Downward Kick (Naeryo Chagi) and Pick Shape Kick (Gokaeng-I Chagi)
0
Downward Roundhouse Kick·Donato Nardizzi
This video teaches the Downward Kick and the Pick Shape Kick. You’ll see clear explanations of each kick’s mechanics, th…
Downward Roundhouse Kick
SubFamily下方向回し蹴り(Kahōkō Mawashi Geri)
descriptiveTranslation: downward roundhouse kick
Overview
The Downward Roundhouse Kick is a roundhouse kick that travels in a high-to-low descending arc, striking the target from above. [1] The leg chambers high and the shin or instep drops downward onto the target — typically the collarbone, shoulder, or side of the neck. [1] This trajectory reverses the typical roundhouse path and catches defenders who expect horizontal attacks, making it effective against opponents with high guard positions. [1]
Descending RoundhouseDropping Roundhouse KickDownward Round Kick
History & Origin
Practiced in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and taekwondo. In Muay Thai, it targets the collarbone — strikes to the collarbone can cause fractures. [1]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Modern kickboxing/MMA technique. The descending arc roundhouse was popularized by Brazilian fighters and is sometimes called the 'Brazilian kick.' [1]
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 — Roundhouse traveling high-to-low descending arc
Joints Involved — Hip flexion + rotation (swing high), gravity-assisted descent, knee extended
Force Vector — Circular descending from above — targets collarbone, shoulder
Striking Surface — Shin or instep dropping from above
Position & Entry
From fighting stance — Swing rear leg high in roundhouse arc, let shin drop downward onto target
Against high guard — Arc kick OVER the guard and drop onto collarbone behind it
Variants
To the collarbone — most damaging target
To the shoulder — safer target
To the side of the neck — extremely dangerous
Videos
7 TKD INVERTED ROUNDHOUSE KICKS
0
Downward Roundhouse Kick·TN AEON MARTIAL ARTS
Hi everyone, try these step by step to achieve the Kick Up! Today's video consists of 7 techniques to use an Inverted R…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The downward roundhouse kick is an inverted variation of the standard roundhouse kick used in Taekwondo competition. As described by TN Aeon Martial Arts, the technique involves raising the knee and rotating the hip and knee in the opposite direction from a conventional roundhouse kick, striking with the instep toward the opponent's torso. Donato Nardizzi distinguishes between two related but separate kicks: the downward kick, which uses the heel and curves in an arc (inward or outward) to clear obstacles like the opponent's arm, targeting primarily the head and clavicle above the solar plexus; and the pick shape kick, which moves vertically without an arc and can strike with either the heel (keeping the leg straight for skull and clavicle targets) or the ball of the foot (with slight knee bend for face and jaw targets). TN Aeon emphasizes practical fight applications including clinch entries, double-tap combinations, and fakes to set up opposite-side strikes. Nardizzi provides historical context, noting the pick shape kick's introduction in the early 1980s as an ITF innovation distinct from the WTF axe kick, and corrects common misconceptions about knee bend requirements based on direct instruction from General Choi. Both instructors stress the importance of proper trajectory and target selection for maximum power and effectiveness.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- TN AEON MARTIAL ARTS — 7 TKD INVERTED ROUNDHOUSE KICKS: Demonstrates the inverted roundhouse kick mechanics—raising the knee with reversed hip rotation to strike the stomach with the instep—and provides seven tactical applications including clinch combinations, double-tap sequences, and feint-to-strike patterns for competitive Taekwondo.
- Donato Nardizzi — Downward Kick (Naeryo Chagi) and Pick Shape Kick (Gokaeng-I Chagi): Clarifies the distinction between the downward kick (arcing heel strike targeting skull and clavicle) and the pick shape kick (vertical motion using heel or ball of foot), corrects encyclopedia errors regarding knee bend by citing General Choi's instruction, and provides historical context on the kick's ITF origins in the early 1980s.
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
7
Very High7/10
Collarbone strikes can cause fractures. Descending angle concentrates force.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Unified MMA— standard striking technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWKF Karate— controlled contact required
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDFWT Taekwondo— kicks are primary scoring technique
WT Competition Rules 2026PDFWAKO Kickboxing— full contact permitted
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The kick must go HIGH first — gravity creates the power
✓Think of dropping an axe
✓Requires excellent hip flexibility
✓Most effective against opponents with high, tight guard — arcs over and drops behind
Common Mistakes
!Not getting leg high enough — becomes a normal roundhouse
!Forcing the downward angle with muscle instead of gravity
!Leaning too far back
!Telegraphing by raising hip excessively
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Low roundhouse → opponent drops guard → downward roundhouse over it
2Jab-cross to face → downward roundhouse to collarbone
Sources & References
Primary Source
De Bremaeker, M. & Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing.
1BookDe Bremaeker, M. & Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing.pp. pp. 115-117
[1] De Bremaeker & Faige, Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks (2010), Section 3.8, pp. 115-117
2CitationDe Bremaeker, M. & Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing.pp. pp. 115-117
[1] De Bremaeker & Faige, Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks (2010), Section 3.8, pp. 115-117
Community
Athletics
Requires
excellent hip flexibility, good balance
Key muscles
hip flexors, hip rotators, core
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main targets for a downward roundhouse kick?
The primary targets are the face, with the jaw and temple as secondary targets. According to Donato Nardizzi, the specific contact point depends on your target: use the heel with a straight leg to hit the skull or clavicle, and use the ball of the foot with a bent knee to hit the face or chest.
Should I bend my knee when executing a downward roundhouse kick with the ball of the foot?
Yes, when using the ball of the foot, the leg should be bent at impact so the ball makes better contact and the kick accelerates more sharply, according to Donato Nardizzi's analysis of traditional technique.
Does lifting my supporting foot help with the downward roundhouse kick?
Yes, lifting the supporting foot off the ground when raising the leg helps you gain more height, as noted by Donato Nardizzi.
How does the Downward Roundhouse Kick work?
The Downward Roundhouse Kick is a roundhouse kick that travels in a high-to-low descending arc, striking the target from above. The leg chambers high and the shin or instep drops downward onto the target — typically the collarbone, shoulder, or side of the neck.
Where does the Downward Roundhouse Kick come from?
Practiced in Muay Thai, kickboxing, and taekwondo. In Muay Thai, it targets the collarbone — strikes to the collarbone can cause fractures.
Is the Downward Roundhouse Kick legal in competition?
Unified MMA: Legal: legal — standard striking technique; WKF Karate: Legal: legal — controlled contact required; WT Taekwondo: Legal: legal — kicks are primary scoring technique; WAKO Kickboxing: Legal: legal — full contact permitted
How dangerous is the Downward Roundhouse Kick?
Danger rating 7/10. High — collarbone strikes can cause fractures. Descending angle concentrates force.
How do I set up the Downward Roundhouse Kick?
The standard setup chain: Low roundhouse → opponent drops guard → downward roundhouse over it → Jab-cross to face → downward roundhouse to collarbone.
How do I defend against the Downward Roundhouse Kick?
Standard counters include: Step inside the arc / Duck under — high arc creates gap below / Rear hand catch of descending shin.
What are the variants of the Downward Roundhouse Kick?
Common variants: To the collarbone (most damaging target); To the shoulder (safer target); To the side of the neck (extremely dangerous).
How effective is the Downward Roundhouse Kick 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 Downward Roundhouse Kick?
Top errors to watch for: Not getting leg high enough — becomes a normal roundhouse / Forcing the downward angle with muscle instead of gravity / Leaning too far back / Telegraphing by raising hip excessively.
What are other names for the Downward Roundhouse Kick?
The Downward Roundhouse Kick is also known as Kahōkō Mawashi Geri, Descending Roundhouse, Dropping Roundhouse Kick, Downward Round Kick.