FUNDAMENTALS OF MARTIAL ARTS

SHOTOKAN, KARATE-DO

Lesson. Karate-do; Kicks (Geri).

Learning Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be

able to:

1. Identify the different kicks of karate-do;

2. Perform the techniques and kicks of karate-do.

I. Karate Kicks
Karate Kicks

The kicks in Karate are those moves that caught our eye and got most of us
interested in learning Martial Arts. In Karate we can classify these techniques
in:

 Keage: A snapping and fast kick, used as a transitory move.

 Kekomi: Thursting Kick using body alignment and the hip.

Recommendations

 Always warm up your entire body for at least 10 minutes

 Stretch your entire body, not just your legs
 Your stretching routine should include your arms, lower back, hips and
legs

Traditional Karate Kicks

1.) Mae Geri Keage / Kekomi – Front Snap / Thrust Kick

In this article, we will analyze the frontal kick of Karate, we will study the
proper execution, the way to exercise it, how to effectively apply it in self-
defense techniques and sparring or Kumite. We will also talk about how to
improve your kicking technique to advance your training in martial arts.

The front kick is one of those kicks that is found in many martial arts under
different names, sharing mostly the same details. There are different
combinations of foot maneuvers that provide different results. It is considered a
basic kick but can present several variations by making small modifications or
adding other moves.
  In Japanese Karate the name for this kick is Mae Geri Keage
(Front snap kick), Mae Geri Kekomi (Front Thrust Kick). In
Taekwondo it would be Ap Chagi.
Mae Geri is a front kick in if you add Keage at the end would be Mae Geri Keage
which means Front snap kick. If you add Kekomi at the end would be Mae Geri
Kekomi which means Front thrusting kick.
 Always use the ball of your foot on your front kick, it creates a
thrusting point and can also provide a lot of damage.

The common targets for this kick are the knees, groin, stomach, neck, and face.

Essential Karate Front Kicks

These are some of the essential Front Kick you must also know, here they are:

 The Snapping Front Kick

  The Thrusting Front Kick (https://sportsandmartialarts.com/mae-geri-
kekomi-front-thrust-kick/?amp)
 The Jumping Front Kick (https://sportsandmartialarts.com/master-
jumping-front-kick-in-karate/?amp)
 The Hopping Front Kick
 The Crossing Front Kick
 The Side Front Kick
 The Drop Front Kick
Some instructors could name more Front Kicks based on other principles and
situations, but these are the more realistic ones you will see and which you can
use. All these kicks have different features and usage.

 The Snapping Front Kick is a fast kick, the most common targets
would be the knee, groin, and stomach. Mostly done with the front leg.
 The Thrusting Front Kick is not fast but is powerful, done with the
back leg, the most common target would be the middle section. The
purpose of this kick is to push the opponent away from you.
 The Jumping Front Kick has a few variants, but the most common
would be to lift one knee and kick with the other leg. The targets would
be the groin, stomach, and face.
 The hopping Front Kick is a kick mostly used in sparring to connect
and deliver the kick to the middle section and score a point. This kick is
the one that I would use in a self-defense technique or in the street
because it allows me to adjust my distance and deliver my kick.
 The Crossing Front kick would allow you to cut the distance and add
power to your kick, you will cross your feet to get close and then kick.
You can use this version in sparring or self-defense techniques.
 The Side Front Kick is the same kick you can do to the front but just
look over your right and instead of doing a side kick adjust your hip
and deliver a front kick. This Side Front Kick is very effective when you
are sparring and want to stop an attacker from coming to you.
  The Drop Front Kick is a defensive kick used for self-defense. Very
useful if you are been pushed and you fall, once on the ground the
attacker might get to you, and is then when you use both of your
hands to support yourself while you execute a front kick to the
attacker.

Adding Power to your Front Kick

A Karate Front Kick can be executed with the front or back leg, the front leg will
be faster and the back leg slower but more powerful. The target height is very
important because you need to consider several factors to do the perfect kick, if
you try to kick too high and you are not flexible enough you will lose your
balance and your back supporting leg will make you fall.

The key to adding power to your Front Kick is using the hip and lower back
pushing forward. Here is a formula:

 Proper Body alignment + Leg muscles + Hip & Lower back

pushing forward + Kiaki = Powerful Front Kick
 Step 1: You should be in a sparring position or on a basic stance.


Fighting Stance for a Karate Front Kick

 Step 2: Here is where your hands are up and your knee is up aiming at
the target. This step is very important because the knee leads the way
before you make contact with your target.


Karate Front Kick Preparation

 Step 3: You keep your hands up while you deliver the kick to where you
were aiming with your knee as shown in the picture.
 

Karate Front Kick

Watch https://youtu.be/u_pKukBp4-Q?si=skWerDFz_yvoPrsh

Karate Front Kick Review

 Place your feet shoulder-width apart in a fighting stance.

 Hands up to cover yourself.
 Begin your kick by shifting your weight to your left leg and then bring
your knee up as you prepare your kick.
 Turn your toes up so your point of contact will be the ball of your foot
and not your toes.
 Extend your leg to deliver your kick and make contact with the target.
  Snap your foot back.
 Get back to your fighting stance.

Front Kick Stretching Exercises

There are several stretching exercises you can do to get your legs ready for a
powerful front kick. Proper stretching of the supporting leg and the kicking leg is
essential. Here are a few exercises you can do.

If you need more deep stretching routines then these two articles are
recommended for you: (click here).

 https://sportsandmartialarts.com/the-splits-in-weeks-or-less/?amp
 https://sportsandmartialarts.com/master-the-front-splits-step-by-
step/?amp

Supporting leg Stretching exercise

In the following leg stretching exercise we are working on our hamstrings and
quads at the same time. These are essential when bringing the knee up and
aiming the target before kicking. Make sure you execute this exercise on both
legs.
Kicking leg Stretching exercise

The following exercise will target the hamstrings and calves. This is essential to
help you reach your target when kicking. Make sure you execute this exercise
on both legs.
Front Kick Recommendations

 Your back should be straight

 Your hands should be up at all times with any kicking technique
 You need to lift the knee before throwing the kick
 Use your hips to increase the power of your Karate Front Kick
 The point of impact is the ball of your foot
 The lead leg will kick faster but not as strong as your back leg
2.) Kansetsu Geri – Knee Joint Kick
Kansetsu Geri is a direct side kick technique to the knee, the sole purpose of
this kick is to disable the attacker on the spot for self-defense purposes only.

Step by step

 You could be in your fighting stance or a normal standing stance

 Look at your target, lift your knee and deliver your kick to the knee
 Go back to your initial standing stance
Watch https://youtu.be/PleNOM8Nvz4?si=6SxuQrnKksPXHNM7
The same principle as a Yoko geri but aiming the knee joint.
Watch https://youtu.be/McONcIwBqTE?si=cdYX4mjuEn4RQ33z

Recommendations

 Since this kicking technique is for self-defense purposes only control

yourself if you need to demonstrate this kick because you can hurt
 someone, I would just explain where its hits and I would demonstrate
by throwing the kick in the air if you are testing for your next rank.
 In self-defense, you can use it to stop someone under a threat attack
going after you.
3.) Hiza Geri – Knee Kick

Hiza Geri

Hiza Geri is a versatile kicking technique that can be employed effectively at

both short and long distances, depending on your speed and unpredictability. In
close quarters combat, you have the option to utilize either Mae Hiza Geri (front
knee kick) or Mawashi Hiza Geri (circular knee kick), while for longer distances,
Mae Tobi Hiza Geri (flying knee kick) can be employed.
The primary target for this technique is typically the stomach, although it can
also be applied to the ribs. Additionally, you can direct the strike towards the
thigh or even the front part of the leg. In Kumite, depending on the style, it
may even be permissible to aim for the head, as seen in Kyokushin Karate.

When executing this technique, there are two variations to consider. Firstly,
pointing your toes upward during the kick increases the upward power, while
secondly, pointing your toes downward enhances the forward power.

Mae Hiza Geri involves delivering a knee strike directly to the front. Mawashi
Hiza Geri, on the other hand, employs a circular motion for the knee strike.
Mae Hiza Geri or Knee Strike in Kumite

This technique is not allowed in most Karate Championships and Tournaments,

you cannot use it in Kumite because it can produce a lot of damage and in some
instances, you can get disqualified and even banned from some tournaments.

Kumite in the Kyokushin Kai is the Association that allows the usage of Hiza
Geri in their tournaments. You are required to wear groin protection because is
very easy to get kicked when executing a high kick.

How to block Hiza Geri or Knee Strike

There are several options you need to consider, let’s number them and if you
have more let me know:

 Keep your distance, using kicks can create a safe distance.

 Move inside the ring otherwise, you will be an easy target.
 If you are too close you can use a pushdown block and then sweep that
leg, this is my favorite because it has worked every time I have used
it.
Regardless of the specific knee strike you choose, it is crucial to understand that
the power originates from your hips, rather than simply lifting the knee to make
contact with the target. To maximize the impact, incorporate the power of your
hips by thrusting forward towards your target as you execute the technique.

Step-by-Step Guide for Hiza Geri

 Begin in a proper fighting stance, keeping your hands up in a defensive

position.
 Before applying the technique, you need to gain control of your
opponent by grabbing them by the neck.
 Pull your opponent towards you while simultaneously lifting your knee.
  As your opponent moves closer, thrust your knee forward forcefully,
aiming to strike them with precision.
 After executing the knee strike, release your hold on your opponent
and swiftly bring your hands back up into a defensive position.
Watch https://youtu.be/F5rocsCG8K0?si=LvQl255gk3e7pptA
 Here you can see the power of this technique in Kumite, you will notice it
can KO an opponent easily because the knee is a hard bone.

Recommendations

 Always keep your back straight as your knee goes up

 Push your hip forward to add more thrust
 Don’t lift your knee too high, this can weaken your other leg
 You must pull in your opponent unless you are doing a Mae Tobi Hiza
Geri or Jumping Front Knee Strike
4.) Ren Geri – Front Leg First Land forward
Ren Geri is mostly found on a Kata because it is not a single kick, but a set of
consecutive kicks. The kicks on the Ren Geri are front kicks or Mae Geri, double
front kicks.

Ren Geri Step by Step

 Start on a fighting stance
 Lift your front leg to execute a front kick
 As you land execute a second front kick with your back leg.
Ren Geri can be used in sparring and it can be really effective because it is a
kicking combination, the first kick stops the attacker and the second kick
disables him causing a lot of damage. You might aim the middle section or the
face depending on the situation.
 5.) Nidan Geri – Back Leg First Land Backwards

Nidan Geri is another consecutive kicking combination where you execute 2

front kicks or Mae Geri combined with a jump. This kicking combination is
perfect for self defense and for Kumite.

Nidan Geri Step by Step

 Start by standing on a fighting stance with your right foot back
 Bring your right foot back to the front on a Mae Geri
 As you bring that right leg back to the ground immediately deliver a
left Mae Geri
Nidan Geri is not a Mae Tobi Geri, because on Nidan Geri you start with a kick
and on Mae Tobi Geri you start with a jump.
 6.) Mawashi Geri – Round House Kick

The Mawashi Geri

The Mawashi Geri, also known as Roundhouse kick and can also be
called Round kick is both deadly and beautiful. Landing a round kick
will have adverse effects on any opponent, and it is one of the four
basic kicks you learn when you start. It may take a little time to
 practice the kick with good technique, but it’s worth it in the long run.
The Mawashi Geri is particularly useful in combination with other
strikes.
 In this article, we will study and analyze useful details of this
kick, we will learn some versions and their proper execution.
We will also go through a step-by-step guide,
recommendations, and how to use it in self-defense techniques.

Different Mawashi Geri

I have found several Mawashi Geri Kick versions in my years of training, the
ones that I think are very useful are here:

 The Full Roundhouse Kick

 The Round Kick
 The Downward Roundhouse Kick
 The Drop Roundhouse Kick
 The low Roundhouse Kick
 The Jumping Roundhouse Kick
 The Crossing Roundhouse Kick
These are the kicks, if you make small modifications on these kicks then you
will have new ones, add a few foot maneuvers and they will be unstoppable.
Mawashi Geri Step by Step
1. Get started on your fighting stance with your hands up.
2. Shift your weight to your left leg or supporting leg then lift your other
leg.
3. Your ankle should be next to your knee.
4. Pivot on the ball of your other foot to deliver the kick.
5. Extend your leg till you reach the desired target.
6. Return your foot to the ground and get back to your fighting stance.
Adding Power to your Mawashi Geri
It is important to know that to give power to your kick you have to be aligned,
you have to know how to transfer the force generated and transfer it effectively.
It is also very important to work the elasticity of the lower back, hips, and legs.
When you kick it uses the strength of the lower back and the inclination of your
hip. This is the formula for a strong kick:

 Alignment + muscle strength + lower back + hip + Kiai

Blocking and Stopping a Mawashi Geri

To block and stop this kick is not as difficult as it seems, there are ways to
cancel the attack, decrease the power if you can not stop it, and also use them
to your advantage. Consider these options:

 Always move around your opponent, and remember that a moving

target is harder to reach.
 You can shorten the distance when your opponent wants to kick,
remember that to kick you need space, if you do not have it you can
not.
 Always keep your guard up and your elbows protecting your ribs, if
your opponent tries to kick you in the middle section, you might move
and he might kick your elbow.
 Counterattack immediately when he tries to kick you, so his attack can
not continue because he will be forced to defend himself.
 When your opponent kicks all his weight is on one leg, it is a very good
opportunity to sweep the leg.
How to train your Mawashi Geri
There are many exercises to train Mawashi Geri, you can use pads, train with
the bag, train with a partner holding targets. Here you can find some useful
training exercises for this kick:

Watch https://youtu.be/CDGhLVIqXEo?si=qy0oCcy2ZqN72KFL

Now, just like the front kick, the round kick should never be delivered with the
toes. The ball of your foot provides the most powerful shots, so when you kick
your leg toward your goal, curl your toes up and deliver the blow with the ball
of your foot. When you hit your target, pull back your leg as fast as you can.
Keeping your leg outstretched too long allows it to be easily grabbed if your
opponent recovers quickly. While kicking, most people like to keep their hands
in a guarded position, allowing them to block if their opponent decides to attack
the groin, and it creates stability.

To get more comfortable when kicking, work on your flexibility. Flexible legs
allow for a wider range of round kicks. The Mawashi Geri should also not be
used at the beginning of a fight, because many people do not have the
quickness to land a kick before the opponent can make a move. Therefore, it is
good to pair the Mawashi Geri with other strikes. Here are some things to keep
in mind:

1. Keep the leg elevated at all times. Dropping the leg hampers your technique
and may make your round kick appear more like a front kick.

2. Do not swing your lower leg out to kick too soon, as this will make you lose
power when it comes time to strike.

3. Keep your arms in a protected position. This will help protect you and
maintain your balance.
  The Mawashi Geri kick requires flexibility, speed, accuracy, and
constant training. But flexibility is key because it can help you
develop a unique ability to kick anywhere you want, I
recommend you the following article I put together which can
help you get impressive flexibility for all you kick, it’s
called How to Do the Splits in Two Weeks or Less (
https://sportsandmartialarts.com/the-splits-in-weeks-or-less/?amp)

Mawashi Geri Recommendations

 Always keep your hands up

 Always stretch your lower back, hips, and legs evenly
 You need to transfer the power you generate when kicking otherwise
your knee will absorb it
 Aim with your knee to the target. It is essential to stretch and warm up
before training your kicks.
 Use the power of your hips to increase the kicking power. Lower
yourself a little bit to be able to kick higher.
7.) Yoko Geri Keage – Side Kick
The Karate Side Kick

In this article, we will study the application of the side kick, its use, various
options of this kick, a step-by-step guide, and recommendations.

The side kick is a technique widely used in sparring, excellent for personal
defense, and present in every martial art. In this article we will study this kick,
we will see different variants, we will learn step by step how to execute it, we
will delve into how to improve it and give it more power.

This is one of the main three kicks white belts learn, Front kick, Roundhouse,
and Side Kick.

The snapping side-kick, the Yoko Geri Keage, and the thrusting sidekick, the
Yoko Geri Kekomi. The important difference is the knee positioning and a little
bit, of the emphasis on the hip, as well. The thrust kick is more powerful and
more penetrative, but of course a little slower. The snap-kick is lighter and
quicker, but it rises up a little more, which is a little bit trickier to apply.

The Blocking Yoko Geri

The lateral kick or Yoko Geri can be used to stop an attacker, if he approaches
to attack you a kick can be used to the knee, hip, stomach, and chest. If the
kick is higher it is possible for the attacker to grab your leg and throw you
down.

If you are being attacked on the street and you are cornered you can use this
kick to push the attacker. This can give you time to perform another technique
to defend yourself.

Different Karate Side Kicks

I have listed a few options that I have seen throughout all my years in training,
here they are:

 The Snapping Side Kick

This is a quick kick widely used in Kumite to score points, you can also see it in
Kata and finally, you can use it in self-defense techniques.

 The Thrusting Side Kick – Yoko Geri Kekomi

(https://sportsandmartialarts.com/yoko-geri-kekomi-side-thrust-kick/?
amp)
This kick is recommended for self-defense techniques, to push the
attacker.
 The Jumping Side Kick
The Jumping Side Kick is a very powerful kick, it is not allowed in tournaments
due to lack of control.

 The Crossing Side Kick

This kick is used in Kumite, when crossing helps increase the intensity of the
kick and also helps to cut the distance.

 The Drop Side Kick

From a standing position, you drop down on your hands and knees to deliver
the sidekick to your opponent.

 The SideKick from the ground

This kick is for cases of extreme self-defense when the attacker has thrown or
pushed the defender, it is here when the person defends himself from the
ground with this sidekick.
Side Kick to the Stomach
The Yoko Geri to the middle zone requires alignment of the hip, knee, and ankle
to push in a line.

Toe
s are pulled back and the heel is pointed at the target.

Side Kick to Face / Head

The Yoko Geri to the face or head is more used in Kumite but it is also effective
if it is applied in self-defense. This kick will require the alignment of the hip,
knee, and ankle to be executed.
 The
heel is pointed at the target and the other leg is pointed away from the target.

Adding Power to Your Karate Side Kick

A Yoko Geri can generate a lot of force and do a lot of damage. To increase the
power in this kick it is necessary to use the strength of the hip and the
alignment of the body. When we alienate the body it is possible to transfer more
force in the execution of the kick.

Improving your Karate Side Kick

There are many ways to improve your Yoko Geri. There are specific exercises to
train and improve this kick. It is advisable to practice it with a heavy bag so
that the generated force is transferred to prevent a knee injury. It is important
to perform the correct execution to generate a good technique.
It is important to develop good elasticity and flexibility to be able to execute
any kick properly. Personally, I recommend the following exercises that have
helped me develop flexibility and improve my kicking techniques. I recommend
this article: How to Do the Splits in Two Weeks or Less
(https://sportsandmartialarts.com/splits-two-weeks-less/?amp)

Karate Side Kick Step-by-Step

To execute this kick successfully consider the following recommendations:

 Begin with a horse stance, and keep your knees bent a little.
 Your arms should be chambered, elbows bent, and hand up at all
times.
 Bring your knee up as high as possible then flex your right foot so the
heel points to the ground.
 Pivot your toes away and point your heel towards your opponent.
 Raise your hip.
 Now throw your kick extending your leg to the target.
 Keep your eyes on the target.
 Bring your knee and leg back.
 Get back to your starting stance.
As you master this kick you will be able to add a few extra moves such as
crossing, jumping… As you get more flexible you can also aim higher, you will
not only need to stretch your legs but also your hips.

Recommendations

 Always keep a strong stance shoulder-width apart.

 Make sure you pivot your front leg when kicking.
 Keep your hands up when kicking.
 Bring your knee up to align your body for this kick.
 Kicking and aligning your body, create a line from your shoulder, elbow,
hips, knee, and ankle.
  Transfer the power you generated with this kick and go back to your
fighting stance.
8.) Ushiro Geri – Back Kick

Ushiro Geri or Back Kick

Ushiro Geri is a very strong kick, the leg is stronger than the arm. On this page,
we will review, learn and study more facts and details of the back kick.

This is a very effective kick that can save your life because it can push an
attacker away from. It can be applied to the knee, groin, stomach, and even to
the face depending on how flexible you are. The hip rotation creates the power
in this kick. One of the most common mistakes is not to look where to kick.

 Ushiro Geri is a much more powerful kick than Mae Geri and
having the heel (Kakato) as the hitting area, which is a very
solid area of the body and not the football (Koshi) that is less
solid, it is evident that it’s about a kick of more forceful results.
Another advantage of Ushiro Geri is that it is more difficult to detect and block
than Mae Geri. The disadvantage of Ushiro Geri that you can not directly
visualize the target you want to hit, but you can only intuit it through peripheral
vision.

Ushiro Geri Step by Step

First of all keep in mind there are several variations of Ushiro Geri but all of
them share these step by step requirements:

 Look at your target before you kick

 Lift the knee in the opposite direction of your target
 Align your hips with your kick to add more power
 Keep your hands up
 Keep your back straight

Rear Push and Ushiro Geri Counter Attack

Keep in mind you could be attacked anytime anywhere. You could be walking to
your car, to a door, and then out of a sudden, you are pushed. This is what you
can do.
 You are pushed and heading to the ground.
 You are on your knees and need to counterattack now.
  Now you execute your Ushiro Geri aiming at the groin, stomach, or
face.
Watch (https://youtu.be/6jEoWCiMTI8?si=H_OvtnrCoj3WqfzT)

Recommendations

 In some styles, they recommend that the knee be raised to the height
of the abdomen, as if it were a Mae Geri, while other schools
recommend that the knee be raised to the knee height of the leg it
holds.
 It is necessary to maintain the balance and firmly set the sole of the
support foot, including the heel, as well as to contract the ankle
strongly, this foot should open outward as the opposite foot advances,
with Mae Geri.
 The leg that holds must have some degree of flexion.
  It should be fully flexed forward with the fingers raised to the
maximum to allow the blow to be made with the bottom of the heel
(Kakato)
 Once the foot has reached its target it must be picked up immediately
as if it were a spring, to prevent the leg from being caught by the
opponent, or to reach the floor quickly to continue with any other
action.
 The heel should be stuck back to the back of the thigh if it is Ushiro
Geri Keage or quickly seek to touch the ground if it is kekomi.
Without a question, the back kick can be applied effectively in Kumite and in
Self defense techniques, but it requires practice to master it. The intention of
this page is to provide you with helpful information which you can use to
improve your Ushiro Geri or Back kick.

9.) Sokutei Harai Geri – Sole of Foot Swing Kick

Sokutei Harai Geri

Sokutei Harai Geri is a kick executed with the sole of the foot with the objective
to take the opponent down. I has to be applied to the back of the foot for better
results.

This is one of those techniques you can use in Kumite, it is recommended to use
it followed by another technique, this will distract your opponent and then you
will be able to take him to the ground with this kick.

Sokutei Harai Geri against a Kick

In Kumite you can apply this technique easily against a Mawashi geri, because
all the weight is on one leg then a single kick to the supporting leg will take
your opponent to the ground on the spot.

10.) Haisoku Harai Geri – Instep Swing Kick

Haisoku Harai Geri

The Haisoku Harai Geri is kick you can use to take you opponent down, it is just
like kick a soccer ball but you do it in an angle that disables the weight on that
leg. This kick should be applied behind the foot by the talon, it works much
better when your opponent is sideways. You can also use this kick right after a
counter attack or when your opponent is kicking because all his weight is one
leg.

11.) Yoko Geri Kekomi – Side Thrust Kick

Yoko Geri is a sidekick and Kekomi means thrusting, so this is a thrusting
sidekick. A sidekick is always powerful but if the kick is thrusting can be
considered even more powerful and it can create a lot of damage. This is can be
used in Kumite or sparring and in self-defense techniques.

 You can increase the power by crossing your legs as you prepare your
kick with Kake Dachi.

Yoko Geri Kekomi Step by Step

 Your starting position will be your current fighting stance with your
right foot back
 Lift and bring your knee up, now adjust your hip being sideways your
target
 Align your shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and lastly your foot on your
sidekick pushing your opponent away from you
  Go back to your fighting stance
Yoko Geri tips by the German Team KI

Watch (https://youtu.be/ZmE9J45Q2mw?si=tpe3XPFmsJJFSpBI)
12.) Mae Geri Kekomi – Front Thrust Kick

Mae Geri Kekomi

Mae Geri Kekomi is a front thrusting kick, it is the same as a snapping front kick
but on this one, you push your opponent away using the ball of your foot. This
kick can disable any opponent if done right, it is mostly recommended for self-
defense rather than Kumite, but it is used in Kyokushin Kumite.
Mae Geri Kekomi Step by Step

 Get started in your fighting stance

 Raise your heel to shift your leg forward raising your knee
 Now kick making contact with the ball of your foot.
 Go back to your initial stance
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Supporting leg Stretching exercise

In the following leg stretching exercise we are working on our hamstrings and
quads at the same time. These are essential to bring the knee up and aim the
target before kicking.
Kicking leg Stretching exercise

The following exercise will target the hamstrings and calves. This is essential to
help you reach your target when kicking.
Mae Geri Kekomi Recommendations

 Always warm-up and stretch before kicking.

 Do not fall forward when kicking with your rear leg.
 Keep your hands up at all times.
 Lift the knee before throwing the kick
 Step back right away after your kick.
 To kick higher, practice and stretch frequently. The more you work on
your flexibility, the higher you can kick.
 Always wear comfortable clothes when training.
 Learn to know your body to avoid injuries.
 Kick with the ball of the foot

13.) Ura Mawashi Geri – Back Roundhouse Kick

Here we will study variants, proper execution, application, of the hook kick also
known as Ura Mawashi Geri in Karate. It has been said that this kick is not that
powerful at all, but it is, it all depends on how is done. You can kick with your
front leg, back leg, jumping and much more.

The Ura Mawashi Geri is a powerful kick you can use in sparring and in the
street for self defense purposes. The first has to be controlled enough just to
touch and not hurt your opponent, otherwise you can get disqualified in Kumite.
The second one can reach many targets and cause a lot of damage.

Where to kick your Ura Mawashi Geri?

There are several targets available, for Kumite WKF style then would be the side
of the head which will score you the winning points. In Self defense this kick can
go to calf of the front leg, to the kidneys, ribs, stomach, back of the head, nose
and eve the groin.
Ura Mawashi Geri variations
 Front leg Ura Mawashi
 Back leg Ura Mawashi
 Spin Back Hook Kick
 Jumping Hook Kick
 Hand on the Floor Hook Kick
 Drop Hook Kick
 Jumping Spin Back Hook Kick

Doing Ura Mawashi Geri Step by step

 Start on your sparring stance.
 Lift your back leg and bring your knee up.
 Align your body keeping your hands up.
 Execute your kicking in a circular motion.
 Go back to your sparring stance.

How to train your Ura Mawashi Geri? Here you go!

Watch https://youtu.be/8BymXM_qpbk?si=CbhNWy-1B094DXZl

How to train the Hook Kick or Ura Mawashi Geri?

It is very important to transfer the force you generate with every kick, you can
use pads, targets, heavy bags and many other available training equipment.
Keep in mind you need to properly warm up and stretch your entire body,
mostly from your lower back, hips, and legs. A very good training routine to
increase your flexibility is here: How to Do the Splits in Two Weeks or Less
(https://sportsandmartialarts.com/the-splits-in-weeks-or-less/?amp)
Adding Power to your Ura Mawashi Geri
It is important to know that to give power to your kick you have to be aligned,
you have to know how to transfer the force generated and transfer it effectively.
It is also very important to work the elasticity of the lower back, hips and legs.
When you kick it uses the strength of the lower back and the inclination of your
hip. This is the formula for a strong kick:

 Alignment + muscle strength + lower back + hip + Kiai

How to counter / block the Ura Mawashi Geri

Please consider the follow to counter and block this kick:

 Move around your opponent, always move because it will get harder for
your opponent to hit you and kick you.
 Shorten the distance when he moves a foot, because he might try to
deliver a kick and when he tried you can take him down.

Recommendations
 Use you hips to increase speed and power.
 You must always need to raise your knee and align your body before
kicking.
 Keep your hands up all the time.
II. Jumping Kicks

1.1). Mae Tobi Geri – Front Jumping Kick

Jumping Front Kick

The Jumping Front Kick is known as Mae Tobi Geri in Japanese. It is a powerful
kick if done properly, in Kumite can produce a lot of damage. You need to
master your Mae Geri or front kick, have a decent simple jump, and then put
them all together to execute it.

Jumping Front Kick Step by Step

 Your starting positions would be your fighting stance
 Now step closer by lifting your knee
 As you drop your knee immediately switch with a front kick with the
opposite leg
 Step down and keep your hands up
You can kick the stomach or the face. By lifting the knee you are making your
opponent believe you will kick with that leg, his reaction might be to lower his
hands trying to block it, then is when you kick with the other leg. This kicking
technique can also help you get closer, it is also possible that your opponent
could block it so we suggest always follow up with a secondary technique

 The same Jumping Front Kick in constant sparring.

Watch https://youtu.be/zyPBjtEGf6E?si=c288Hw4zAaqV3x6T
1.2) Yoko Tobi Geri – Side Jumping Kick

Yoko Tobi Geri

A YoKo Tobi Geri is a jumping side kick, on the main image you can see Sensei
Claudia Gomez Gutierrez a third-degree Limalama Black belt demonstrating the
technique. As you can see her kick is perfect. Keep in mind these
recommendations:

 Get closer to the target, bend both knees and as you jump execute
your sidekick while the other leg is bent as in the picture.
 Keeping your back straight to increase power
  Eyes on the target
 Hands in a fighting position
 After you hit the target your back leg will be touch ground first, but
always keep your hands up.
Watch https://youtu.be/5kcDONJa0t8?si=YEcnE0Z648bkU7mP
1.3) Ushiro Tobi Geri – Back Jumping Kick

If we translate Ushiro Tobi Geri we would have the following:

Ushiro: rear Tobi: jump Geri: kick

Ushiro Tobi Geri is one of those kicks with destructive power, it takes time to
master it but once you learn it and make it your own then it can help you win
any Kumite match. Timing, speed, accuracy, and power all in one motion. There
are two kinds of Ushiro Tobi Geri, the one you can use in Kumite and the one
you can use in a self-defense situation.

Step by Step

 Start in a fighting stance

 Turn your feet showing your back to your opponent
 Bend your knees a little bit to feed your jump
 Immediately deliver a back kick
 Land keeping your hands up and eyes on your opponent
This kick is present in many martial arts under different names, it is considered
a devastating kick if used in Kumite.

Watch https://youtu.be/sqy5twnDwos?si=_rdmjTZ2oRiLRC1b
Ushiro Tobi Geri in a Self Defense Technique

 You can use this kick if your attacker is coming as a threat from
behind, you see him getting closer and when you’re in range you
execute your kick. But in this case you better modify the angle in 45
degrees going up, this will disable the attacker right away, especially if
you kick him in the groin.

Recommendations

 Use your hip to increase the kicking power

 Always keep your hand ups to allow your legs to move freely and cover
yourself up
1.4) Mawashi Tobi Geri – Round House Jumping Kick
A traditional kick you will not do in a traditional form but you can do in sparring
depending on how fast you and skilled you are. I would not recommend using
this kick in a self-defense technique.

 This kicking technique can be seen in Kyokushin Kumite, which

is considered the hardest Karate because of its training and
strong kumite or sparring.
Keep in mind you need to be able to jump with both feet at the same time, you
need to have a flexible lower back and decent stretch otherwise you might hurt
yourself. Warm up by stretching both your legs, hips and lower back.

Step by step

 From your current sparring stance

 Bend both of your knees to propel yourself into the kick
  As you jump moving forward your hip to kick
 Deliver your kick and keep your hands up
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Recommendations

 You need to stretch not only your legs but your hips
 You must bend both of your knees to be able to jump.
 Move your hip forward aiming your target when you jump.
 Keep your hands up otherwise your it will slow down your kicking
SOURCE
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REQUIREMENTS
1.Group yourself into 2 and perform the level one karate kicks as shown in the
video. Includes; front knee strike, crescent strike, mae geri (front snsap kick),
hrust kick), kansetsu geri (knee joint kick), mawashi geri (roundhouse kick),
Yoko Geri (Side thrust kick) and ushiro Geri (back kick).
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