How to train "Mawashi-geri"【Tatsuya Naka】
0
Nidan Geri·kuro-obi world
※ This AI voice is created from Naka sensei's own voice with his permission. It is the wish of Kuro-obi World that as ma…
Nidan Geri
SubFamily二段蹴り(Nidan Geri)
TraditionalTranslation: two-level kick
Overview
Nidan Geri is a jumping double kick where the attacker delivers two kicks at different heights while airborne — typically a front kick to the midsection followed immediately by a front kick to the face, both executed before landing. [1] The name literally means 'two-level kick' (nidan = two levels, geri = kick). [1] It requires explosive jumping ability, rapid leg chambering, and excellent balance in the air. [1]
Nidan-GeriJPDouble Jump KickTwo-Level Jumping KickJumping Double Kick
History & Origin
Documented in traditional karate manuals. [1]
Effectiveness
Competition Record
Primarily a training, demonstration, and point-fighting technique. Rarely seen in full-contact MMA or kickboxing due to acrobatic risk and telegraphing. Appears occasionally in TKD and point-fighting karate tournaments. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Jump and deliver two kicks at different heights before landing
Joints Involved — Both legs (jump), alternating hip flexion + knee extension (two kicks), core (stability in air)
Force Vector — First kick mid-level, second kick high-level — both forward
Striking Surface — Ball of foot for both kicks
Position & Entry
From fighting stance — Jump upward, kick mid-level with first leg, immediately kick high with second leg, land
Against retreating opponent — Chase with the jump and deliver both kicks in pursuit
Variants
Front kick + front kick (most common)
Front kick + side kick
Front kick + roundhouse kick
Mae geri + yoko geri combination in air
Videos
Mae tobi geri & Nidan geri commentary by Tiru Jr Katsu sensei-Shuhari Shotokan Karate Association
0
Nidan Geri·Shuhari Shotokan Karate Association
Other video with Mae Geri Kicking: https://youtu.be/jXlbgm8tOJI
2 videos
What Instructors Say
Nidan geri (two-stage kick) is a dynamic aerial technique requiring coordinated sequential leg movements and precise body mechanics. The Shuhari Shotokan Karate Association emphasizes the foundational importance of proper stance and knee positioning, instructing practitioners to begin from a natural stance with feet together, execute an initial squeeze and lift of the first leg to knee height, then drive upward through the hips and center of gravity before extending the second leg. Shuhari sensei stresses that both legs must rise together during the jumping phase, with particular attention to maintaining vertical alignment and the geometric relationship between the legs and torso. The timing and synchronization of leg and feet elevation is cited as critical, with applications noted in kata such as Kanku Dai and Kanku Sho. In contrast, kuro-obi world's Tatsuya Naka focuses primarily on mawashi-geri (roundhouse kick) training methodology rather than nidan geri specifically, though the hip joint flexibility and body lean mechanics Naka describes—particularly the image of the kicking foot passing over the face and the importance of controlled elevation with partner support—represent complementary foundational skills applicable to advanced kicking techniques. Both instructors agree that proper hip mobility, controlled progression of height, and awareness of center of gravity are essential prerequisites for executing complex aerial kicks effectively.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Shuhari Shotokan Karate Association — Mae tobi geri & Nidan geri commentary by Tiru Jr Katsu sensei-Shuhari Shotokan Karate Association: Detailed technical breakdown of nidan geri mechanics, emphasizing proper knee positioning, synchronized leg elevation during flight phase, and the critical role of center of gravity control. Provided specific kata applications.
- kuro-obi world — How to train "Mawashi-geri"【Tatsuya Naka】: Progressive training methodology for high-level kicking techniques including hip joint conditioning, body lean principles, and partner-assisted elevation practice that builds foundational skills applicable to advanced kicks.
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
6
High6/10
The airborne double impact can be powerful.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Expert
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
WKF Karate— controlled contact
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDFKyokushin
Unified MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWAKO Kickboxing
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The FIRST kick must commit — a weak first kick means the second can't reach high enough
✓Jump UPWARD, not forward — height gives time for both kicks
✓The second kick must be HIGHER than the first — that's the 'two-level' concept
✓Practice each kick separately while jumping before combining
Common Mistakes
!Not jumping high enough — can't fit both kicks in
!First kick too weak — doesn't clear the way for the second
!Both kicks at the same height — defeats the purpose
!Landing before the second kick — timing off
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Kizami-zuki to face → opponent raises guard → launch nidan geri (body then head)
2Oi-zuki rush → opponent retreats → leap into nidan geri closing the gap
3Mawashi geri feint → opponent braces for roundhouse → nidan geri catches them unprepared
Sources & References
Primary Source
Oyama, M. This Is Karate / Essentials of Karate.
1BookOyama, M. This Is Karate / Essentials of Karate.
[1] Oyama / Funakoshi, Karate technique manuals
2BookFunakoshi, G. Karate-Do Kyohan.
Official karate technique names (和語/漢語)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationOyama, M. This Is Karate / Essentials of Karate.
[1] Oyama / Funakoshi, Karate technique manuals
6CitationFunakoshi, G. Karate-Do Kyohan.
Community
Athletics
Requires
explosive leg power for height, core control for mid-air stability, timing for dual kicks
Favours
light, explosive athletes with strong vertical jump
Key muscles
quadriceps (dual extension), hip flexors (rapid chambering), calves (launch), core (air stability)
Notes
Nidan geri (two-level kick) delivers two kicks in a single jump — typically first to the body, then to the head. The first kick draws the guard down, the second hits the exposed target. Primarily a kata and demonstration technique. (Oyama, This Is Karate; Nakayama, Dynamic Karate)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most important thing to focus on when performing nidan geri?
According to Tiru Jr Katsu sensei, having both legs and feet come up together at the same time is very important, as if everything moves up in unison during the jump.
Why is knee height important in nidan geri?
Tiru Jr Katsu sensei emphasizes that knee up gaily (proper knee height) is important in many kata, including applications like kam kudai finishes and kam kak kusho.
How does the Nidan Geri work?
Nidan Geri is a jumping double kick where the attacker delivers two kicks at different heights while airborne — typically a front kick to the midsection followed immediately by a front kick to the face, both executed before landing. The name literally means 'two-level kick' (nidan = two levels, geri = kick).
Where does the Nidan Geri come from?
Documented in traditional karate manuals.
Is the Nidan Geri legal in competition?
WKF Karate: Legal: legal — controlled contact; Unified MMA: Legal {src:Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025|/sources/Unified: legal — MMA-Rules-August-2025.pdf}; WAKO Kickboxing: Legal {src:WAKO Full Contact Rules|/sources/WAKO: legal — Full-Contact-Rules.pdf}
How dangerous is the Nidan Geri?
Danger rating 6/10. High — the airborne double impact can be powerful.
How do I set up the Nidan Geri?
The standard setup chain: Kizami-zuki to face → opponent raises guard → launch nidan geri (body then head) → Oi-zuki rush → opponent retreats → leap into nidan geri closing the gap → Mawashi geri feint → opponent braces for roundhouse → nidan geri catches them unprepared.
How do I defend against the Nidan Geri?
Standard counters include: Side step — move laterally as opponent commits to the aerial trajectory / Low sweep — sweep the support leg before the jump completes / Straight punch counter — fire a cross into the advancing airborne opponent.
What are the variants of the Nidan Geri?
Common variants: Front kick + front kick (most common); Front kick + side kick; Front kick + roundhouse kick; Mae geri + yoko geri combination in air.
How effective is the Nidan Geri in competition?
Primarily a training, demonstration, and point-fighting technique. Rarely seen in full-contact MMA or kickboxing due to acrobatic risk and telegraphing.
What are common mistakes when doing the Nidan Geri?
Top errors to watch for: Not jumping high enough — can't fit both kicks in / First kick too weak — doesn't clear the way for the second / Both kicks at the same height — defeats the purpose / Landing before the second kick — timing off.
What are other names for the Nidan Geri?
The Nidan Geri is also known as Nidan Geri, Nidan-Geri, Double Jump Kick, Two-Level Jumping Kick, Jumping Double Kick.