Spinning Rear Push Kick, Ushiro Mawashi Geri - Ninjutsu

By Yossi Sheriff

Ushiro Mawashi Geri, spinning back kick (אושירו מאוושי) is a powerful Ninjutsu kick that harnesses the rotational momentum of the body to generate exceptional speed and force. This dynamic technique combines strategic deception with devastating impact, making it an effective tool for both combat applications and martial sports competitions.

Technique Mechanics

The Ushiro Mawashi Geri consists of several distinct phases that must be executed with proper timing and coordination:

  1. Initial Position - The practitioner begins in a balanced fighting stance, typically with the dominant leg positioned to the rear.
  2. Rotation Initiation - The technique begins with a pivot on the supporting foot, initiating a rotation away from the target.
  3. Visual Maintenance - Throughout the rotation, the practitioner maintains visual contact with the target by looking over the shoulder for as long as possible.
  4. Power Generation - As the body rotates approximately 180 degrees, the kicking leg is chambered with the knee raised.
  5. Extension - The leg extends forcefully toward the target, striking with either the heel or the ball of the foot depending on the specific application.
  6. Recoil and Recovery - After impact, the leg retracts and the practitioner completes the rotation to return to a defensive stance.

Strategic Applications

The Ushiro Mawashi Geri offers several tactical advantages:

  • Surprise Element - The initial rotation momentarily takes the kick out of the opponent's direct line of sight, creating a deceptive attack angle.
  • Range Maximization - The rotational mechanics allow for greater reach than many straight kicks.
  • Power Development - By engaging the entire body in rotation, the technique generates substantially more force than stationary kicks.
  • Target Versatility - Depending on height and angle, the kick can effectively target areas from the lower abdomen to the head.

In Ninjutsu applications, this kick is often utilized as a counter-attack or as part of a combination sequence rather than as an opening technique.

Training Progression

Developing proficiency in the Ushiro Mawashi Geri typically follows this progression:

  1. Foundation Skills - Mastery of basic stances, body rotation mechanics, and simpler kicks.
  2. Slow-Motion Practice - Performing the complete technique at reduced speed to develop proper form and balance.
  3. Stationary Target Training - Practicing against focus pads or striking bags to develop power and accuracy.
  4. Dynamic Application - Incorporating the technique into partner drills and combat scenarios.
  5. Combination Integration - Learning to flow between the Ushiro Mawashi Geri and other techniques.

Variations

Several important variations of this kick exist in Ninjutsu and related martial arts:

  • Ushiro Mawashi Tobi Geri - A jumping version that adds height and extends range.
  • Ushiro Mawashi Kakato Geri - Emphasizes striking with the heel in a downward angle.
  • Ushiro Mawashi Hiza Geri - A modified version that strikes with the knee rather than the foot.
  • Ushiro Ura Mawashi Geri - Incorporates an inverted hook motion at the end of the rotation.

Video of Spinning back push kick

The demonstration above shows the proper execution of Ushiro Mawashi Geri with emphasis on rotation mechanics, balance maintenance, and power generation through complete body alignment during the strike.

Common Technical Errors

Practitioners should be aware of these frequent issues when learning this technique:

  • Telegraphing - Making the preparatory motion too obvious, eliminating the surprise element.
  • Losing Balance - Inadequate control during rotation, leading to instability after delivery.
  • Insufficient Rotation - Not completing the full turn, which reduces power generation.
  • Dropping the Guard - Leaving the face and upper body exposed during execution.
  • Improper Recovery - Failing to return to a defensive position after delivering the kick.

Meta perspectives

This technique incorporates these attributes of Meta Perspectives:

  1. Intermediate level of expertise - While the basic mechanics can be learned relatively quickly, developing effective combat application requires significant practice and timing development.
  2. Medium level of violence - When executed with control, this technique can be used in training and competition contexts.
  3. High level of violence - At full power against an unprepared opponent, this technique can produce significant injury due to its rotational force and potential impact areas.

Related Techniques

Understanding these complementary techniques enhances mastery of Ushiro Mawashi Geri:

  • Mawashi Geri (Roundhouse Kick) - Shares rotational principles but with a different striking trajectory.
  • Ushiro Geri (Back Kick) - A direct back kick without the spinning element.
  • Kaiten Geri (Rotating Kick) - Another rotational kick with different targeting and mechanics.
  • Mikazuki Geri (Crescent Kick) - Utilizes similar rotational principles with different striking surfaces.

Practitioners benefit from studying these related kicks as they share fundamental principles of rotation, balance, and power generation.

Filed under: Geri - kicks