The word Karate means empty hand. Although hands are trained for defense and striking, kicks or leg techniques are also used for reasons such as:

• To keep distance between you and opponent

• As an alternative when the hands are performing defenses

• As a distraction to follow up with a hand-strike

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The commonly practiced kicks are:

• Jodan Mae Geri [hitting with the ball of the foot]- middle level

• Chudan Mae Geri[hitting with the ball of the foot] – upper level

• Mawashi Geri [hitting with the ball of the foot or in-step]-Round House kick

• Yoko Geri [Side Kick]

• Ura Mawashi Geri [reverse round House kick]

• Ushiro Geri [Hitting with the heel]- Back kick

• Hiza Geri [hitting with the knees]

• Sokuto Geri [hitting with the edge of the foot]