TAEKWONDO SPIN SIDE KICK TUTORIAL
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Spin-Back Side Kick·Simon Scher
Sometimes called a back kick, or reverse side kick. The spin around backward side kick can be a difficult Martial Arts k…
Spin-Back Side Kick
SubFamily後ろ横蹴り(Ushiro Yoko Geri)
TraditionalTranslation: Ushiro (後ろ) = behind/back, Yoko (横) = side, Geri (蹴り) = kick — a side kick preceded by a 180° spin, delivering the kick with the back toward the opponent during the rotation
Overview
The Spin-Back Side Kick combines a full 180-degree spin with a thrusting side kick, generating tremendous rotational power that makes it one of the most powerful kicks in any martial art. [1] The practitioner pivots on the front foot, spinning the rear shoulder forward until the back is momentarily facing the opponent, then chambers and thrusts the side kick at the moment the hips are squared to the target — the entire body's rotational momentum funnels through the hip and into the heel, producing impact forces significantly greater than a standard standing side kick. [1],[2] The spin is initiated by turning the lead foot inward (pivoting on the ball) while the rear shoulder drives forward and the head turns to locate the target over the shoulder — this head turn is critical because it provides visual tracking of the target during the spin, without which the kick arrives blind. [1] De Bremaeker and Faige document the Spin-Back Side Kick as one of the most powerful techniques in their 89-kick compilation, noting that it combines the linear thrust of the side kick with the rotational acceleration of a spinning technique — a combination that produces forces measured at up to 1,500 pounds of impact in laboratory testing of elite taekwondo practitioners. [1],[3] In taekwondo, where it is called dwi yop chagi, the Spinning Side Kick is one of the signature power techniques of the art and has produced numerous spectacular knockouts in both WT (Olympic) and ITF competition. [3] The technique is a staple of MMA striking: fighters such as Bas Rutten, Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic, and Robert Whittaker have used the spinning side kick to devastating effect in UFC and PRIDE competition. [4] The kick's primary limitation is the momentary blind spot during the spin (approximately 0.1-0.2 seconds where the back is to the opponent), which an experienced counter-fighter can exploit. [1]
Spinning Side KickUshiro Yoko GeriJPDwi Yop Chagi (Taekwondo)KRReverse Side KickBack Spinning Side KickTurning Side Kick
History & Origin
The Spin-Back Side Kick appears in multiple martial arts traditions: in Japanese karate as ushiro yoko geri (documented in Shotokan kata such as Unsu), in Korean taekwondo as dwi yop chagi (a core competition technique), and in Chinese wushu as a standard spinning technique. [1],[2],[3] The technique's development in competition was driven by the realisation that spinning adds approximately 30-50% more force to a side kick — a significant advantage in full-contact fighting where knockout power determines outcomes. [3] In taekwondo, which awards bonus points for spinning techniques under WT competition rules, the spinning side kick became one of the most commonly trained power techniques. [3] The kick achieved global fame through fighters like Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic, whose spinning side kick (and the related spinning heel kick) became his signature weapon in PRIDE Fighting Championships during the 2000s — his left high kick and spinning side kick were so feared that opponents would alter their entire game plan to avoid them. [4] In the UFC, fighters such as Robert Whittaker, Yair Rodriguez, and Stephen Thompson have used the Spin-Back Side Kick as a fight-ending weapon. [4]
Effectiveness
The Spin-Back Side Kick is one of the most powerful single techniques in martial arts. [1],[3] Laboratory force plate measurements of elite taekwondo practitioners have recorded impact forces of 1,500+ pounds — exceeding the force typically needed to fracture ribs (approximately 400 pounds) by nearly 4x. [3] The technique's effectiveness in competition is demonstrated by its frequency as a fight-ending weapon: the spinning side kick has produced knockouts in UFC, PRIDE, Kyokushin, and taekwondo competition against world-class opposition. [4] The primary limitation is the predictability and the blind spot: experienced fighters can time a counter during the 0.1-0.2 second window when the spinner's back is to them. [1] This risk-reward calculation makes the Spin-Back Side Kick most effective when used sparingly as a surprise weapon, not as a primary technique. [1],[2]
Lineage
Traditional karate (ushiro yoko geri, documented in Shotokan kata) + taekwondo (dwi yop chagi, core competition technique) → refined for full-contact competition → demonstrated at highest MMA levels by Cro Cop, Whittaker, Thompson → now a standard power technique across all striking martial arts. [1],[2],[3],[4]
Competition Record
Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic — PRIDE heavyweight champion, multiple spinning side kick KOs || Robert Whittaker — UFC middleweight champion, notable spinning side kick usage || Stephen Thompson — UFC welterweight contender, karate-based spinning kicks || Numerous WT taekwondo Olympic and World Championship knockouts via dwi yop chagi || Kyokushin World Tournament knockouts via ushiro yoko geri to the body || Laboratory measurement: 1,500+ pounds of impact force from elite TKD practitioners. [3]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — 180° pivot on the lead foot, converting the body's rotational momentum into a linear side kick thrust through the heel
Joints Involved — Lead foot (pivot on the ball of the foot, rotating approximately 180°), hips (rotation driving the spin, then transitioning to abduction for the side kick), kicking knee (flexion during chamber, then powerful extension for the thrust), kicking ankle (dorsiflexion to present the heel), shoulders (rotation initiating the spin), head/neck (cervical rotation to track the target over the shoulder during the spin)
Force Vector — Linear thrust (same as a standard side kick) powered by both the linear hip drive AND the accumulated rotational momentum from the spin. The total force equals the standard side kick force PLUS the spin's angular momentum converted to linear force at the moment of impact — typically 30-50% more force than a static side kick.
Leverage Principle — The spin creates a 'loading' effect: as the body rotates, angular momentum accumulates in the mass of the torso, hips, and kicking leg. At the moment the kick extends, this angular momentum is converted to linear momentum through the hip joint (acting as a pivot), accelerating the foot to velocities higher than a standing side kick can achieve. The physics are identical to a hammer throw in athletics — the spinning body accelerates the 'hammer' (the kicking leg) to speeds impossible without the rotation.
Position & Entry
From orthodox stance (standard) — Pivot on the lead (left) foot, turn the right shoulder forward, locate the target over the right shoulder, chamber the right knee, thrust the side kick as the hips face the target — the entire sequence takes 0.5-0.8 seconds
As a counter — When the opponent throws a jab or cross and steps forward, spin away from their punch while firing the side kick into their advancing body — their forward momentum adds to the kick's impact
After a feint — Throw a lead-hand feint to draw the opponent's attention, then immediately spin into the back side kick — the feint covers the initial rotation
From a combination — Jab-cross, then instead of resetting, spin the body for the back side kick — the jab-cross turns the body partially, reducing the rotation needed for the spin
Against a circling opponent — When the opponent circles to your rear, spin in their direction and fire the side kick — the spin-back side kick is the natural weapon for targeting an opponent at your back quarter
Variants
Standard Spin-Back Side Kick — the basic 180° spin to side kick
Fast spin — a shorter, tighter spin prioritising speed over power, used in point karate
Power spin — a wider, more committed spin maximising rotational force, used in full-contact competition
Jumping Spin-Back Side Kick — adding a jump during the spin for additional height and visual spectacle
360° Spin Side Kick — a full rotation (360°) before the kick, adding maximum rotational power but also maximum risk and telegraphing
Switch Spin — switching stance before spinning, adding deceptive timing
Spin-Back Side Kick to the head — elevating the kick to head height during the spin (requires excellent flexibility)
Videos
Spin Side Kick - Tutorial
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Spin-Back Side Kick·Rise Martial Arts
The Spin Side Kick is a powerful technique built on timing, balance, and full-body control. In this tutorial, we break d…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The spin-back side kick is executed by rotating 180 degrees on the balls of the feet to face away from the target, then extending a side kick backward. Both Simon Scher and Rise Martial Arts emphasize foundational mastery of a standard side kick before attempting the spinning variation. Scher breaks the technique into three discrete steps: inverting the lead leg with toes pointing toward the back foot, turning the head over the back shoulder to sight the target, and picking up the back leg into full chamber with heel and glute toward the target. Rise Martial Arts presents a similar progression: lifting heels to pivot on the balls of the feet while twisting, then combining this rotation with a backward side kick. Both instructors stress critical execution details: maintaining a fully pivoted standing foot, achieving proper knee height early in the chamber to enable downward force, and crucially, rechambering the leg after extension to control momentum and prevent over-rotation. Scher warns against excessive spinning (likening it to unwanted centripetal motion), emphasizing that the body naturally assumes the correct position when the head leads. Rise Martial Arts similarly cautions that the kick must travel linearly forward upon extension rather than continuing the rotational arc. Both recommend progression drills using support tools (wall, bar) before free-standing execution, and advanced variations including double spins, jump variations, and sliding applications. Scher addresses tactical application in sparring, noting the technique's telegraphic nature and recommending it primarily as a follow-up in combinations or when the opponent moves backward, never as an isolated opening attack.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Simon Scher — TAEKWONDO SPIN SIDE KICK TUTORIAL: Provides detailed three-step breakdown (inverted lead leg, head turn over back shoulder, back leg chamber), emphasizes proper pivot positions, addresses common mistakes including over-spinning and incomplete rechambering, introduces power-development progression with obstacles and accuracy drills using suspended ping pong balls, covers jump variations and tactical application in sparring contexts
- Rise Martial Arts — Spin Side Kick - Tutorial: Demonstrates foundational kicking-behind-the-shoulder concept, details heel-lift and ball-of-foot pivot mechanics, shows progression from stationary to stepping variations, emphasizes linear extension rather than continued rotation, and illustrates combining twist motion with backward side kick mechanics
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
9
Extreme9/10
The Spin-Back Side Kick is one of the most powerful kicks measurable in combat sports. Laboratory testing of elite taekwondo practitioners has recorded impact forces exceeding 1,500 pounds — more than sufficient to fracture ribs, rupture the spleen or liver, cause kidney damage, and produce one-hit knockouts when landing to the head or body. [1,3] Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic's spinning side kick was feared across PRIDE and UFC for its fight-ending capability. In Kyokushin karate, the ushiro yoko geri is one of the primary body-knockout techniques. [4]
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Advanced
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
WBC/Boxing — All kicks prohibited in boxing {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
Legal
— Unified MMA — Legal striking technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFKyokushin — Legal at full power to body and head {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
— WT — Legal, body kick 2 points, head kick 3 points, spinn...
WT Competition Rules 2024PDF— WAKO — Legal in Full Contact and Low Kick formats
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY — Legal {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
— IFMA — Legal — kicks are a core Muay Thai technique
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The HEAD TURN is the single most important detail: the head must turn to locate the target over the shoulder BEFORE the kick fires. Without visual tracking, the kick is a blind guess that rarely lands accurately. Drill the head turn in isolation: stand facing a partner, spin 180°, and point at them over your shoulder — your finger (later, your foot) should point directly at their midsection (De Bremaeker & Faige, 2010). [1] The spin must be TIGHT — a wide, looping spin is slow and telegraphed. Keep the spinning body close to its vertical axis (imagine spinning on a pole). The tighter the spin, the faster the rotation and the less time the back is exposed. [1],[2] The pivot foot must rotate the FULL 180° — if the pivot is incomplete (only 120-150°), the side kick fires at the wrong angle, either missing the target or hitting with the back of the leg rather than the heel. [1] On the heavy bag: practise the spin from gradually increasing distances. Start close to the bag (where the kick is easy to land) and progressively move further away, requiring a longer spin and more precise distance judgment. [1] In sparring, NEVER throw the spin-back side kick as a first technique — it is too slow and predictable as an opening attack. Use it as: (1) a counter after the opponent commits to a forward technique, (2) a surprise after a hand combination, or (3) a follow-up when the opponent circles to your back quarter. [2] Condition the core muscles for the rotational acceleration: medicine ball rotational throws and Russian twists build the oblique strength needed for explosive spinning. [1]
Common Mistakes
!Not turning the head to locate the target — the most critical error: spinning blind produces inaccurate kicks that miss or hit with the wrong surface. The head must lead the spin and find the target over the shoulder.
!Incomplete pivot — if the lead foot doesn't rotate the full 180°, the hip angle is wrong and the side kick fires in the wrong direction. Check by verifying that the planted foot faces AWAY from the target after the spin.
!Wide, looping spin — a spin that travels a wide arc (rather than rotating on a vertical axis) is slow, telegraphed, and covers distance laterally rather than maintaining position. Spin tightly on the ball of the foot.
!Telegraphing the spin — any preparatory movement (dropping the hands, shifting weight, looking backward) alerts the opponent. The spin must initiate from the fighting stance with no warning.
!Kicking before the hips face the target — firing the side kick before the spin is complete results in a round-kick trajectory (circular) rather than a side-kick trajectory (linear). Wait until the hips are squared to the target, then thrust.
!Not recovering after the kick — the spin leaves the kicker facing away from the opponent; recovery to a fighting stance must be immediate. Staying turned away after the kick invites counter-attacks from behind.
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Timing the spin — the 0.1-0.2 second window when the spinner's back is to the opponent is the primary counter-window; a fast straight punch or front kick during this window catches the spinner mid-rotationAdvancing into the spin — closing distance before the spin completes jams the kick at short range where it cannot develop powerLateral movement — stepping to the side during the spin takes the target off the kick's linear pathLow kick to the pivot leg — attacking the planted foot/leg during the spin destabilises the rotationDon't retreat — retreating in a straight line plays into the spinning side kick's range; move laterally insteadCatching the foot — the post-kick retraction is slower than a standard side kick because the body must also unwind from the spin; this extended retraction time creates a catching window
Setup Chain
1Establish the jab-cross rhythm at punching range → Opponent calibrates to punching-range exchanges → Throw a jab-cross combination → Instead of resetting, continue the body's rotation from the cross into a 180° spin → Head turns to locate the target over the shoulder → Chamber the side kick as the hips approach the target line → THRUST the side kick at the moment the hips face the target → Heel impacts the opponent's midsection or head with full rotational + linear force → Immediately recover to fighting stance → Follow up if the opponent is hurt, or reset if they defended
Sources & References
Primary Source
Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks (De Bremaeker & Faige, 2010)
1Book[1] De Bremaeker, M. and Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0558-4. Section 2.9 'The Spin-back Side Kick'. [2] Nakayama, M. (1966). Dynamic Karate. Kodansha International. Ushiro geri section. [3] Pieter, W. and Heijmans, J. (1997). Scientific Coaching for Olympic Taekwondo. Meyer & Meyer Sport. Force measurement data. [4] UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships fight records.pp. De Bremaeker pp.79-81 (Section 2.9)
description: [1] De Bremaeker 2010 pp.79-81, [2] Nakayama 1966, [3] Pieter 1997 force data
Official karate technique names (和語/漢語)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
4Citation[1] De Bremaeker, M. and Faige, R. (2010). Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0558-4. Section 2.9 'The Spin-back Side Kick'. [2] Nakayama, M. (1966). Dynamic Karate. Kodansha International. Ushiro geri section. [3] Pieter, W. and Heijmans, J. (1997). Scientific Coaching for Olympic Taekwondo. Meyer & Meyer Sport. Force measurement data. [4] UFC and PRIDE Fighting Championships fight records.pp. De Bremaeker pp.79-81 (Section 2.9)
description: [1] De Bremaeker 2010 pp.79-81, [2] Nakayama 1966, [3] Pieter 1997 force data
Community
Athletics
Requires good hip flexibility for the side kick component
Strong core (obliques) for the rotational acceleration
Good balance on the pivot foot during the spin
Cervical mobility for the head turn to track the target
Explosive leg strength for the thrust at the end of the spin
Proprioception for maintaining body alignment during 180° rotation
Practitioners with martial arts backgrounds in spinning techniques (TKD, wushu) adapt faster
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common mistake beginners make with the spin-back side kick?
According to Simon Scher, the most common mistake is forgetting to rechamber—pulling the leg back to your chest after extending it. Without rechambering, you'll over-spin and lose control, since the pullback serves to cease momentum just like the kick itself does.
How should I position my body when executing the spin-back side kick?
Simon Scher emphasizes that your butt cheek, heel, and standing heel should all be pointed toward your target for proper extension and rechamber. Make sure your standing foot stops in a fully pivoted position—if you over-spin and it continues rotating, you won't handle the rebound force effectively.
When should I throw a spin-back side kick in a real fight?
Simon Scher advises never throwing it as a solo technique since it's highly telegraphed and gives opponents time to counter. Instead, use it as part of a combination when your opponent is moving away from you, or as a fading jump spin sidekick to keep distance while they retreat.
Why is it important to get my head around to see the target?
Simon Scher identifies not turning your head with your body as one of the most common errors in the spin sidekick. You need to see your target before you throw the kick to ensure accuracy and timing.
How does the Spin-Back Side Kick work?
The Spin-Back Side Kick combines a full 180-degree spin with a thrusting side kick, generating tremendous rotational power that makes it one of the most powerful kicks in any martial art. The practitioner pivots on the front foot, spinning the rear shoulder forward until the back is momentarily facing the opponent, then chambers and thrusts the side kick at the moment the hips are squared to the target — the entire body's rotational momentum funnels through the hip and into the heel, producing impact forces significantly greater than a standard standing side kick.
Where does the Spin-Back Side Kick come from?
The Spin-Back Side Kick appears in multiple martial arts traditions: in Japanese karate as ushiro yoko geri (documented in Shotokan kata such as Unsu), in Korean taekwondo as dwi yop chagi (a core competition technique), and in Chinese wushu as a standard spinning technique. The technique's development in competition was driven by the realisation that spinning adds approximately 30-50% more force to a side kick — a significant advantage in full-contact fighting where knockout power determines outcomes.
Is the Spin-Back Side Kick legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal striking technique; WBC/Boxing: banned — All kicks prohibited in boxing; WKF: legal — Legal, chudan (body) kick scores 2 points, jodan (head) kick scores 3 points; Kyokushin: legal — Legal at full power to body and head; WT: legal — Legal, body kick 2 points, head kick 3 points, spinning body 4 points, spinni…; WAKO: legal — Legal in Full Contact and Low Kick formats; K: legal — 1/GLORY — Legal; IFMA: legal — Legal — kicks are a core Muay Thai technique
How dangerous is the Spin-Back Side Kick?
Danger rating 9/10. The Spin-Back Side Kick is one of the most powerful kicks measurable in combat sports. Laboratory testing of elite taekwondo practitioners has recorded impact forces exceeding 1,500 pounds — more than sufficient to fracture ribs, rupture the spleen or liver, cause kidney damage, and produce one-hit knockouts when landing to the head or body. Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic's spinning side kick was feared across PRIDE and UFC for its fight-ending capability. In Kyokushin karate, the ushiro yoko geri is one of the primary body-knockout techniques.
How do I set up the Spin-Back Side Kick?
The standard setup chain: Establish the jab-cross rhythm at punching range → Opponent calibrates to punching-range exchanges → Throw a jab-cross combination → Instead of resetting, continue the body's rotation from the cross into a 180° spin → Head turns to locate the target over the shoulder → Chamber the side kick as the hips approach the target line → THRUST the side kick at the moment the hips face the target → Heel impacts the opponent's midsection or head with full rotational + linear force → Immediately recover to fighting stance → Follow up if the opponent is hurt, or reset if they defended.
How do I defend against the Spin-Back Side Kick?
Standard counters include: Timing the spin — the 0.1-0.2 second window when the spinner's back is to the opponent is the primary counter-window;… / Advancing into the spin — closing distance before the spin completes jams the kick at short range where it cannot dev… / Lateral movement — stepping to the side during the spin takes the target off the kick's linear path / Low kick to the pivot leg — attacking the planted foot/leg during the spin destabilises the rotation.
What are the variants of the Spin-Back Side Kick?
Common variants: Standard Spin-Back Side Kick (the basic 180° spin to side kick); Fast spin (a shorter, tighter spin prioritising speed over power, us…); Power spin (a wider, more committed spin maximising rotational force,…); Jumping Spin-Back Side Kick (adding a jump during the spin for additional height and v…); 360° Spin Side Kick (a full rotation (360°) before the kick, adding maximum ro…); Switch Spin (switching stance before spinning, adding deceptive timing); Spin-Back Side Kick to the head (elevating the kick to head height during the spin (requir…).
How effective is the Spin-Back Side Kick in competition?
Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic — PRIDE heavyweight champion, multiple spinning side kick KOs || Robert Whittaker — UFC middleweight champion, notable spinning side kick usage || Stephen Thompson — UFC welterweight contender, karate-based spinning kicks || Numerous WT taekwondo Olympic and World Championship knockouts via dwi yop chagi || Kyokushin World Tournament knockouts via ushiro yoko geri to the body || Laboratory measurement: 1,500+ pounds of impact force from elite TKD practitioners.
What are common mistakes when doing the Spin-Back Side Kick?
Top errors to watch for: Not turning the head to locate the target — the most critical error: spinning blind produces inaccurate kicks that mi… / Incomplete pivot — if the lead foot doesn't rotate the full 180°, the hip angle is wrong and the side kick fires in t… / Wide, looping spin — a spin that travels a wide arc (rather than rotating on a vertical axis) is slow, telegraphed, a… / Telegraphing the spin — any preparatory movement (dropping the hands, shifting weight, looking backward) alerts the o….
What are other names for the Spin-Back Side Kick?
The Spin-Back Side Kick is also known as Spinning Side Kick, Ushiro Yoko Geri, Dwi Yop Chagi (Taekwondo), Reverse Side Kick, Back Spinning Side Kick.