SPIN KICK FAIL

Execute the spinning back kick properly, and it will generate more power than virtually any other leg technique in the martial arts. However, the kick, which is called ushiro geri in Japanese, is seldom seen in karate, taekwondo or MMA competition. And when it is tried, it rarely has a significant impact. It’s my contention that failure usually results from one or more of seven problems. All of them are outlined — and corrected — in this article.

PROBLEM: YOUR STANCE IS TOO NARROW

No matter your martial art, your stance is functional only if, at any given moment, it enables you to execute an attack, counterattack, defense, lateral movement or interception without requiring any last-minute adjustments. Of course, this also applies to the spinning back kick. The problem stems from the fact that many martial artists are never taught that the first part of the body that must be moved is the tool that will make contact.

For the spinning back kick,