Skip to content

Teisoku (底足)

Introduction

Teisoku (底足) refers to the arch of the foot, the curved part of the underside of the foot.

In Kyokushin karate, teisoku does not constitute a central primary striking surface in kihon, but is used as a specialized contact and blocking surface in certain technical contexts.

Definition

Teisoku (底足)
A contact or striking surface where contact occurs with the arch of the foot on the underside of the foot.

Terminology

Japanese: 底足
Romaji: teisoku
English: arch of the foot / arch

Position in the system

Teisoku is not a primary main striking surface in Kyokushin’s basic system on the same level as chūsoku, sokutō, haisoku, or kakato.

Instead, it is used as:

  • contact point
  • blocking surface
  • specialized striking surface in certain technical contexts

Structure / Form

Starting point

  • the foot is kept controlled
  • the arch of the foot is exposed as a contact point

Toes

  • the toes are kept controlled
  • they should not make the contact

Ankle

  • the ankle is kept stable
  • the angle of the foot is adapted according to the function of the technique

Striking surface

Primary contact

  • the arch of the foot on the underside of the foot

Secondary contact (should be avoided)

  • toes
  • heel
  • edge of the foot

Basic principles

Structure

The foot is kept stable so that the arch of the foot can be used with control.

Body connection

Power is transferred through the body to the contact point.

English:
ground → supporting leg → hip → torso → kicking leg → foot → contact point

Japanese / romaji:
jimen (地面) → sasae-ashi (支え足) → koshi (腰) → dōtai (胴体) → keri-ashi (蹴り足) → ashi (足) → sesshokuten (接触点)

Kime (決め)

Contact or impact is concentrated at the moment the technique meets the target.

Execution

Movement

  • the technique starts without unnecessary tension
  • the angle of the foot is governed by function and direction
  • the movement is kept controlled

Contact

  • contact occurs with the arch of the foot
  • the foot is kept stable through the encounter

Retraction

  • the leg is pulled back directly after contact

Use

Teisoku is used, among other things, in:

  • ashi barai (足払い)
  • special blocks with the foot
  • certain circular techniques depending on angle and distance

In these contexts, teisoku functions mainly as a contact or control point rather than as a main striking surface in kihon.

Training

Teisoku is trained through:

  • balance exercises
  • controlled technique training
  • foot control and positioning exercises

Focus:

  • stable foot
  • clear angle
  • control
  • precision

Common errors

Teisoku is treated as the whole sole of the foot

  • the contact point becomes unclear
  • the technique loses precision

Unstable foot

  • control is lost
  • the technique collapses in contact

Incorrect position

  • the wrong part of the foot makes contact
  • the function is impaired

Summary

Teisoku (底足) refers to the arch of the foot on the underside of the foot.

It:

  • is not a central primary striking surface in kihon
  • is used as a specialized contact or blocking surface
  • appears in ashi barai and in certain technical applications
  • requires control, stability, and precision