© 2013 T. Westermann

Knee

[Articulatio genus]

Anatomy:

• The knee joint [Articulatio genus] is the largest human joint. Of the femur, the tibia [Tibia] and the patella, thereby forming the joint parts. The knee joint is a composed joint. It consists out of two individual joints, the patellar joint [Articulatio femoropatellaris], which is located between the femur and patella, and the popliteal joint [Articulatio femorotibialis], which is located between the femur and tibia head [Caput tibiae]. Because the knee is very unstable due to its bony structure, it is backed by numerous bands. The ligamentous apparatus is supported by the surrounding muscles.

Attack:

• several kick (Ashi ate waza) and
  strike techniques (Ude ate waza)
  Leg lever techniques (Hiza kansetzu waza)

Consequence:

• Loss of the stand and mobility; pain; fractures; damage to the tendons & ligaments

Comment:

• The knee is easily reached from all positions, both in stand by kicks as well as from the ground position.