Yoko Kekomi Meaning in Karate

Yoko Kekomi is a powerful karate move known as the side thrust kick for maximum impact. The practitioner brings the knee toward the chest and then drives the heel out to the side. Unlike a snapping kick this technique uses a pushing motion to penetrate through the target or guard. It relies on the rotation of the hips and the pivot of the standing foot for power. This kick is one of the strongest strikes in karate due to the involvement of the glutes. A student drives their heel into a heavy shield during a power generation drill in class. Keeping the toes pulled back protects the foot while the hard heel bone makes the contact. Locking the knee at the moment of impact ensures all the body weight reaches the target.