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Geri

What is Geri?

In Japanese martial arts, Geri (蹴り) means “kick.”
(It comes from the verb keru = “to kick.” When used in compound words, it becomes geri.)

🔹 Geri in Karate

It refers to all kicking techniques. Some of the most common are:

  • Mae-geri (前蹴り) → front kick
  • Yoko-geri (横蹴り) → side kick
  • Mawashi-geri (回し蹴り) → roundhouse kick
  • Ushiro-geri (後ろ蹴り) → back kick
  • Hiza-geri (膝蹴り) → knee strike
  • Ura-mawashi-geri (裏回し蹴り) → hook kick
  • Tobi-geri (跳び蹴り) → jumping kick

🔹 How Geri is Practiced

  • Focus on hip rotation, balance, and control.
  • Proper chambering (pulling the leg up before extension).
  • Snapping vs. thrusting versions depending on power or speed.

🔹 Why It Matters

  • Kicks extend your reach and generate a lot of power.
  • They’re core parts of Karate kihon (basics), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).
  • In self-defense, kicks are usually aimed below the waist (knees, shins, groin) for efficiency and safety.

Related Article: Shotokan Karate: Complete Guide to the World's Most Popular Martial Art Style

In battle, do not think that you have to win. Think rather that you do not have to lose.
Gichin Funakoshi

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