From Mr. Keith Eng Sho Dan
Wilton Connecticut Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club

-------------------------------------------------------------- 

Hanshi, Kyoshi, Shihan, Sensei and Deshi, Onegai-shimasu!

Foot techniques are as important as any other in Shorin-Ryu karate. Thoughts on the foot technique with which karateka should be familiar are as follows:

Mai geri (toe tip kick): The leg is raised and the foot is chambered with the target 'squarely' in front of the karateka. One should ensure that the foot remains level to the floor. The foot projects forward with the toe as the leading point through the target. The foot retracts more quickly than extended. The foot is retracted completely with the thigh and foot parallel to the floor. Targets include, but are not limited to: groin, abdomen, solar plexus, throat.

Yoko geri (side kick): The leg is lifted parallel to the floor the buttocks and knife edge of the foot facing the target, the opponent is to the side of the karateka. The foot projects to the side with the knife edge leading through the target. The foot retracts more quickly than extended. Targets include, but are not limited to: knee, abdomen, solar plexus, throat, face.

Mawashi geri (round house kick): The leg is lifted parallel to the floor the instep and shin facing the target, the opponent is to the side of the karateka. The foot swings from the side with the shin and instep swinging through the target (in addition, the ball of the foot can be used to deliver the blow through the target by using equal force with over a smaller area). The foot retracts more quickly than extended. Targets include, but are not limited to: groin (if delivered straight and lifted), solar plexus, throat, face.

Oshiro geri (back kick): The leg is lifted parallel to the floor the buttocks and heel of the foot facing the target, the opponent is to the side and back of the karateka. The foot projects behind with the heel leading through the target. The foot retracts more quickly than extended. Targets include, but are not limited to: knee, groin, abdomen, solar plexus.

More details can be found in Building Warrior Spirit (green book) on pages 47-48.

Arigato,
Keith Eng
Sho Dan
Wilton Connecticut Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club