Kicks

Kicks - Leg Techniques (Geri Waza)

Mae Keage Geri (front snap kick) As the foot leaves the ground turn the toes up and tighten the ankle. Left the knee at least waist high, toes and knee pointed at the target. Relax the knee joint. By bending the knee fully you can get more speed and power from your kicks. Keep the supporting leg slightly bent, the entire foot firmly on the ground and lean the leg slightly forward. At contact the ball of the foot does the striking. The hips are moved slightly forward for extra power and reach. The foot and leg are returned in an exact but reverse manner. It is important to return the foot quickly.
Mawashi Geri (round house kick) The round house is the most exciting of all the kicks and can be delivered with lighting speed to all parts of the body. Because of its flexibility it can be very deceptive, and is sometimes used in doubles or in series with other kicks. When properly used with the toes coming around and striking downward on the target, it is very difficult to block or avoid.
Hiza Geri (knee kick) Very useful in close quarters – delivered upwards into groin area. Reaching with the hands in a grabbing motion. Bring both hands back to your hips as you drive your knee upwards. Note that the toe is turned downward to avoid catching on clothes.
Ushirando Geri (spinning back kick) The leg away from the opponent is used in this kick. Spinning around backwards and striking with the heel or blade edge, any height can be easily reached with this kick. In free sparring you must look back because this is a various dangerous kick to use blind. This is a very strong kick used by most of the top-notch karate competitors.

Yoko Kekomi Geri (side thrust kick) The side thrust kick is one of the favorites and perhaps the most powerful of all the kicks. Striking with the blade edge of the foot, it can be aimed straight ahead or to the sides. It can hit a target at the ankle, knee, waist or higher.
Fumikomi Geri Downward thrusting heel kick Lift the knee high, then with a downward thrusting action stomp downward with the heel. Lift the knee high again and step back into a stance. The foot and leg are then returned in an exact but reverse manner.

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