Kage Gari

Kage Gari (影狩り), literally translated as "Shadow Hunting," refers to a specific martial arts technique or strategy that involves attacking an opponent's support or balance by targeting their legs or feet. The aim is to disrupt their stability, making them vulnerable to further attacks or throws.

The term evokes the imagery of severing or capturing the "shadow" of the feet, implying a disabling of the opponent's ability to stand or move effectively. It is conceptually linked to the importance of a strong base and stable footing in various martial arts.

While the specific applications and techniques may vary depending on the martial art in question, the underlying principle of Kage Gari remains consistent: to compromise the opponent's foundation to gain a tactical advantage. The tactic is often used as a setup for more powerful strikes or grappling maneuvers. It is not always a visible or dramatic technique, but rather a subtle application of force aimed at the lower extremities to destabilize the opponent.