Matsumura Sōkon’s High Kick

Yabu Kentsū was a close friend of Motobu Chōki, and the two had practiced together since they were young. Before the war, Motobu Chōki told his son, Chōsei, the following:

Yabu kicked up one leg while keeping his back against the wall, and the toes of the kicked foot were able to touch the wall behind him. It was quite impressive.

In short, Yabu Sensei was able to kick the leg open nearly 180 degrees. Motobu Chōki, on the other hand, did not kick above his opponent’s belt, so they practiced together but had different ideas about kicking techniques.