Some points on 回し蹴り (Mawashi-geri)

Kizami mawashi-geri in 'Jiyu kumite no kihon-renshu'

 For the IKS  初段 (Shodan) examination at least two forms of mawashi-geri are always featured in the kihon portion of the test: the first is the snapped mawashi-geri and the second is ‘follow through’ version. The third, which is sometimes “requested” by the examiners I’ll get to later. 

The snapped mawashi-geri is 回し蹴りから中段逆突き (Mawashi-geri kara chudan gyaku-zuki). The ‘follow through’ rendition is 回し蹴りから後ろ蹴り蹴込み  (Mawashi-geri kara ushiro-geri kekomi).

 

In both cases the head of the kicking kneecap goes (is aimed at) to the opposite side of the target; thereby, if not controlled will be ‘full-contact round kick’. Needless to say, aiming to merely reach the target is not only ineffective, but also actually grooving a bad habit. However, this is a common error, especially amongst sports karate-centric practitioners. In stark contrast with the sports karate approach, the techniques of Budo/Bujutsu karate are always practiced for optimal effect in and outside of the dojo.

 

Obviously the ‘follow through’ mawashi-geri, by nature, is the full contact kick. It literally, when missed or when practiced without a target, spins the respective kicker right around. The momentum of this type of mawashi-geri naturally flows into a kaiten-waza. In the case of ushiro-geri following it (like in the Shodan Exam), the ‘circle and line’ principle is applied, which is, of course, a fundamental attacking tactic.

 

More subtle is the snapped mawashi-geri, which is the 'common practice'. Again, the key here is "correct maai positioning of the kicking knee". We not only aim through the respective target but we also ‘axe’ this kick in combination with kicking snap. This requires that the trajectory of mawashi-geri is a high arc and that tai no shinshuku of the jiku-ashi/sasae-ashi is properly applied. The hiki-ashi and rapid recovery of the tachikata into shomen is also critical in kihon-renshu: with or without a follow-up technique and orchestrated accordingly.

 

The karada no buki (weapon of the body) is primarily Josokutei/Koshi (“the ball of the foot”), however, Sune (“the shin”) is also used.

 

In some instances, as mentioned at the start of this article, 刻み回し蹴り (Kizami mawashi-geri) is also featured in the Shodan exam. This is requested instead of Kizami mae-geri (in the combination of Shuto chudan-uke kara kizami-geri soshite nukite). Nonetheless, in this case, the examiner clearly states ‘Kizami mawashi-geri’. Furthermore, the aforementioned points in the ‘snapped’ rear leg mawashi-geri still apply. A major factor in lead leg kicks is a concerted drive of the support leg and one’s bodyweight going into the target (as opposed to going rearward).

 

It is worth stating here, for those lacking flexibility or who are injured, that kicking high is not necessary. Loss of form, and because of this—loss of effectiveness— is incorrect/counterproductive karate practice/training.

 

Accordingly, one should: (a) only practice kicking to the height which form is not sacrificed; and (b) to where power is enough to potentially finish the opponent.

For example, I have seen many karateka with great form and flexibility kick jodan seemingly perfectly, yet when kicking the pads or sandbag with their waza, lack sufficient impact power. In this case, test the kick at lower targets, and then do strength work to build up extra muscularity to effectively execute them at whatever targets are possible for you as an individual. DON'T BE A STANDARD SYLLABUS KARATEKA!!! Maximize yourself!!!

 

Needless to say, gedan mawashi-geri is a very effective waza and must be in everyone’s repertoire. Like other gedan-keriwaza it is strong, swift, close, harder to see and defend against, is less dangerous for the user (balance-wise) and opens the opponent head/face for an instant upper body attack.

In sum, irrespective of the waza, Mawashi-geri or otherwise, in Budo/Bujutsu Karate, the main point is always training effective waza for a real altercation. This is the base of IKS Kihon, Kata and Kumite practice.

© André Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2024).