Foot and leg
Introduction
This section covers the striking surfaces of the foot and leg in Kyokushin karate.
In Masutatsu Oyama's system, the striking surfaces of the foot are a central part of kicking technique (keri, 蹴り), while certain parts of the leg function as distinct striking surfaces or as contact and blocking surfaces.
The section brings together both primary striking surfaces and surfaces whose function is mainly found at close range, in kumite or in technical contact.
Overview
The section contains three main groups:
Primary foot striking surfaces
These form the core of Kyokushin kicking technique.
- chūsoku (中足) – ball of the foot
- sokutō (足刀) – outer edge of the foot
- haisoku (背足) – instep
- kakato (踵) – heel
Leg striking surfaces
These are used as clearly defined striking surfaces in specific technical situations.
- hiza (膝) – knee
Contact and blocking surfaces
These are used functionally in kumite, blocking or technical control.
- sune (脛) – shin
- teisoku (底足) – arch / sole of the foot
Fundamental principles
All techniques in this section are based on the same fundamental principles.
Structure
- correct position of the foot and leg
- stable joint structure
- clear alignment through the body
Body connection
Force is transferred through the body to the striking surface or contact point.
English:
ground → supporting leg → hips → torso → kicking leg → foot/leg → striking surface
Japanese / romaji:
jimen (地面) → sasae-ashi (支え足) → koshi (腰) → dōtai (胴体) → keri-ashi (蹴り足) → ashi (足) → datotsu-bu (打突部)
Kime (決め)
- brief concentration of force
- clear contact
- immediate recovery
Balance
- stable body before, during and after the technique
- control throughout the movement
Overview of striking surfaces
Primary foot striking surfaces
| Striking surface | Main contact | Basic form | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chūsoku | ball of the foot | toes drawn back | front kicks, round kicks |
| Sokutō | outer edge of the foot | knife-foot position | side techniques |
| Haisoku | instep | foot extended | some circular kicks |
| Kakato | heel | heel clearly directed | downward and backward techniques |
Leg striking surface
| Striking surface | Main contact | Basic form | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiza | area above the kneecap | knee lifted compactly | close range |
Contact and blocking surfaces
| Surface | Main contact | Basic form | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sune | front of the shin | stable lower leg | blocking, leg-to-leg contact |
| Teisoku | arch of the foot | controlled sole | contact, blocking, specialized control |
Structural comparison
| Striking surface | Contact zone | Distance | Main function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chūsoku | ball of the foot | medium | clear forward kicking contact |
| Sokutō | outer edge | medium | side contact with the edge of the foot |
| Haisoku | instep | medium | fast contact in circular technique |
| Kakato | heel | short–medium | distinct heel contact |
| Hiza | knee area | very short | close-range strike |
| Sune | shin | short | blocking and contact function |
| Teisoku | arch of the foot | short | control and contact function |
Understanding the system
The striking surfaces of the foot and leg show that Kyokushin's kicking system is not based on a single foot form, but on several clearly defined contact zones.
Examples:
- chūsoku – the ball of the foot as a kicking surface
- sokutō – the outer edge in side techniques
- haisoku – the instep in some circular kicks
- kakato – the heel in specific heel techniques
- hiza – the knee at close range
- sune – a blocking and contact zone
- teisoku – specialized contact with the underside of the foot
Together, these form a limited but functional system.
Use
The striking surfaces and contact points in this section are used in:
- kihon
- kata
- kumite
- technical application
The choice of surface depends, among other things, on:
- distance
- direction
- target area
- technical situation
Scope
This section covers:
- the striking surfaces of the foot and leg
- their structure
- their function in technique
It does not primarily cover:
- complete techniques
- kata as complete forms
- kumite as a system
- vital points
Summary
The Foot and leg section brings together Kyokushin's central striking surfaces and contact points for the lower limb.
It shows how different parts of the foot and leg are used for different types of contact, force transfer, blocking and technical control.