Ushiro Mawashi Geri

Ushiro Mawashi Geri is one of my favorite kicking techniques, and it is also one of the most difficult to land. However, with proper training and an understanding of how to use it, and when, it becomes an incredibly effective technique and even a "high percentage" technique. The above photo was taken at a Wado dojo, and shows me in the midst of throwing, and landing, the kick. So how do you land Ushiro Mawashi Geri?

First and foremost, never deliver the kick as a sole strike. It must be delivered in combination with something else. This means it must be delivered with either a hand technique, or another kick. I prefer to attempt the kick in conjunction with hand strikes. Why? If you set up the kick using two or three other kicks, the opponent will get used to reacting to kicks, and possibly be more prepared. However, throwing a jab, or back knuckle (uraken), followed by the spinning back kick can be gold. The rotation on the kick must be very fast, for when your opponent sees you spin, they will more often than not react by backing up. This means not only must you have quick rotation, but full extension in the kick. The following are some of my favorite combinations to throw when attempting the kick.

1) Kizami, Ushiro Mawashi Geri (perhaps my favorite and highest chance of landing it)

2) Uraken, Ushiro Mawashi Geri

3) Mae Geri, Yoko Geri, Ushiro Mawashi Geri

4) Haito, Mawashi Geri, Ushiro Mawashi Geri

I have been told by arm chair commandos that kicks such as this don't work, and that they'll just dodge it or take me down etc etc. While these people are often those who never spar, and have no concept of how a striker strikes, they do have a point. It does leave you exposed, which is precisely why you must not throw it in seclusion. Add it to the end of a string of techniques, and make sure you are moving in a linear fashion...and it can be done to great effect. Someone going to tell Cung Le it doesn't work? How about when Sakuraba fought Belfort, and landed 3 consecutive one's?