Ushiro-Geri is the back kick of Karate. It gets it force by swinging the entire body. It’s a great kick both in its Kekomi and Keage form and its accepted universally in every Kumite ruleset. As it’s a rotating kick it should not be used as in self-defense because you turn your back on your opponent and you could easily lose your balance.

Traditional execution:

• Get in Heiko Dachi
• Rotate by 180°
• Charge the leg low and extend backwards
• Kiai! at maximum extention (optional)
• While retracting perform another move (e.g: another )

Kumite execution:

• Get in Kumite no Kamae and bounce a little
• Rotate by 180° while charging the leg low
• Extend before turning completely
• 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: ✅
• Full-Contact Kumite: ✅
• Self-Defense: ❌

Video examples:

• Kagawa Karate Ushiro Geri