Hiza-Geri is the front knee of Karate. It gets its power from the leg and from the hardness of the knee. Knee strikes are banned in sport Kumite and often in full-contact Kumite (exception made for Kyokushinkai). However, it’s a great strike and it’s useful in close-distance self defense situations.
Traditional execution:
- Get in Heiko Dachi
- Rotate one foot by 90°
- Meanwhile, extend the knee
- Kiai! at maximum extention (optional)
- While retracting perform another move (e.g: another Hiza-Geri)
Variations:
- There’s a variation when you don’t rotate your foot and usually grab the opponent to send you higher (Hiza-Uchi). This is ideal when hitting Jodan.
Kumite execution:
- Get in Kumite no Kamae and bounce a little
- Rotate one foot by 90°
- Meanwhile, extend the knee
- Kiai! if you are competing in point sparring
Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):
- Sport Kumite: ❌
- Full-Contact Kumite: ✅ (if allowed)
- Self-Defense: ✅
Video examples: