Rear Check

How to throw it

Lift the rear knee and angle the shin out to meet a kick aimed at your back leg or open side, keeping the toes down and the impact on the bone. Stay upright over your lead leg and hold your guard high so you can absorb the kick without stumbling. Replant the foot quickly so you can return fire.

When to use it

Use it when an opponent switches or steps around to attack your rear leg or your open side, where the lead check cannot reach. It shields the back-leg thigh and lets you recover into an immediate counter as you set the leg down.

Common mistakes

• Reacting late because the rear leg is farther from the threat, so the kick lands before the shin comes up.
• Rotating the hips too far and losing balance backward while lifting the rear knee.
• Presenting the calf or thigh instead of the shin edge, softening the block.