Mawashi geri

[11][12][13] If mawashi geri is being thrown with the lead leg, the lead leg comes straight up from the ground, moving into a position with the knee bent back and pointing at the desired target area on the opponent.

The rear leg lifts with the knee bent and pointing to the side, and the entire body rotates as the knee swings around to the front (picture swinging one's leg over to mount a bicycle).

Common targets for this kick include the head (especially in competition), as well as the knees and floating ribs.

Another popular point of contact is with the instep, which, for safety reasons, is usually practiced when sparring in the martial arts school.

There are now more and more martial artists practicing the 'cutting roundhouse kick', this is where the practitioner will lift their attacking leg higher than the intended target, they will then execute the kick in a downward cutting movement.