Asai-ryu karate: Demonstration of Soto uke against Mawashi geri in Kihon kumite

The footwork of stepping back in angle is the same as that of the yesterday technique. In this technique today, you will use Soto uke against Mawashi geri. I used Chudan soto uke as I saw the kick coming to that height. If the height is not pre-agreed, you must remember to adjust the height of the block according to that of a kick. The main reason why you want to step back in angle is to avoid the direct impact of the kick. If you step straight back, not only risking for the second attack, your block arm will receive the full impact from Mawashi geri. In Asai karate, we encourage the soft block, thus we either shift out or step out to create an extra distance and an angle. An advanced practitioner can step in or Irimi 入り身. This footwork not only weakens the effectiveness of the kick, but also makes the counter more effective. I will share a sample of such a demonstration tomorrow, if I can find a video. The block arm of Soto uke is positioned perfectly for either Ura zuki 裏突き or Uraken uchi 裏拳打ち. For this technique, what you need to pay attention to is the timing and the distance, rather than power. I also explained in the video that the inside application is the only feasible direction to escape or shifting against Mawashi geri. If you happen to be an expert in Asai karate, you can duck under the kick to the outside of the kick. In fact, this ducking under a kick was one of the favorite techniques of Master Asai. However, this is a very risky and challenging technique. Therefore, I do not recommend it to most of the practitioners.