There are many versions of Mawashi geri or roundhouse kick. The original Karate has many different methods of delivering their roundhouse kick (Mawashi geri). The original method involved bringing up the knee, and then swiftly turning the hip over and snapping the leg outwards from the knee to deliver a strike with the ball of the foot. As the years have gone by, some shotokan dojo also practice kicking roundhouse kick with the shin. Another popular point of contact is with the instep, which, for safety reasons, is usually practised when sparring in the dojo. There are now more and more karateka practicing the 'cutting roundhouse kick', this is where the karateka will lift their attacking leg higher than the intended target, they will then execute the kick in a downward cutting movement. A very effective attack against the thigh. Ossu Linden

To read the rest of this article, sign up for FREE membership now!CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW!FREE members have instant access to hundreds of exclusive shotokan articles and videos.