Beinschlag

Beinschlag is a German noun formed from Bein (leg) and Schlag (strike). In martial arts and combat sports, Beinschlag refers to a strike aimed at the opponent’s leg. The target area can include the thigh, knee, or shin, with the purpose of reducing mobility, balance, or the opponent’s ability to attack. In German-language discussions of fighting techniques, Beinschlag is often described as a general term for leg-oriented attacks, while English-language sources usually render the concept as leg kicks or low kicks.

The technique can be executed with various parts of the leg, such as the shin, instep, or the ball of the foot, depending on the style and target. Beinschlag appears in a range of martial arts traditions, including kickboxing, karate, taekwondo, and other forms of self-defense training, where leg strikes are used to set up combinations or to control distance.

In competition and training, leg strikes are subject to the rules of the specific sport. Some rule sets restrict the height or method of leg attacks to protect joints, while others authorize a broad range of leg-targeted techniques. Beinschlag, as a term, is primarily encountered in German-language materials and discussions, but the underlying concept of striking an opponent’s leg is common across many fighting systems.