Mawashi-Geri is the roundhouse kick of Karate. You get your power not only by swinging your leg but also from the hip and foot rotation. It’s a great kick both in its Kekomi and Keage form and its accepted universally in every Kumite ruleset. You should avoid a Mawashi-Geri in self-defense (except the Gedan versions which hits the legs), as you could lose your balance.
Traditional execution:
- Get in Heiko Dachi
- Rotate your body by 90° while charging the leg by bending it orizzontally
- Extend before maximum rotation and rotate your back foot by 90°
- Kiai! at maximum extention (optional)
- While retracting perform another move (e.g: another Mawashi-Geri)
Variations:
- There’s a variaiation that involves jumping by switching your legs and executing the kick in the air (Tobi-Mawashi-Geri). It shouldn’t be used in the street because of its elevated risk of falling.
Kumite execution:
- Get in Kumite no Kamae and bounce a little
- Rotate your body by 90° while charging the leg by bending it orizzontally
- Extend before maximum rotation and rotate your back foot by 90°
- Hit with the shin if you are doing full-contact
- Kiai! if you are competing in point sparring
Kekomi adjustements:
- Don’t snap your leg back
Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):
- Sport Kumite: âś…
- Full-Contact Kumite: âś…
- Self-Defense: 🟨 (Only Gedan)
Video examples: