Karate: Using The Legs

Ushiro Geri

This is aptly called the kick back. As with many other techniques, this technique can be adjusted depending on your distance from your opponent. In the classical version, the knee goes up to the chest, and then the leg extends back. The heel looks up, while the toes down.

The hip motion is very important in this technique. Move your hip, adding a few inches to the range. The general rule in Karate says, ''See what you are doing''. So turn your back and head (over your shoulder) in order for you to look at your target.

Note that there are two ways of moving your foot. First, you can bring up and then shoot it to the target. Second, you can accelerate the foot all the way from the ground, so that it moves on a straight line, rather than zigzag motion. The knee should also go to the chest first.

Ushiro Mavashi Geri

First, you need to bring your knee up to your chest. Then your foot must draw a circle from the inside (from the central line) to the outside and up to the target. The kick can performed with the heel (combat version), or with the foot (competition version). It is possible to perform this kick with or without turning around (short or long version).

Ura Mavashi Geri

Here is a variation of the ushiro mavashi geri, which is performed on extremely close distance, and is usually unexpected. Let' assume that you are in migi (right) zenkutsu dachi/ Turn your back to your opponent, changing to hidari (left) kokutsu dachi. Continue by bringing your left foot closer to the right (supporting) foot (to the nekp ashi dachi position.

Turn your shoulders and your head, so that you can see your opponent over your shoulder. Continue turning, and, at the same time, bring your left knee up. At this point, it is VERY important yo keep your body straight. Many beginners would bend, and when the technique is performed fast it will literally shoot them to the side.

If, on the other hand, your body is straight and your head is projecting down to the heel of the supporting foot, you will remain balanced no matter how fast you spin.

Once again, the projection of your head on the floor is initially (when you are in kokutsu dachi) between your feet. The more you move your weight to the right foot, the closer the projection of your head should be supporting foot. Finally, when you are standing in one leg, the head must be EXACTLY above your right foot. Sounds simple. But it will take you many days to do it right.

Finally, continue turning, and send the heel to the target via a smooth line. Make sure your foot is ''solid (as opposed to ''relaxed and jelly-like'') when it touches your target.