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Haisoku (背足)

Introduction

Haisoku (背足) is a striking surface where contact occurs with the top of the foot.

It is used in certain kicks, especially in circular kick variations and in kicks against high or soft targets.

Definition

Haisoku (背足)
A striking surface where contact occurs with the top of the foot, mainly the area just below the ankle.

Terminology

Japanese: 背足
Romaji: haisoku
English: instep / top of the foot

Structure / Form

Starting point

  • the foot is kept relaxed
  • the toes are kept together

Toes

  • the toes are kept together
  • the toes are tensed at the moment of impact

Ankle

  • the ankle is kept strong
  • the technique is reinforced by a clear ankle snap

Striking surface

Primary contact

  • the top of the foot just below the ankle

Secondary contact (should be avoided)

  • toes
  • edge of the foot
  • sole

Basic principles

Structure

The foot is kept together so that the top becomes clear as the striking surface.

Body connection

Power is transferred through the body to the striking surface.

English:
ground → supporting leg → hip → torso → kicking leg → foot → 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)

Power is concentrated at the moment of impact.

Execution

Movement

  • the technique starts without unnecessary tension
  • the movement is driven by the coordination of the body
  • the foot follows a clear kicking path

Impact

  • contact occurs with the instep
  • the toes are kept together and tensed at the moment of impact
  • the ankle snap reinforces the impact

Retraction

  • the leg is pulled back directly after impact

Use

Haisoku is used, among other things, in:

  • mawashi geri variations
  • mawashi kubi geri (回し首蹴り)
  • kin geri / kinteki geri (金的蹴り)

Common targets are:

  • groin
  • abdomen
  • face
  • ears
  • ribs

Training

Haisoku is trained through:

  • kihon
  • controlled kicks
  • precision training against light targets

Focus:

  • correct striking surface
  • gathered toes
  • clear ankle snap
  • stable ankle

Common errors

Impact with the toes

  • high risk of injury

Ungathered toes

  • the striking surface becomes unstable
  • the foot form breaks

Weak ankle snap

  • the technique loses clarity
  • power is transferred less effectively

Incorrect striking surface

  • contact occurs with the edge of the foot or the toes
  • the effect is reduced

Summary

Haisoku (背足) is a striking surface where the instep is used.

It is defined by:

  • gathered toes
  • tensed toes at the moment of impact
  • strong ankle
  • ankle snap
  • impact with the top of the foot