Mawashi Geri - Karate

In this lesson, you will learn how to do a Mawashi Geri in karate. "Mawashi" means "round," and "Geri" stands for "kick." The Mawashi Geri is also called a "Roundhouse Kick." There are several variations of this kick, and the only portion of its execution that's always consistent is that the kick is done inward. When you hit your opponent, the foot of the standing leg points away from your opponent. Find more karate kicks at Karate Main.

Description: Mawashi Geri - Karate

Lift the knee of your kicking leg and bring it forward and up while you twist about 90 degrees on your other leg (ball of the foot). If you kick with your back leg, the Mawashi Geri is stronger. If you kick with your front leg, the kick is faster.

PHASE 1 – When the knee is up

• Snap out the leg and hit with your ankle (straighten the foot—be careful not to hit with your toes).
• Kick inward and higher than horizontal level.
• Twist another 90 degrees on the leg on which you are standing.
• Extend your hips and keep one arm in front of you in case you need to defend against an attack at the same time.
• The other hand is at your solar plexus (upper abdominals).

PHASE 2 – When the kicking leg is extended

• Bring back the kicking leg as soon as possible, before your opponent can grab your Mawashi Geri.
• Move back to the position where you had your knee up, but don’t move the foot the same way. (Go back in a straight line—that makes it harder for your opponent to grab your leg.)

PHASE 3 – When the knee is up (after the Mawashi Geri)

• Put the kicking leg back onto the floor.

Trainer Advice: Mawashi Geri - Karate

• Stretch your splits.

Exercises:

• Try to hold each phase of the kick for 3 seconds.
• Do 3 to 5 kicks in a row (without putting the kicking leg back down).
• Work on a heavy bag.

Related Topics: Mawashi Geri - Karate

• Jumping Spinning Roundhouse Kick (Taekwondo instruction)
• Muay Thai Roundhouse Kick (Muay Thai instruction)

Videos: Mawashi Geri - Karate

• The Sanda Roundhouse Kick

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