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Hiza (膝)

Introduction

Hiza (膝) refers to the knee as a striking surface in Kyokushin karate.

It is used at very short distance, especially when the opponent has grabbed hold or when the distance is too short for a normal kick.

Definition

Hiza (膝)
A striking surface where contact occurs with the fleshy part above the kneecap.

Terminology

Japanese: 膝
Romaji: hiza
English: knee

Structure / Form

Starting point

  • the body is kept in balance
  • the hip is kept stable
  • the supporting leg clearly carries the body

Knee

  • the knee is lifted straight up or forward depending on the technique
  • the striking surface is kept compact and directed toward the target
  • the toes point downward
  • the lower leg is kept controlled

Striking surface

Primary contact

  • the fleshy part above the kneecap

Secondary contact (should be avoided)

  • the side of the knee
  • the lower leg
  • the foot

Basic principles

Short distance

Hiza is used at very short distance.

Structure

The body is kept compact so that the knee can be brought directly into the target.

Body connection

Power is transferred through the body to the striking surface.

English:
ground → supporting leg → hip → torso → knee → striking surface

Japanese / romaji:
jimen (地面) → sasae-ashi (支え足) → koshi (腰) → dōtai (胴体) → hiza (膝) → 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 driven upward or forward in a short path
  • the hip carries the movement forward

Impact

  • contact occurs with the fleshy part above the kneecap
  • the toes are kept directed downward
  • the body is kept in balance throughout the impact

Retraction

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

Use

Hiza is used in:

  • close range
  • gripping situations
  • kumite at very short distance

Common targets are:

  • abdomen
  • face after pulling downward
  • ribs
  • groin

Training

Hiza is trained through:

  • kihon
  • controlled close-range exercises
  • kumite drill

Focus:

  • correct striking surface
  • toes directed downward
  • strong hip
  • stable balance

Common errors

Incorrect striking surface

  • contact occurs with the side of the knee or the lower leg
  • the technique loses precision

The toes do not point downward

  • the structure breaks
  • the technique becomes weaker

Poor balance in the hip

  • the heel of the supporting leg lifts
  • power is transferred less effectively

Too large a movement

  • the technique becomes slow
  • the close-range advantage disappears

Summary

Hiza (膝) is a striking surface where the fleshy part above the kneecap is used at very short distance.

It is defined by:

  • the knee as the striking surface
  • toes directed downward
  • strong hip
  • stable balance
  • use at close range