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Shotokan Technique · Kick

後ろ蹴りUshiro-geri — Back kick

Ushiro-geri (後ろ蹴り, “back kick”) drives the heel straight to the rear into an attacker behind you. You look over your shoulder to spot the target, then thrust the leg back in a straight line and snap it home. In Shotokan it is chiefly a basics and sparring kick.
TypeKick (geri)
TargetChūdan
WeaponHeel (kakato)
TypeThrust (kekomi)
MostlyKihon & kumite

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

  1. Raise the kicking knee up and tight, foot cocked near the supporting leg, heel pointing toward the target behind you.
  2. Turn your head and look over your shoulder to spot the target before the leg fires; pivot the supporting foot so its heel lines up to the rear.
  3. Thrust the heel straight back in a line — not an arc — extending the hip and knee, toes pointing down.
  4. Strike with the heel (kakato), with only a slight forward lean of the torso as counterbalance.
  5. Snap the leg straight back to the chamber, then set down and re-face the opponent — do not let momentum spin you past the line.

Key points

  • Spot the target over your shoulder before you kick.
  • Drive the heel straight to the rear, not in an arc.
  • Snap back to chamber; do not over-spin past the target.

Common mistakes

Over-spinning past the target (the most common fault).
Leaning too far forward and staring at the floor.
Arcing the kick like a mule-kick instead of thrusting straight back.
Striking with the ball or flat of the foot instead of the heel.

Where you’ll see it

Ushiro-geri is primarily a kihon (basics) and kumite (sparring) kick. Its one notable kata appearance is in Unsu, at the end of the famous 360° jump — where it is a transitional, airborne expression rather than a full standing kick.

Application (bunkai)分解

A direct, penetrating strike to an attacker who has moved behind you — the heel drives back into the abdomen or groin. In kumite it is usually set up with a spin to close and surprise.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Ushiro-geri performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Ushiro-geri” on YouTube

Related techniques

Mae-geri前蹴りMikazuki-geri三日月蹴りYoko-geri横蹴り

Ushiro-geri — frequently asked questions

What part of the foot hits in ushiro-geri?
The heel (kakato), with the toes pointed down and the foot aligned so the heel leads the line to the rear.
Is ushiro-geri a snap or a thrust?
In Shotokan it is a thrust (kekomi) — driven back with penetration and then recovered — not a snapping keage.
Why do I keep over-spinning on the back kick?
Usually because you kick before spotting the target and let momentum carry you through. Turn the head to spot first, kick in a straight line, and pull back to chamber.
What kata has ushiro-geri?
It is mainly a kihon/kumite kick; its signature kata appearance is Unsu, in the 360° jump.