Hiza Ganmen Geri
膝顔面蹴り
Literally: knee kick to the face
Hiza ganmen geri is a direct knee strike to the face, launched by hip rotation at close range, typically in a clinch.
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Hiza ganmen geri is a knee strike to the opponent's face; the name combines hiza (knee), ganmen (face) and geri (kick). The knee is launched explosively by hip rotation. It is used at close range, typically in a clinch, and the source calls it exceptionally effective where there is little room for other techniques. The source distinguishes it from general hiza geri as a specialised strike aimed specifically at the head. Among knee strikes divided into straight, circular, side and flying, it is a straight one. In the Kyokushinkai syllabus it appears from the 10th kyu, the very beginner level. A knee strike to the head is banned in many combat sports, especially against a grounded opponent; kickboxing and some MMA organisations allow it depending on the fighters' position. We have not been able to document who introduced the technique.