The kicking technique of Shimabuku Tatsuo

The front kicks of Shimabuku Tatsuo have always fascinated me. Fortunately we have video evidence clearly showing what he was doing.

There are many ways to do a front kick, I am not suggesting that one way is better, but feel I can do a stronger job with our Isshinryu using his kicking technique as an example.

Let us begin by looking at a few of his front kicks.

from Seisan Kata

 



from Wansu Kata



from Chinto Kata



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from Kusanku Kata

from Sunsu Kata

When he used a front kick against Steve Armstrong





If we have been observing his technique,

1. First he raises his thigh parallel to the floor.
2. Once the leg is chambered parallel to the floor, the leg kicks out and returns in a hinging motion, front front kick or rear front kick.

This kicking method means the foot strikes out from the chamber and not slingshoting out as the leg/knee rises.

It gives less time for the opponent to recognize the kick is coming. That also means there is less time to try and catch the leg.

This is the ideal for which we are working.