Tsumasaki-Geri is the toe kick of Karate. It’s not actually a kick, but instead a way to kick: to use the toe as a contact point instead of the standard modern contact point. Back before Karate was modernized, Okinawan masters conditioned their toes to perform kicks with them. This is because a kick worked more as a Tsuki or as a Uchi that impacted on a smaller surface area “piercing” through the target.

If you attempt this without the proper conditioning in Kumite you are going to break your toes. But in self-defense it’s usually the best way to perform a Keage kick. Why? Because you normally got shoes that protect your toes.

Traditional execution:

• To obtain the Tsumasaki variant, perform any kick you want by making contact with your toes

Variations:

• There’s a variation where you make contact just with your hallux by crossing it with the index toe (Shito-Geri). This version is usually called just Tsumasaki-Geri.

Where to use (✅ - Use; ❌ - Don’t use; 🟨 - Last resource):

• Sport Kumite: ❌
• Full-Contact Kumite: ✅ (if you have proper conditioning)
• Self-Defense: ✅ (if you’ve got shoes)

Video examples:

• VIDEONAMEHERE