Ushiro Geri (Back Kick) - Part II
 |
A one-kick knockout from Ushiro Geri comes from a sharp spin of the pivot foot. Turn the torso and lead with the spinning of the head and shoulders with a spring in both feet like kicking the floor. One common mistake is concentrating on the kicking foot without being aware of the correct position of the pivot foot. If you execute the back kick without completely turning your body the kicking heel will miss the opponent.
 |
 |
 |
Store power in the ankles and knees and sharply turn using the power from the hips. It is not just turning your front pivot heel to the opponent that gives you power, but jumping with both feet and incisvely facing your opponent with the pivot heel as you kick. Pull the kicking knee up to the chest and reserve the power of the knee in the entire body.
 |
 |
 |
Kick sharply with your heel by using the supporting knee, the power from the hips, and the spring of the kicking knee. Pull the kicking foot back quickly. Release the tension of the ankle and knee and maintain balance. The most common mistake is ending the kick off balance. Pulling the kicking foot back will keep the spring in the legs and hips. Move the kicking foot forward into fighting stance.
 |
 |
 |
The sharp spinning motion comes from the spring of the ankles and hips while on the balls of the feet. It is important to lead the motion by turning the head and shoulders with the lower half of the body following. Get the timing of turning your head and shoulders while bringing the kicking knee up at the same time. Find your target over your left shoulder. The sharp spinning of the upper body can obtain a one-kick knockout.
 |
 |
Without opening yourself up, pull the kicking foot back quickly while moving into fighting position.
 |
 |
 |
To increase the speed of the spin, turn your head sharply while twisting your shoulders, arms, and hips. Firmly step into the kick while turning the heel of your pivot leg in the direction of the kick. With a sharp turn of your head, lead your body into the twist and incisively direct the weight into the pivot leg. Draw the kicking leg up against the pivot leg.
 |
 |
Points Missed by Beginners.
1. Dropping the head or gaze.
The gaze and the position of the head are the base for all balance in punches and kicks. The back kick is lead by spinning the head and shoulders. As you kick higher you naturally drop your head, which creates a loss of balance. It is fundamental to keep your gaze firmly on your opponent.
2. Becoming Off Balance.
The more strain you put in your kicking foot, the less power and speed your kick will have. You will also lose balance after you finish the kick. There are 3 correct positions to master in any technique--body posture before executing the technique, the technique itself, and the body posture after you execute the technique. It is very important to not lose balance after executing the technique.
|
|