, a fast rising snap, and yoko-geri-kekomi, a driving straight thrust. The snapping version appears in several kata, including Heian Nidan and Gankaku.
TypeKick (geri)
TargetChūdan / jōdan
WeaponKnife-edge (sokutō)
VariantsKeage / kekomi
IntroducedColoured belt

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

  1. Lift the kicking knee high across toward the opposite shoulder, foot cocked, knife-edge turned toward the target.
  2. Pivot on the ball of the supporting foot so its heel points toward the target, loading the hip.
  3. For KEKOMI (thrust): drive the leg out in a straight line, pushing the hip in behind it, and lock out level. For KEAGE (snap): snap the foot up in a rising arc instead.
  4. Strike with the knife-edge / heel (sokutō), toes pulled up.
  5. Recoil sharply back to the chamber, then set down.

Key points

  • Strike with the outer knife-edge of the foot (sokutō), not the sole.
  • Pivot the support foot so the hips align behind the kick.
  • Keage rises and snaps; kekomi drives straight and thrusts.

Common mistakes

Kicking with a bent, short leg or no hip push (kekomi becomes a weak poke).
Not pivoting the support foot enough — poor reach and knee strain.
Striking with the flat sole instead of the knife-edge.
Confusing the two: thrusting when a snap is needed, or vice versa.

Where you’ll see it

Yoko-geri appears across the Shotokan kata syllabus, including:

Heian NidanHeian YondanGankakuKankū DaiBassai ShōSōchin

Application (bunkai)分解

The side thrust keeps a charging opponent out with a long, penetrating strike to the ribs or knee; the rising snap flicks up under an arm or into the chin at close range. Gankaku fires it from the one-legged crane stance.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Yoko-geri performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Yoko-geri” on YouTube

Related techniques

Mae-geri前蹴りMawashi-geri回し蹴りKiba-dachi騎馬立ち

Yoko-geri — frequently asked questions

What is the difference between yoko-geri-keage and yoko-geri-kekomi?
Keage is a rising snap kick — fast and light, whipping straight back. Kekomi is a straight thrust kick — slower but powerful, driving the hip through the target and locking out level.
What part of the foot do you use for a side kick?
The knife-edge, or outer blade, of the foot (sokutō), with the toes pulled up. The heel also leads on the thrust.
Which kata have the side kick?
Yoko-geri-keage appears in Heian Nidan (its first appearance) and prominently in Gankaku, as well as Heian Yondan, Kankū Dai, Bassai Shō and Sōchin.
Do you pivot the supporting foot for a side kick?
Yes — turn the supporting heel toward the target so the hips can align behind the kick for reach and power.