Kyokushin Wheel Kick or Side Roll Kick

This page provides details on the Kyokushin Wheel Kick (or Side Roll Kick). This martial arts technique is a deceptive and powerful kick. It involves a martial artist performing a forward side roll in the air, rotating their body and striking the target with their heel. It is more powerful than a Taekwondo Jumping Spinning Hook Kick because the kick utilizes the entire weight of the rolling/falling body. However, it is also dangerous to the kicker if they have not knocked out or stunned their opponent. They are more likely to end up sprawled on the ground if the kick misses or is blocked. This places the kicker in the position to be attacked with grappling techniques or kicked while on the ground.

Kyokushin Karate utilizes several falling/rolling kicks (Kaiten Geri). In Karate, the Kyokushin Wheel Kick is known as Yoko Do Mawashi Kaiten Geri. In addition to Side Roll Kick or Kyokushin Wheel Kick, this kick is also known as a Side Falling Kick, Side Rolling Kick, etc.

For information on other kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick), please visit the main Martial Arts Kicks section.