1. Close Range Kneeing in Karate
The knee is a powerful weapon, but it is also a vulnerable and complex joint subject to injury. A practitioner, or karateka, may use kneeing in karate when fighting in close because a bent knee obviously shortens reach. The thigh, groin, solar plexus or chest is a typical target. A martial artist can strike with the knee in a few different directions.
2. Drive It Upward
Many people instinctively think of kneeing a man in the groin in an upward motion. However, most males have been guarding their groins instinctively since the first time they accidentally bumped it as a toddler and realized what excruciating pain is. It may be best to distract an attacker in a self-defense situation before landing a knee to the groin by throwing a palm heel or punch to the face. That said, an upward knee thrust is a powerful weapon that you can use on other pressure points such as the outside of the thigh or the solar plexus. You can also get your attacker off balance first, grab his head and bring it down as you drive your knee up.
3. Bring It on Down
You can also use the knee like an anchor by dropping downward with your body weight behind it. A larger person has the advantage here of body weight. You would use this move in a situation where your attacker is already down. Each self-defense situation is different, and you are the only one who can decide whether this disabling move is necessary. But if you are in danger, don't hesitate to save yourself.
4. From the Side
A karateka can also use karate kneeing to substitute for a roundhouse kick. Instead of bringing the entire leg around to land a roundhouse, bend your knee and strike with it if you are in close range. The thighs are typical targets. However, if you are taller than your opponent and flexible, you may be able to reach the stomach, solar plexus or even the chest.
5. Knee Injuries
You can injure your knee easily by torsion, repetitive use and contact. To avoid injury, a proper stance is most important. Alignment of the foot, knee and hip is necessary on your stationary leg. Equally important is your technique when karate kneeing. Avoid repetition of this move. Strike with your knee bent so that it is fortified. Warm up all of your joints and muscles before training in the dojo.
Member Comments