Origin
A traditional low-line ground kick found in karate's oyo and in old-school self-defense curricula: the leg is longer than the arm and stronger than the fist.
Purpose
Use a chambered kick from the frame to buy the space needed for a technical stand-up.
The Walk-through
01
From the frame, chamber your top leg tight to your chest. The knee is loaded, not the foot; the foot is the projectile.
02
Fire the heel into their near hip or lead thigh. The heel is your hardest surface, and the hip is a large target that folds a standing attacker's structure.
03
Retract faster than you extend. A leg left in the air is a leg that will be grabbed. The kick's purpose is space, not damage: chain it into a shrimp, a reset, or a stand-up.
Key Points
- 1Kick with the heel, not the toes
- 2Target the hip or thigh, not the head
- 3Retract faster than you extend
Common Mistakes
- Kicking with toes instead of the heel - soft weapon, no penetration
- Aiming for the head - misses easily and telegraphs badly
- Leaving the leg extended after impact - invites a leg grab
- Kicking without a movement plan for the space you just bought
When to Use
A standing attacker closing on your ground positionThe setup beat before a technical stand-upAny moment you need distance and only your legs can make it
My Notes