Rear Jumping Knee

How to throw it

Push off the lead leg and leap, spearing the rear knee up through the middle at the top of the jump. Thrust the hips forward, point the toe down, and use the arms for lift or to grab the head, then land balanced with your guard back up. Commit the whole body upward so the knee arrives with the weight behind it.

When to use it

Throw it to close distance explosively up the centre, best when an opponent is stationary, hurt, or bending forward into you. It is a committed, high-reward strike, so read the range before you leave the ground.

Common mistakes

• Travelling forward instead of up, so the knee falls short of full height
• Leaving the hands low during flight and landing open to counters
• Not driving the hips through, which leaves the rear knee spearing with no power