In Karate, some kicks are more effective, like Mae Geri and Mawashi Geri, and some are cool to watch, such as Ushiro Geri!
Is Ushiro Geri effective? Yes, it is, And it’s also pretty cool to watch. But it is one of the most brutal kicks to master in Karate.
In this guide, I will explain what the Ushiro Geri is about.
I will explain how to do it, the different variations, and perfecting tips.
What is Ushiro Geri?
Ushiro “Geri (後ろ蹴り) is the Japanese term for a “Back kick” in Karate.
It’s a powerful technique to strike an opponent directly behind you without turning around.
The word “Ushiro” translates to “back” in English, while “geri” means “kick.” So when you combine them, you get the Back Kick, which allows you to deliver a strike without glancing at your target.
But why is this kick so important in Karate? Well, think about it: in a real self-defense situation, someone might try to attack you from behind. That’s when the Ushiro Geri comes in handy.
The use of this kick in Kumite is minimal. Some of the Kata has this kick incorporated.
Usually, karateka’s above brown belts practice this kick.
How to Perform Ushiro Geri (Back Kick) – Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s break down how to perform the Ushiro Geri.
You might find it tricky at first, but with the proper steps, you’ll be able to master it and make it look effortless.
Preparation and Stance
Stance gives you power and works as the base for launching a kick. So, if you prepare your Ushiro Geri, start with your stance.
The Zenkutsu Dachi (front stance) Can be an excellent starting point for beginners.
Stand in a way where your front knee is slightly bent, your feet are shoulder apart, and your height is low. This low height gives your leg muscles momentum and strength.
This will give you the balance you need to kick and quickly return to your stance afterward. Keep your back straight and your core engaged for control.
The Motion – The Key Steps
Chamber the leg: Start by lifting your rear leg (the leg you’ll kick with). Bend the knee and bring the foot toward your body, aiming to keep the knee pointed outward. This is called “chambering” the leg. You want to be prepared for the kick while maintaining your balance.
Pivot the supporting foot: Now, here’s where things get interesting. As you chamber the leg, pivot on the ball of your front foot. This allows your hips to rotate, and it’s this rotation that will generate the power needed for the kick.
Execute the kick: With your hips rotated and your leg chambered, extend your rear leg quickly and thrust your heel backward toward your target.
The key here is to aim for the target with your heel, as it’s the strongest part of your foot. The movement should be fast and fluid, almost like snapping your leg out, but with force.
Return to stance: After you’ve struck with the heel, bring your leg back down and return to your starting position. The quicker you return to stance, the better prepared you’ll be for your next move.
Common Mistakes In Ushiro Geri and How not to do Those
Over-rotating your hips: One mistake I see often is when people rotate their hips too much. This throws them off balance and makes the kick less controlled. Keep the rotation tight and focused, just enough to drive the heel into the target.
Losing balance: Another issue is losing balance during the kick. Practice is key here! Ensure your stance is strong and your body is aligned correctly before you attempt the kick.
Timing: Timing is everything. A poorly timed kick can miss the target or leave you vulnerable. Ensure you’re executing the kick at the right moment, keeping your timing sharp with drills and practice.
Ushiro Geri Variations – Kekomi and Keage
The Ushiro Geri comes in several flavors, each with its unique purpose and style.
You’ll want to get familiar with both, as they give you options depending on what you need in a fight or competition.
Ushiro Geri Keage (Back Snap Kick)
When performing Ushiro Geri Keage, you aim for a fast, sharp strike, usually with the ball or toes of your foot.
The motion is similar to a quick snap, meaning the kick is much more about catching the opponent off guard than sheer power.
The Keage is ideal for situations where you must react quickly, like in tournaments where every second counts.
It’s not meant to cause heavy damage but to surprise the opponent and score points. The snap gives you that fast, lightning-quick reaction that’s hard to predict.
Ushiro Geri Kekomi (Back Thrust Kick)
On the other hand, the Kekomi variation focuses on power. This is the back kick you want to use when you need to deliver a forceful strike.
Instead of a snap, the Kekomi is all about thrusting your heel into your target with maximum force.
This kick aims for the abdomen or the growing of an opponent coming behind you.
It’s great for self-defense situations where you must distance yourself from the attacker.
Perfecting Your Ushiro Geri Technique
Now that you understand the basics of the Ushiro Geri, it’s time to take things to the next level.
To nail this back kick, you’ll need to work on strength, flexibility, and drills that help you sharpen your technique.
I am sharing with you some drills that can improve your overall strength and balance, and also your Ushiro Geri:
Strengthening the Kick
A strong back kick isn’t just about technique; it’s about building the muscles to give you the needed power and control.
The key muscles for an effective Ushiro Geri include quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Here are a few exercises to help:
- Leg Stretching: No matter what kick you are performing, leg stretching should be your first exercise. Its not the heavy weights that makes you faster, Rather your regular streching that can make you qucker.
- Squats and Jumping lunges: Squats and Jumping lunges are great options for building leg strength. You don’t need to complicate it with heavy weights; just regular squats will do the tricks for you. Try to do it regularly for better results.
- Core exercises: I recommend sit-ups, Russian Sit-ups and Plunks for core exercises. Do these regularly, and you will see the difference.
Drills to Improve Your Back Kick
Now, let’s discuss some drills to help you get the timing and accuracy right.
- Shadow kicking: This is a great way to practice the motion of the Ushiro Geri without needing a partner or a target. Stand before a mirror or flat surface, and practice chambering and kicking with the correct form. Focus on speed, balance, and the fluidity of your movements.
- Heavy bag work: A heavy bag is perfect for practicing Keage (snap) and Kekomi (thrust) variations. The bag provides resistance, helping you build strength while giving you feedback on your form and timing. Ensure you’re kicking with your heel and targeting the bag with the correct body rotation.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the Ushiro Geri will improve your ability to kick to the fronts and backward.
This enhances your arsenal of attacks and makes you more versatile in Karate.
Having said that, Ushiro geri is a tricky kick to master, and it takes proper guidelines to perform flawlessly in Kata’s or real-life scenarios.
By following the steps I shared, practicing the variations, and focusing on drills to strengthen your kick, you’ll be on your way to performing this technique with confidence and power.
FAQ
What does Ushiro mean in Karate?
In Karate, Ushiro means “back” or “behind” in Japanese. It describes movements in the reverse direction, like the Ushiro Geri (back kick), where the kick is executed behind you without turning around.
What are the benefits of Ushiro Geri in self-defense?
The Ushiro Geri is an excellent self-defense move because it lets you strike an opponent from behind, catching them off guard. The kick’s power, especially when using the Kekomi (thrust) variation, makes it an effective way to push an attacker away or incapacitate them.
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