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Kakato (踵)

Introduction

Kakato (踵) is a striking surface where contact occurs with the heel.

It is used mainly in downward heel techniques, in backward kicks, and in kicks against a downed opponent.

Definition

Kakato (踵)
A striking surface where contact occurs with the heel, the rear part of the foot.

Terminology

Japanese: 踵
Romaji: kakato
English: heel

Structure / Form

Starting point

  • the foot is kept controlled
  • the heel is directed clearly toward the target

Toes

  • the toes are kept away from the contact
  • the heel is exposed as the striking surface

Ankle

  • the ankle is kept strong
  • good mobility in the ankle is needed for the correct angle in the impact

Striking surface

Primary contact

  • the heel

Secondary contact (should be avoided)

  • instep
  • sole
  • toes

Basic principles

Structure

The foot is kept stable so that the heel meets the target clearly and cleanly.

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 knee is clearly raised before the impact
  • the movement is driven by the coordination of the body

Impact

  • contact occurs with the heel
  • the spring of the knee is used to reinforce the impact
  • in some techniques the foot is rotated at the moment of impact to increase the effect

Retraction

  • the leg is pulled back directly after impact
  • balance is regained immediately

Use

Kakato is used, among other things, in:

  • kakato geri (踵蹴り)
  • ushiro geri (後ろ蹴り)
  • kicks against a downed opponent

Common targets are:

  • abdomen
  • face
  • body

Training

Kakato is trained through:

  • kihon
  • controlled kicks
  • balance and structure training

Focus:

  • correct striking surface
  • strong ankle
  • spring in the knee
  • stable balance

Common errors

Incorrect striking surface

  • contact occurs with the instep, sole, or toes
  • the technique loses clarity

Too weak ankle

  • the correct angle in the impact is lost
  • power is transferred less effectively

Insufficient balance

  • the body is destabilized
  • the technique loses control

No knee spring

  • the technique becomes heavy but without sharp effect
  • the impact is weakened

Summary

Kakato (踵) is a striking surface where the heel is used.

It is defined by:

  • clear heel impact
  • strong ankle
  • spring in the knee
  • use in downward and backward-directed techniques