Introduction to the Double Sidekick

The double sidekick is an advanced combination technique popularized by multiple-time champion Raymond Daniels. This technique combines a stepping sidekick with a jumping back sidekick to create a deceptive, high-impact striking sequence. Understanding Daniels' background as a US Open and World Combat League champion provides context for why this technique is worthy of study.

Technique Breakdown: Basic Components

The double sidekick consists of two distinct movements: a stepping sidekick followed immediately by a jumping back sidekick. Both techniques share the same fundamental mechanics—raising the knee and extending the heel toward the target. Breaking these movements into separate, practiced elements is essential before combining them.

The Stepping Sidekick Fundamentals

To execute a stepping sidekick, the practitioner steps behind their body, raises the knee, positions the heel toward the target, and extends the leg outward. This movement serves as the foundation for the combination and must be performed with proper weight distribution and alignment. Mastery of this individual technique ensures success in the complete combination.

The Jumping Back Sidekick Fundamentals

The jumping back sidekick involves loading the hips, turning the body, and launching upward while simultaneously extending the heel toward the target. Despite its varied name, this kick shares the same core mechanics as other sidekick variations—knee load followed by rapid hip extension. This technique provides the devastating follow-up strike in the combination.

Historical Context: Breaking Technique Origins

In traditional martial arts belt progression, breaking techniques serve as graduation requirements, with difficulty increasing at each level. The double sidekick represents an advanced breaking technique typically required at the red belt/black stripe level. This progression context explains why the technique demands precision, power, and technical proficiency.

Strategic Application and Deception

The double sidekick's effectiveness lies in its deceptive nature—the stepping sidekick plants the striker's position and commits the opponent's attention, while the jumping back sidekick arrives from an unexpected angle. The stepping sidekick functions as a setup tool rather than the primary strike, making the combination difficult to defend. This misdirection quality makes the technique particularly effective in competitive fighting scenarios.

Execution: The Complete Combination

The practitioner performs the stepping sidekick by stepping, loading the leg, and extending outward. Rather than dropping the leg after the first kick, the striker immediately propels upward from that loaded position, turning and delivering the jumping back sidekick. Executed correctly, this combination creates a seamless, rapid-fire striking sequence with minimal time between techniques.

Training Progression and Development

Practitioners should begin by drilling the stepping sidekick and back sidekick separately at a controlled pace to ingrain proper mechanics. Once each technique is refined independently, students should practice the combination at slow speed before progressively increasing velocity. Consistent repetition and refinement of timing will eventually produce the speed and fluidity demonstrated by elite practitioners like Raymond Daniels.

Key Performance Principles

Success with the double sidekick requires understanding that speed is derived from proper mechanics, not muscular force alone. The technique's effectiveness depends on seamless transition between the two kicks, with weight properly distributed throughout. Practitioners should focus on controlled execution before pursuing aggressive application in sparring or competition.

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

1STIMPACT

Double Side Kick

3 min read·9 key moments·PT6M36S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the Double Sidekick
•Technique Breakdown: Basic Components
•The Stepping Sidekick Fundamentals
•The Jumping Back Sidekick Fundamentals

Raymond Daniels made this kick famous in kickboxing and karate combat — the stepping sidekick into the jumping back sidekick. In this video I break down exactly how the combo works, why it’s so effective, and how YOU can learn it safely and correctly. We cover: • The stepping sidekick setup • The jump mechanics and timing • Why this combo fools opponents • How to drill it on the bag • How to add it to sparring If you train kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, or MMA… this is a must-learn weapon. Train smart. Train hard. Become dangerous. #RaymondDaniels #Kickboxing #SideKick #MartialArts #KarateCombat #Taekwondo #MMA #KickboxingTutorial #FightBreakdown #Striking #CombatSports #MartialArtsTraining #FightTips #HowToKick #Team1stImpact

Related Techniques

Back Side Kick Front Chamber Side Kick Front Leg Side Kick Hand-on-the-Floor Side Kick Kneeling-Up Side Kick

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about double side kick?

This video covers introduction to the double sidekick, technique breakdown: basic components, the stepping sidekick fundamentals. It provides detailed instruction from 1STIMPACT.

How long does it take to learn double side kick?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.