Urakashi Training Manual

Arrangement Of Sections

Exercises Warm-Up And Cool-Down

Stances (Dachi)

1. Heisoku Dachi 2. Musubi Dachi 3. Zenkutsu Dachi (Kamaete Stance) 4. Neko-Ashi (Cat) Dachi 5. Kiba (Horse/Straddle) Dachi 6. Shiko Dachi

Blocks

1 Jodan age uke 2 Soto uke chudan 3 Uchi uke chudan 4 Gedan barai 5 Shuto uke 6 Shotei uke

Punches (Zuki)

1 Choku Zuki

2 Gyaku Zuki

3 Oi Zuki

4 Mawashi Zuki

Strikes (Uchi, Nukite)

1 Shuto Uchi

2 Shotei Uchi

Kicks (Geri)

1 Gyaku Geri

2 Mae Geri

3 Soto Geri

4 Mawashi Geri

5 Ushiro Geri

6 Ushiro Mawashi

Judo

Breakfalls

1 Forward rolling breakfall 2 Double forward breakfall 3. Side backward breakfall

4. Double backward breakfall

Hip throws – Goshi-waza

1 O-goshi (Major hip)

2 Harai goshi (Sweeping loin ) 3 Sode tsurikomi goshi (Sleeve lifting pull hip)

Hand throws – te-waza

1 Morote-seoinage (Two handed shoulder) 2 Ippon-seoinage (One handed shoulder) 3 Tai-otoshi (Body drop)

Leg throws – Ashi-waza

1 O-sotogari (Major outer reaping) 2 De-ashi barai (Advancing foot sweep) 3 Sasae-tsurikomi-ashi (Propping drawing ankle)

Holding techniques – Osaekomi-waza

1 Kesa-gatame (Scarf hold) 2 Kuzure kesa-gatame (Broken scarf hold) 3 Ushiro kesa-gatame (Rear scarf hold) 4 Kata gatame (Shoulder hold) 5 Yoko shiho gatame (Side locking forequarters) 6 Kami shiho gatame (Upper forequarter lock) 7 Kuzure shiho gatame (Broken locking upper forequarters)

Arm locks – kansetsu-waza

1 Ude gatame (Cross arm lock) 2 Juji gatame (Cross straight arm lock) 3 Ude garame (Arm entanglement)

Strangle holds – Shime-waza

1 Okuri-eri-jime (Sliding collar strangle) 2 Kataha jime (Half side strangle) 3 Hadaka jime (Naked strangle)

Defences

1 Escape Wrist Grab a) Single grip b) Double grip 2 Escape Front Strangle a) Breaking grip b) Duck method 3 Escape Back Strangle 4 Shoulder Lock 5 Hip Throw with strike 6 Elbow Strikes a) Upward strike b) Cross double strike (check and solar plexus strike)

c) To an opponent behind you (chudan)

7 Hip Throws 1) With shoulder arm lock

2) With cross arm lock

8 Three standing Arm locks a) Left hand head block b) Right hand head block

c) Downward block

d) Shoulder arm lock

9 Pressure Points a) 10 Jodan

b) 2 Chudan

c) 4 Gedan

Katas

1 Oizuki Kata

2 Pinan Shodan

3 Pinan Nidan

4 Pinan Sandan

5 Pinan Yondan

6 Pinan Godan

7 Matsukaze

8 Annanko

9 Bassai Dai

Ninjutsu

Urakashi Nine Levels Of Power

Rin Strength of mind and body

Jio Direction of energy

Dho Harmony with the universe

Sho Healing self and others

Kain Premonition of danger

Jin Knowing the thoughts of others

Retsu Mastery of time and space

Zai Controlling the elements of nature

Jen Enlightenment

Maxims of Urakashi (Ninja Admonitions since 1891)

1. Know the wisdom of being patient during times of inactivity. 2. Choose the course of justice as the path for your life. 3. Do not allow your heart to be controlled by the demands of desire, pleasure,

or dependence.

4. Sorrow, pain, and resentment are natural qualities to be encountered in life.

Therefore, work to cultivate the enlightenment of the immovable spirit.

5. Hold in your heart the importance of family loyalty and pursue the literary and

warrior arts with a balanced determination.

By Shinryuken Masamitsu Toda 32nd soke Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu

Essence of Happiness

The way to experience ultimate happiness is to let go of all worries and regrets and know that being happy is the most satisfying of all life’s feelings. Reflect back on all the progress in your life and allow the positive, creative and joyous thoughts to outshine and overwhelm any sorrow or grief that may be lingering there in the recesses of your mind. Knowing that disease and disaster are natural parts of life is the key to overcoming adversity with a calm and happy spirit. Happiness is waiting

there in front of you. Only you can decide whether or not you choose to experience it. Take this to heart. By Toshitsugu Takamatsu 33rd soke Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu

The Ultimate Of Urakashi Karate

This lies in the transformation to a personality that has self confidence and exudes

humility and humble interaction with society. In the dojo, it is the exchange of life

fulfilling techniques in sparring with others. In yourself it is the culmination of a

disciplined practitioner who is not in competition with anyone for material well

being, superiority or dominance. Live with it!

By Kingston Dutiro

Urakashi Grandmaster - Murakashi

The Urakashi Nine Levels Of Power

Rin Strength of mind and body

Physical training exercises both the body and mind, which is a pre-requisite for

Urakashi Karate. The mind needs extra attention. Firstly, it is automatized through

regular repetition of techniques so much that it can subconsciously react to

situations appropriately before the conscious mind registers what has changed

within the environment.

An example is when a practitioner is taken by surprise by the presence of an

unexpected person within harm’s range. The body may block or attack before that

practitioner knows what is happening. It gets seasoned to automatically react that

way.

Secondly, it develops greater tolerance to situations through continuous training.

Meditation develops this important attribute of the mind.

Meditation posture

Though seemingly an idle thing to do meditation needs the same daily commitment

as working it out on the floor. It can be done at the training hall or anywhere else

where there is no disturbance. It is best served after training as an additional to

cooling down. Commit at least 20 minutes to this daily and the more time the better

beyond that. You will immediately feel at peace with yourself and the world.

The best is to adopt the above position and think about nothing, yes, concentrate on

nothing at all. To get to that, think of the clear blue sky or total darkness and focus

upon that. Keep telling your mind of the sky or darkness as other thoughts intrude.

Breathe in evenly and relax all other body muscles.

Jio Direction of energy

Direct your energy for maximum advantage or minimum loss.

Dho Harmony with the universe

Why destroy if you can spare? Even the life of that defenceless ant you consciously

trample upon can be saved if you let nature take its own course without your

interference. Let that little tree branch grow unless you have to cut its life short for

good reason.

Sho Healing self and others

Nothing is as edifying as helping another person heal from mental of physical stress.

The first patient to be healed is you in your attitude. Always see a peaceful world

living in happiness and live to let that live.

Kain Premonition of danger

Far from prophetic powers, an Urakashi karate-ka should be able to read into peace

threatening situations and avoid getting drawn into the adverse consequences that

may follow.

One can tell ensuing troubles by being at the proximity of rowdy arguments at a beer

hall, public gathering or similar settings. The best place to be at is as far away from

such scenes as one can get.

By walking alone late at night where muggings have been recorded, have the sixth

sense of danger as you take each extra step into the zone. Bring to alertness all your

senses with a plan to get out of danger should it materialize.

Never take any situation for granted. That always peaceful walk up your front door

from the gate may spring up an intruder from behind that bushy rose shrub you have

always admired.

Jin Knowing the thoughts of others

It is easy to follow the thoughts of others towards you by reading their faces and

following the trend of discussions. Discern between genuiness and pretences from

those you associate with. You may have been invited to a party to bait you into harm.

Retsu Mastery of time and space

Always keep connection with your environment and be sure of your safety nets if you

have to run or jump which may be unavoidable in life at some stage. It is better to be

a living than a dead hero.

If you are treading during the dead of the night past a place, the need for vigilance is

more than during the day when everyone will be doing the same. Knowing that you

have to pass through a narrow passage way should enlighten you on the need to

work out your possible defences beforehand.

Zai Controlling the elements of nature

Holding your eyes open without blinking for a longer period may be all that separates

you from harm if you are to avoid the surprise strike by a cobra snake you have come

face to face with.

The urge to pee may be overwhelming but doing so may lead to your prosecution by

a spying law enforcement agent, hold in control such faculties until you can safely

redeem yourself.

Anger is the biggest element one has to deal with. Allowing it go natural and explode

out of you may have detrimental consequences to be forever regretted. It may lead

you to throw that fatal kick, strike or punch for which you will be held for murder.

Jen Enlightenment

It is to be enlightened to understand that one can say a single word of apology and

get on with life than stand one’s ground arguing to justify your position and then

spend an hour or longer at the police station.

Understanding that you can confidently protect yourself should be enlightenment

enough to disengage from arguments that may bring to test physical exchanges. The

enlightened are humble.

Maxims of Urakashi

1. Know the wisdom of being patient during times of inactivity.

It is during the time of idleness that many fall into temptations. With time on hand, one can now think about those things like covetous, lasting and giving self courage to take acts that may adversely affect our lives. During inactivity times temptations are greatest. Associating with people planning a demonstration may be a good alternative to just wasting away it seems but that may breed affiliations for worse times in the future. Instead, be patient as you wait for the time to get up and do something beneficial to you.

2. Choose the course of justice as the path for your life. There are house, village, district, provincial and national laws written or not such as customs. Know what binds you and choose to obey them than otherwise.

3. Do not allow your heart to be controlled by the demands of desire,

pleasure, or dependence.

Listening to your heart may breed problems for you. It may desire that expensive

jewellery which you cannot afford but know it is carelessly paraded at the local pick

and choose store.

Like controlling the elements of nature, desires can be burning in your heart but you

have to seriously mount a big war against yielding to that just for pleasure which is

transitory.

It is very cheap to depend on someone else for something but quite dishonourable. If

you depend on something it becomes the master and you its slave. Rather be the

poor master than a rich slave.

4. Sorrow, pain, and resentment are natural qualities to be encountered in

life. Therefore, work to cultivate the enlightenment of the immovable

spirit.

Like sparring in the practice, we have to meet life tribulations and absorb the pain

with an accepting heart that such consequences visit upon each and every one of us

at some stage in life.

Putting up a sorrowful face or some other emotional reactions will not reverse the

situation. Calm submission to the calamity may serve one the unnecessary use of

more body muscles in mourning and putting up appearances.

5. Hold in your heart the importance of family loyalty and pursue the literary

and warrior arts with a balanced determination.

We have many families such as the biological and social or community ones. Give

time to each as the calls demand but also make sure you train.

Exercises Warm-Up And Cool-Down

Stances (Dachi)

Stances are postures adopted in order to execute an offensive or defensive

technique, or waiting position in anticipation of either. As of necessity, stances have

to be strong, balanced and stable. The whole body must be consolidated into a single

unit. The feet, legs, trunk, arms and hands must be well coordinated. There is no

single stance as a panacea to any karate situation. These change depending upon the

circumstances. At ease, the body muscles must be fully relaxed though in readiness.

Only at the application of a technique should relevant muscles be tensed for

maximum effect. There are many stances but our practice will dwell on the few that

follow.

Heisoku Dachi

The feet are kept parallel and touching each other. The knees are straight but relaxed.

Musubi Dachi

Opening up the feet at 45 degrees to either side but keeping the heels together gives

us this stance. This ceremonial stance is usually adopted for gestures of courtesies or

salutary bowing at the start or end of kata demonstrations.

Heiko Dachi (Yoi Stance)

From Musubi dachi, the heels are moved apart to make the feet parallel at the

anchored position. The knees are slightly bent and the feet are slightly raised off the

ground about one millimetre at the heel. A deliberate effort to keep the knees

pushed outwards is necessary to maintain the stance solid. This roughly marks one’s

own shoulder width position. As the yoi or ready position everything usually starts

from it.

Zenkutsu Dachi (Kamaete Stance)

Progressing from the yoi position, the left foot is moved forward along a straight line

to a position where the heel begins from where the toe of the foot would have been

should it have been moved one foot. This practically means there is one clear foot

distance between the line positions of the right foot big toe line and the new left foot

heel position. Laterally, the shoulder width distance apart the feet is maintained. The

left foot is slightly turned inside or clockwise to point towards the same direction as

the rear right foot. The front knee must be well bent and pushed out at that level.

This will make it possible to see only the tip of one’s big toe as one looks down at it.

The rear right leg is just slightly bent unnoticeably for balance purposes. Both heels

are slightly off the ground with a scissors traction separation at the waist. In the

correct position, one should not be pushed backwards or pulled forward.

This is a very important stance and should be mustered if good progress is to be

achieved. All techniques are possible from it and we commonly call it the Kamaete

stance. When the left leg leads, it is the default

Neko-Ashi (Cat) Dachi

Cat Stance has the hallmark of ninety percent of the body weight supported by the

rear leg. The front leg can be applied to perform techniques without a change in the

body condition elsewhere. It is attained by sliding the left foot forward from Heisoku

Dachi and moving it in so as to have the heels on the same plane with one foot

distance between the feet. The leading foot is straight along the plane whilst the

back one is at an angle of 45 degrees. The rear is flat on the ground whilst the front

one is just touching the floor with the ball and the heel is well raised at the back.

Both legs knees are bent.

Kiba (Horse/Straddle) Dachi

This is just like a double Heiko Dachi or Yoi Stance. The feet are two shoulder widths

apart. The knees are slightly bent and it derives its name from the position one will

be in to ride a horse. The stance is solid and strong adopted to sideways movement

like along a restricted area such as corridors. Mainly it is in use to launch sidekicks,

and side hand techniques. Emphasis is placed upon the position of the feet that must

be parallel to each other.

Shiko Dachi

As with the Horse Stance, the only difference is that the feet points outwards to 45

degrees.

Blocks

Blocks are techniques meant to meet the opponent's attack and parry it aside

without harm to the intended target. They are mainly called by the section of the

body they protect like the head, the middle section or the lower body as jodan,

chudan and gedan respectively.

1 Jodan age uke

This is an upward rising block aimed at deflecting an attack to the face or head. The hand to be used starts from its back position, goes upwards and forwards until contact with the attacker’s arm. At that instance, twist the wrist so that the inside of your clenched fist turns 180 degrees from facing you to the opponent. The knock-on effect should jolt the attacker’s hand away in an upward direction. From Kamaete, step forward with the right leg. The rear right hand moves upwards diagonally towards the left and on the outside of the leading left hand which begins to withdraw simultaneously in the opposite direction to the right one.

2 Soto uke chudan

From Kamaete withdraw the left arm bringing the fist near to the left ear. Drive the arm diagonally downwards and forwards to block an attack aimed at the centre of your body or chest area. It must be at the same level as your chin. The elbow should be at 90 degrees. At making contact with the attack, the fist which will be facing outwards of you is quickly twisted 180 degrees to face you. The right hand is naturally thrust forward then backwards to provide the counterbalancing movement. The blocking hand moves in a circular motion from the outside inwards.

3 Uchi uke chudan

Bring the left arm to your right hip with the fist facing inside as if you are taking a knife from your right pocket. Bring the arm back in circular motion upwards and forwards with the elbow acting as your pivot. Deflect the opponent’s attack using the outside of your wrist. The elbow angle should be 90 degrees. This is the exact

opposite of the previous soto uke block. Do not forget the crisp thrust outwards at point of impact.

4 Gedan barai

Begin by withdrawing the leading left hand’s fist at the side of the right ear. The right hand is thrust forward downwards straight at 45 degrees so that both elbows touch each other. Brush the left arm against the right as it moves down to block an opponent’s attack to your groin area or lower. End the block with the left fist just slightly to the side of the left knee with two fist distances in between. The wrist is fully locked inside so as to make contact with it’s outer edge of the smallest finger. As it moves downwards it will be facing you or upwards before being turned 180 degrees to face down. The attacks are mainly kicks from the opponent aimed at the groin area.

5 Shuto uke

By openning the arm instead of a fist, soto uke becomes shuto uke which can also be variations for gedan barai as shuto gedan barai and uchi uke as shuto uchi uke.

6 Shotei uke

The heel of the palm can also be used as a blocking technique as a replacement to

the fist. The fingers are firmly curled and the wrist locked backwards to execute a

devastating block. The common alternative application is for attacks to the body as

opposed to applying soto and uchi uke. It is valid also for jodan uke variation.

Punches (Zuki)

Punching is the application of hand techniques mainly as fists to inflict pain or injury

to an opponent. The concept is for the punch to follow a straight path from its

starting position to the target. The usual is the back hand in Kamaete begins with the

inside of the fist facing upwards. It moves outwards in that framework and is only

turned 180 degrees right at the end as it is just about to connect. The arm is tensed

fully as it connects then relaxed thereafter. The tension helps to transmit the body

weight into the punch for maximum results.

The punching hand is firmly locked at the wrist so as to avoid shock that may sprain

it. Usually the lock is downwards and to the outer side so as to expose the first two

knuckles to contact with the target. These are the strongest parts of the fist.

After contact, the fist is immediately twisted in reverse 180 degrees and then pulled

right back to where it started from. For either movement, the hand should rub

against the side of one's body.

Punches are directed to any part of the opponent especially the head, and middle

section of the body.

1 Choku Zuki

This is a neutral position punch normally delivered with both legs are on the same plane without either leading as in the Yoi, Horse or Shiko stances.

From Yoi Stance, have the left arm out at the punching position with the fist facing down. The right has its facing up at the side of your body in readiness to strike. Twist the left wrist 180 degrees anticlockwise to make t=it face upwards and begin pulling it back to the side of your body and at the same time move the right fist outwards to the front as well.

The right fist is only twisted 180 degrees anticlockwise as well when it is getting fully extended in an assumed position to get into contact with the target.

Repeat these complimentary movement of your hands ensuring they rub against your body as they move.

2 Gyaku Zuki

Gyaku zuki or reverse punch is delivered by the hand opposite to the leg that is in front.

3 Oi Zuki

This is also called the lunge punch. It is delivered with the hand of the same side as the leading leg.

4 Mawashi Zuki

The punching hand is rotated to almost three-quarters turn of the hips to the target.

It lands with the thumb of the fist pointing downwards.

Strikes (Uchi, Nukite)

Strikes work just like punches. The only difference being the fist is replaced by an

open hand. The edges of the palm or the fingers are then used as the weapons of

attack.

1 Shuto Uchi (Knife Hand Strike)

The hand is open and the fingers are firmly held together with the edge of the smallest finger used as a knife edge. The target areas are the temple, the neck and

sides of the body. Technique can be applied in two ways. Firstly palm facing downwards with the right hand striking clockwise from the left side. Secondly with the palm facing upwards the right hand loads from the right ear and thrusts anticlockwise to the target.

Either way, as the contact is just about to be made, the wrist is thrust nearly 180 degrees to inflict maximum damage.

From Kamaete, bring up the right hand to the right ear with fingers tightly together, firm and straight as if to salute militarily pal facing the front. Thrust it straight towards the target turning at the wrist clockwise as the motion progresses until snapping it quickly as it makes contact at the end.

This can also be done stepping forward with the right leg as you load up to attack.

2 Shotei Uchi

The hand in Shotei (fingers are firmly curled and the wrist locked backwards) can be

used to strike one’s chin from underneath causing maximum damage. From the pull

back position it is raised upwards and forwards towards the target. At close to

contact turn it nearly 180 degrees for an electric connection with the opponent.

Get into Kamaete, shape up the rear right palm into the claw like position. Thrust the

anticlockwise rotating wrist as it also rise to connect with the target chin area of the

opponent.

3 Nukite

Nukite or fingers strike is applied as an attack to the solar plexus, soft spots like the

neck, eyes and stomach. The hand is in the open formation with fingers firmly

together and the longest withdrawn to line up with the other two stiffly. The

movement resembles a punch save for the attacking fingers.

From Kamaete the rear right hand is opened thrust up, thrust it out twisting 90

degrees anticlockwise just like a punch. The leading left arm is equally withdrawn as

the strike progresses.

Kicks (Geri)

Kicks are by far the most devastating martial arts techniques. They demand a lot in

practice training for perfect balance in particular and mastery of the techniques

involved. The principles are the same for all which are the load-up, execution and re-

load.

The positions for the load-up and re-load are the same but in the reverse order. The

position of the knee determines to a large extent the direction and level to which the

final attack lands. There is no shortcut to mastering kicks. They need hours and hours

of input training.

The fact that one kicks on one leg demands a lot in training for balance. It becomes

an additional problem when resistance is made by a target. Exercising with a partner

or a training bag of at least one’s weight will guarantee success in appreciating the

demands to real life situations.

A perfect kick gets to its target point inflicting as much damage at impact and

returning to the re-load position very quickly. The tendency for students to hurriedly

step forward or land the kicking leg back in order to regain stability is self cheating

that must be worked against. One should stand in the re-load position in perfect

balance with the ability to execute a second and subsequent similar techniques

before landing the foot down.

Pay particular attention to each variation in technical applications as prescribed for

each kick. The supporting leg knee should be slightly bent in all cases.

1 Gyaku Geri (Reverse Front Kick)

Gyaku geri is executed from Kamaete with the rear right leg connecting with a target

in front and then being withdrawn to its original position at the rear. Contact point is

the ball of the foot with toes pulled back and the ankle firmly locked. A variation is to

use the heel whereby it will be fully exposed by toes being fully pulled back.

Thrust the right leg forward to the front from its landed back position. The knee must

be raised as much as possible for its maximum height and it is fully bent in this load

up position. Flash it out fully with the ankle locked tight and strong, toes are pulled

back exposing the ball of the foot for impact with the target.

Tense the entire leg which must be as straight as it can be as it connects with the

target. Retract its path to the loaded knee position in what now becomes the reload

position. From this it is then withdrawn back to its original landed position.

For training purposes, these three stages must be emphasized i.e. load up, thrust or

kick, reload then down to the start.

It must be noted that the higher the kick is aimed, the bigger the chance of

imbalance problems and the upper body inclines backwards. This is not good for you

so work diligently at lower levels first and gaining height with practice avoiding these

pitfalls. The target areas are the exposed front parts of the opponent like the groin,

stomach, chest and head.

2 Mae Geri (Front Kick)

In mae geri, the kicking leg is placed forward to a new body position as opposed to

returning to its starting position as in gyaku geri. As in the reverse kick connection

point is the ball of the foot with toes pulled back and the ankle firmly locked or the

heel as described already. The target areas are the exposed front parts of the

opponent like the groin, stomach, chest and head.

Get into Kamaete. Bring up the rear right leg up with the knee pointed towards the

front raised at just above your waistline level. The foot has the toes pulled right back,

ankle locked forward exposing the ball of the foot for impact. It must touch the

inside of the left knee in the load up position.

Keeping everything else like that, thrust out from the knee to deliver your technique.

This can also be used as a snap kick. Withdraw the leg to the load up position before

landing the leg forward to a new position of Kamaete with the right leg now in front.

You will need to switch over your arms as well. Step back to your original position.

The kick can be targeted anywhere unrestricted to the opponent’s anatomy.

Workout twelve kicks on one side then change over to the other then repeat like that

again and again.

3 Soto (Yoko) Geri (Side Kick)

This is the most powerful martial arts kick. It is loaded at the side and aimed to attack

with the knife edge of the foot. It can be a thrust (Kekomi) or snap (Keage)

technique. The difference being the force behind it and position of the leg at impact

point. It can be directed to any target area without preferences.

The kick is directed to the side without turning the body. The edge of the foot is the

attacking weapon. By turning the body and hips 90 degrees either direction, it can

also be made to attack a target in front of the practitioner.

From Kamaete the rear right leg is raised with the instep brought to the left knee

position making contact with it. The foot points forward then rotated downwards,

and the toes are positioned to expose the edge in readiness for the attack. The knee

points diagonally to the side at the hip level.

The leg is drawn out and away to the target without changing the locked foot. The

knee rises to the side as the motion progresses and according to the height to be

attacked. It is then withdrawn via the same route.

During the attack, the supporting leg foot and knee remain pointing directly forward.

4 Mawashi Geri (Roundhouse Kick)

The roundhouse kick or mawashi geri is intended to bypass a target closest to the

fighter aiming instead for one behind it. One may be holding hostage a friend who

must not be harmed by the technique. The toes may be pulled back as in the mae

geri or gyaku geri or they may be flexed the opposite way whereby it will connect

with the instep of the kicking foot. Sides of the head, and body are the usual target

areas.

From Kamaete raise the right leg at 90 degrees with the knee fully bent and heel as

close as possible to your back. Rotate 90 degrees anti-clockwise to have the knee

pointing to your front now. Deliver the kick to the front with a snap and pull back the

heel to touch your back. Retract the leg’s movement as you twist clockwise to the

side at 90 degrees. Withdraw the leg to its original position.

Practice each side at the count of twelve intervals before changing the legs or sides.

The target areas are the head or softer parts like the ribs at the sides.

5 Ushiro Geri (Back Kick)

The back kick, Ushiro geri is directed against a target at the rear or by quickly

pivoting at 180 degrees and then executed from the new posture to kick a target in

front of you. The heel of the kicking leg is used but variations between that and the

side kick are now in vogue. It targets the exposed front parts of an opponent.

From Kamaete, get more weight onto the left leg and raise the right knee high in

front as if you want to execute mae geri. Slightly lean forward and thrust the leg

backwards with your head turned to look over your right shoulder and eyes well

turned to see the target at the back.

If the target is in front, quickly pivot 180 degrees clockwise. The turned and lifted

heel of the supporting left leg should point in the direction of the target. Raise the

leg as explained above. After the kick, bring back the kicking leg to the front load up

position then put it back to the floor in reverse order. There is a loss of balance in

this technique which must be eliminated through repeated training until mastery.

Remember the toes of the striking foot are pulled back with the ankle locked as far

inside as possible to have the instep and the shin at their smallest distance apart. It

can be thrust fully or as a snap kick depending on the target distance.

Target areas are the abdomen, thigh, head, lower leg, solar plexus, and the groin. It is

usually applied also as a follow up to mawashi geri or soto geri.

6 Ushiro Mawashi (Reverse Roundhouse Kick)

It is mawashi geri in reverse. The target areas are the same but this one particularly

works aimed at the head. It can combine well with mawashi geri as a follow-up after

it or after a front kick, or side kick. Chuck Norris famed it as a spinning combination

kick with these.

From Kamaete load up the kick as for mae geri. The kick describes a half circle

outward to the target striking with the heel or flat sole of the foot. Bring up the

kicking leg high and snap out from the knee in the clockwise direction at the same

time pivoting on the supporting left leg 90 degrees anti-clockwise at the hip.

Quickly withdraw it to the load up position then return the leg to its floor position.

The target should be above the higher than the opponent’s solar plexus. Kicking too

high raises the supporting leg’s heel and weakens the impact of the kick.

Kata

Oizuki Kata