Procces Analysis Rough Draft Essay

Andy Bush
Process Analysis Essay
Instructor Daykin
Written Communication

The Complete Side Kick

The side kick is the most recognizable and the most powerful kick in all of martial arts. It is also the kick that many people struggle to do correctly. When done correctly, a sidekick can generate an enormous amount of power and be the difference between a broken board and a bruised heel. If done incorrectly, the side kick can knock the kicker backwards and off balance making the kick weak and ineffective. The side kick is not a forgiving technique- meaning that if done incorrectly, it is very easy to point out the mistakes, and the flaws in the kick will be obvious. On the other hand, a good side kick quickly shows the flexibility, balance and hard work the person executing has dedicated to it. Developing proper technique takes time and practice but it can be done following a set of basic steps.

I would suggest when preparing to practice your side kicks for the first time that you find an area with a good amount of open space. It is important to find a space free of tables, lamps, and other people in case you misplace your kick. I would also suggest some loose-fitting clothing that does not restrict your range of motion especially your legs. Barefoot is often the best way to practice as you will need to slide your feet, and shoes with traction can put stress on your knees. Make sure you have done a basic warm up such as running in place for a minute and a couple of stretches that involve the legs (a runners stretch or toe reaches).

The first step is to make sure you begin in a proper stance. A horse stance is the best way to begin. A horse stance is achieved by placing your feet a little wider than your shoulders. With your knees slightly bent, keep your back and your head straight and look either right or left toward the leg you want to use to do the kick. In the horse stance you are relaxed and not rigid. You don’t need to worry about your hands- let them go to your sides or hold them in front of you like a boxer.

After you're in the horse stance, take one foot and step behind and slightly past the opposite foot and as you do this, rotate your hips so they are pointed in the direction of your target. Getting the hips rotated and pointed is crucial as it will help generate your power.  It is important that the heel of foot being used to step behind the other foot is also pointed at your target. Another basic mistake is to leave your foot pointed out and the heel away from the target. Without the heel properly positioned, it will make it very difficult to turn your hips.  Now with your hips turned and pointed, lift the leg you intend to kick with (the leg opposite the one used to step behind) and raise it like you were going to step on a bug. This is called the chamber position. From the chamber position thrust your leg out using a piston motion, leading with the heel of your foot. As your leg is extended slightly, lean back into the kick. When the leg is fully extended, bring it back to the chamber position and return to your horse stance.

            One of the biggest mistakes made in the execution of this technique is the failure to get the hips rotated toward the target. If the hips are not fully turned, a great deal of power will be lost because the kicking motion will have an arc instead of a straight line. Also, if the hips are not rotated, the chambered knee cannot be properly placed and the kick will start to resemble another technique altogether. All of these mistakes are easily avoidable with a little patience and practice.

If these steps are followed, the sidekick can become a very powerful weapon in your arsenal. It takes time and practice to develop a great side kick but it is well worth the hard work. This kick is also the foundation for several other techniques in martial arts and with a good knowledge of the side kick; the others will be easier to master. A beautiful side kick can show the dedication you have to martial arts and the time you have put into your training.