Double Side Kick

SubFamily

二段横蹴り(Nidan Yoko Geri)

descriptive

Translation: double side kick

Overview

The Double Side Kick is an advanced technique where the fighter delivers two side kicks in rapid succession or simultaneously to different heights or directions. [1] In Taekwon-Do, the first kick typically targets low (knee or thigh) while the second targets mid or high (ribs or head). [1] In Wing Chun, a variation involves simultaneous double kicks to both sides. [2] The technique requires exceptional balance and hip flexibility, as the fighter must chamber, extend, retract, and re-chamber rapidly while maintaining structural integrity on one leg. [1]

Also known as
Simultaneous Double Side KickTwo-Direction Side KickYi-jung Yop ChagiKR

History & Origin

The Double Side Kick appears in TKD competition as an advanced scoring technique and in Wing Chun as a simultaneous double kick from the wooden dummy form. [1],[2] It represents different martial arts philosophies — TKD uses sequential double kicks for scoring, while Wing Chun uses simultaneous kicks for overwhelming an opponent's structure. [2]

Effectiveness

The sequential version forces the opponent to defend two levels rapidly. The Wing Chun simultaneous version attacks the opponent's structure from two points. [1],[2] In competition, the speed of the double kick often scores before the opponent can adjust guard position.

Lineage

Practiced in Taekwondo (yi-jung yop chagi) and karate. TKD lineage: General Choi Hong Hi → ITF system. [1]

Competition Record

Commonly used in WT Taekwondo Olympic competition and ITF tournament sparring. Also appears in WKF karate kumite and kickboxing. [1]

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary ActionTwo successive lateral kicks from one leg — rapid chamber-extend-retract-chamber-extend cycle
Joints InvolvedHip abduction (double chamber), knee extension (double thrust)
Force VectorLateral for both kicks — typically first low, second high
Striking SurfaceHeel or blade of foot

Position & Entry

From fighting stanceLaunch first side kick low (thigh/knee), immediately re-chamber and launch second kick mid/high (ribs/head)
Wing Chun variationSimultaneous side kicks in two directions using both legs

Variants

Sequential doublefirst low, second high from same leg
Same-level doubleboth kicks at same height for maximum damage
Wing Chun simultaneousboth legs kick sideways at once
Alternating legsleft side kick then right side kick with a hop

Videos

360 Side Kick Tutorial (Double Tap Side Kick by Raymond Daniels)

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Double Side Kick·Sensei Seth

If you want to throw some fancy spinning stuff like Raymond Daniels, the double tap side kick (or butterfly kick, tornad

The Raymond Daniels Double Sidekick Tutorial (Step-By-Step Breakdown)

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Double Side Kick·1STIMPACT

Raymond Daniels made this kick famous in kickboxing and karate combat — the stepping sidekick into the jumping back side

Street Fighting Techniques - How to Throw Knee & Side Kick - Muay Thai Kickboxing

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Double Side Kick·MixedMartialArtsHQ.com

#1 Best Selling 'Success Conditioning Program' available now at http://www.mixedmartialartshq.com/mental-training/mental

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3 videos

What Instructors Say

The double side kick, popularized by champion martial artist Raymond Daniels, is a two-part striking combination that sequences a stepping side kick followed immediately by a jumping back side kick. According to 1STIMPACT, the technique functions as both an offensive tool and a positioning device—the first kick serves to plant the fighter's weight and shift momentum forward while simultaneously creating a deceptive target for the opponent, while the second kick delivers the primary strike from an elevated position. Sensei Seth emphasizes the linear precision challenge: unlike circular spinning techniques with larger margins of error, the double side kick demands exact timing because both kicks travel straight, requiring minimal positional deviation. He recommends progressive drilling starting with a simple footwork exchange (placing the non-dominant foot back, jumping, switching feet) before advancing to the full combination at speed. Both 1STIMPACT and Sensei Seth stress that the first kick need not land with full power—it functions as a "touch" or "gauge" to assess distance and frame the opponent, with power concentrated in the second kick. MixedMartialArtsHQ.com provides complementary detail on fundamental side kick mechanics: proper hip rotation, heel extension toward ribs or solar plexus, and controlled recovery to avoid overextension. All three instructors note the technique's effectiveness lies in its speed when properly drilled and its capacity to surprise opponents expecting continued pressure after the initial strike.

Synthesized from 3 instructors

  • 1STIMPACTThe Raymond Daniels Double Sidekick Tutorial (Step-By-Step Breakdown): Defines the double side kick as stepping side kick + jumping back side kick combination; explains the first kick's role as a plant and directional deception rather than a finishing strike; traces the technique's history through martial arts belt testing requirements; emphasizes speed development through progressive practice.
  • Sensei Seth360 Side Kick Tutorial (Double Tap Side Kick by Raymond Daniels): Details the linear precision challenge and margin of error problem unique to side kicks versus circular techniques; provides structured progression from basic footwork switching to full-speed execution; clarifies that the first kick should be a light 'touch' to gauge distance rather than a power strike; introduces optional variations using different takeoff mechanics (knee pull vs. foot placement).
  • MixedMartialArtsHQ.comStreet Fighting Techniques - How to Throw Knee & Side Kick - Muay Thai Kickboxing: Provides foundational side kick mechanics instruction: hip rotation, heel extension targeting ribs or solar plexus, weight transfer, and recovery mechanics that prevent overextension and balance loss.

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

5
High5/10

Individual kicks are standard side kick power. Speed and variety of targets are the weapons.

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Advanced
Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Unified MMAstandard striking technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF
WKF Karatecontrolled contact required
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDF
WT Taekwondokicks are primary scoring technique
WT Competition Rules 2026PDF
WAKO Kickboxingfull contact permitted
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDF
IFMA Muay Thaiall strikes permitted
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDF

Training Notes

The re-chambering between kicks must be lightning fast — any pause defeats the purpose
The first kick sets up the second — aim it where you want their guard to move
Keep the upper body stable between kicks — excessive movement telegraphs
Practice the double-chamber rhythm on a heavy bag before applying in sparring

Common Mistakes

!Losing balance after the first kick
!Not re-chambering fully before the second kick — reduces power
!Both kicks at the same height — predictable and easy to block
!Dropping the hands between kicks — vulnerable to counter-punches

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1First kick to the thigh → opponent drops guard → second kick to the head
2Jab-cross then double side kick while opponent is shelled up
3Against the cagefirst kick pushes back, second kick scores to head

Sources & References

Primary Source

Choi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. IFT.

1BookChoi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. IFT.

[1] Choi, Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (1999)

2BookYip, M. 116 Wing Chun Dummy Techniques.

[2] 116 Wing Chun Dummy Techniques

3CitationChoi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. IFT.

[1] Choi, Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (1999)

4CitationYip, M. 116 Wing Chun Dummy Techniques.

[2] 116 Wing Chun Dummy Techniques

Community

Athletics

Requires

exceptional balance on one leg, rapid hip abduction for re-chambering, flexibility

Key muscles

hip abductors (double chamber), quadriceps, core (balance)

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I kick with full power on the first kick of a double side kick?

No, according to Sensei Seth, you should 'touch' with the first kick rather than striking with full force. This allows you to gauge distance and keep your opponent in place, preventing either of you from being knocked away, which is the most common problem beginners face with this technique.

Which foot should I lead with when performing a double side kick?

According to Sensei Seth, you should put your non-dominant foot on the back first, jump up, and switch so your dominant leg goes second. This allows you to deliver maximum power with your stronger leg on the finishing kick.

What's the difference between touching and not touching on the first kick?

Sensei Seth recommends not touching and using knee momentum to pull your body up if you want to come higher, while touching works better if you want to cover more distance or frame your opponent. Not touching also avoids the risk of your foot getting disrupted mid-air.

Can I throw a double side kick as a wheel kick instead?

Yes, according to Sensei Seth, you can perform the double side kick as a wheel kick, which has a wider margin for error since you don't have to hit straight on—anything in between the optimal range can still make contact.

How does the Double Side Kick work?

The Double Side Kick is an advanced technique where the fighter delivers two side kicks in rapid succession or simultaneously to different heights or directions. In Taekwon-Do, the first kick typically targets low (knee or thigh) while the second targets mid or high (ribs or head).

Where does the Double Side Kick come from?

The Double Side Kick appears in TKD competition as an advanced scoring technique and in Wing Chun as a simultaneous double kick from the wooden dummy form. It represents different martial arts philosophies — TKD uses sequential double kicks for scoring, while Wing Chun uses simultaneous kicks for overwhelming an opponent's structure.

Is the Double Side Kick legal in competition?

Unified MMA: Legal: legal — standard striking technique; WKF Karate: Legal: legal — controlled contact required; WT Taekwondo: Legal: legal — kicks are primary scoring technique; WAKO Kickboxing: Legal: legal — full contact permitted; IFMA Muay Thai: Legal: legal — all strikes permitted

How dangerous is the Double Side Kick?

Danger rating 5/10. Moderate — individual kicks are standard side kick power. Speed and variety of targets are the weapons.

How do I set up the Double Side Kick?

The standard setup chain: First kick to the thigh → opponent drops guard → second kick to the head → Jab-cross then double side kick while opponent is shelled up → Against the cage.

How do I defend against the Double Side Kick?

Standard counters include: Close distance after the first kick — jam the second / Step offline — exit the kicking line / Low kick the standing leg — exploit the one-leg balance.

What are the variants of the Double Side Kick?

Common variants: Sequential double (first low, second high from same leg); Same-level double (both kicks at same height for maximum damage); Wing Chun simultaneous (both legs kick sideways at once); Alternating legs (left side kick then right side kick with a hop).

How effective is the Double Side Kick in competition?

Commonly used in WT Taekwondo Olympic competition and ITF tournament sparring. Also appears in WKF karate kumite and kickboxing.

What are common mistakes when doing the Double Side Kick?

Top errors to watch for: Losing balance after the first kick / Not re-chambering fully before the second kick — reduces power / Both kicks at the same height — predictable and easy to block / Dropping the hands between kicks — vulnerable to counter-punches.

What are other names for the Double Side Kick?

The Double Side Kick is also known as Nidan Yoko Geri, Simultaneous Double Side Kick, Two-Direction Side Kick, Yi-jung Yop Chagi.