Foot and leg

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, contact or blocking surfaces.

Classification

Shared 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

Reference overview

Striking surface	Contact zone	Basic form	Distance	Use / function
Chūsoku	ball of the foot	toes drawn back	medium	front kicks and roundhouse kicks; clear forward kicking contact
Sokutō	outer edge of the foot	knife-foot position	medium	side techniques; side contact with the edge of the foot
Haisoku	instep	foot extended	medium	some circular kicks; fast contact in circular technique
Kakato	heel	heel clearly directed	short–medium	downward and backward techniques; distinct heel contact
Hiza	area above the kneecap	knee lifted compactly	very short	close-range strike
Sune	front of the shin	stable lower leg	short	blocking and leg-to-leg contact; contact function
Teisoku	arch of the foot	controlled sole	short	contact, blocking and specialized control

Scope

This part documents the striking surfaces and contact points of the foot and leg, their form, contact zone and technical function. Complete techniques, kata as complete forms, kumite as a system and vital points are treated elsewhere.