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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

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