Uke Waza: Blocking Techniques

JODAN  AGE UKE 
(HIGH BLOCK / RISING BLOCK)
The jodan uke is used to block a strike coming toward your head. Block starts from with chambered fist coming to the elbow, sliding up making a X in the middle of chest, powerfully pull fist to above head, knuckels are facing up, inside part of are is facing out. Fist is a few inches away from forehead. This motion should deflect a strike.Keep a tight fist and exhale as you lock your high block into position.
UCHI UKE / CHUDAN LEVEL
(INSIDE - OUT BLOCK)

Uchi
A type of strike. Also means       inside or movement from the inside    to the outside.

Block start from with chambered   fists, side that is blocking crosses  over body to elbow, opposite chambered fist comes up to about shoulder level, sliding across arm making a X in the middle of chest,   pull fist hard and fast to side of body, while other fist is chambered. Elbow   of blocking arm is one fist width    away from body.  Wrist is locked straight  in line with arm.
SOTO UKE
 (OUTSIDE - IN BLOCK) 
Block starts with a fist up by the ear, elbow up. Swing elbow to front of body, lock arm and rotate fist up.
GEDAN UKE
 (LOW BLOCK) 
Typically used to block a kick   that targets your midsection to knees.Block starts with both fists in chamber, block will be on the side of the leading foot or leg.   Fist on leading foot side comes   to the opposite side shoulder, while the other fist crosses body  to hip. Slid fist at your shoulder down arm making a X in middle    of body, and thrust fist to just inside of your knee strong and fast. Other fist comes into chamber.
Kakuto Uke 
 (WRIST BLOCK)
Age Kakuto - From chambered fist, hand comes open with all fingers pointing back towards your arm. Elbow stays close to body, wrist is no higher than your shoulder.
Chudan Kakuto - Across the body to the outside of body (Teisho Kata)
SHOTEI UKE
(PALM BLOCK)Open hand, hitting with the bottom 
part of the hand.

Jodan Shotei Uke - Chambered fist comes open, thrusting upward.

Chudan Shotei Uke - Chambered fist comes open, across the body striking just outside the body, or to 
the front, chest area.

 Gedan Shotei Uke - Chambered fist comes open, 
and  is thrust downward and to the mid line of body. 
HIKI UKE
(HOOKING BLOCK)
 Is an open hand circular hooking block used         against strikes to the chudan (middle area)                and Jodan (upper area). With hiki uke you are able             to deflect the attackers strike with the added    option of being able to grab his wrist, which can      then be used for a counter attack.
 
SUKUI UKE
(SCOOPING BLOCK)

This technique is designed to block a weak kick by an opponent. At the same time, you use this block to catch (scoop or hook) the opponent's leg in order to set up a counterattack or to knock over your opponent.
MAWASHI UKE
(ROUND BLOCK).
Prepare with your right upper arm tight against         your side, elbow bent slightly more than 90 degrees, right hand open with fingers facing upwards in a pushing-away position. The left upper arm is also     tight to your side, with the elbow bent slightly less   than 90 degrees. The left hand is also open, but this time the fingers are pointing downwards. On both hands, the thumbs are tight to the side of the          hand to minimize the risk of breakage.

Swing the right hand downwards in a 180 degree outwards semi-circle until it is just to the left of your groin with the palm of the hand facing right. At the  same time, swing the left hand upwards in a 180 degree semi circle until it is just to the right of your  face with the palm also facing to the right.

Continue rotating your arms in the same direction. Swing your left hand down in a 90 degree arc so that    it rests horizontally in front of your body at about sternum height with the palm facing upwards. At        the same time, swing your right arm up in a 90     degree arc so that it comes to a stop just in front         of your left arm, palm facing downwards.

Continue rotating your arms in the same direction. Swing your left arm down in a 90 degree arc until       the arm is straight down, just to the left of your      groin, with the palm facing to the right. At the        same time, swing your right arm in a 90 degree        arc upwards until it is just to the right of your head   with the palm of your hand facing to the left.

Continue rotating your arms in the same direction. Swing both arms in a further 90 degree arc (so they should both be sticking out to the sides now).  Smoothly retract both arms with your elbows tucked  in, until your open hands are pressed against the  sides of your rib cage at about sternum height, right fingers facing downwards, left fingers facing upwards. Breathing out, tensing your stomach and moving      with tension, extend your arms in front of you as though pushing a heavy weight away. Stop when     your upper arms are vertical by your sides.
Gadan Barai 
(low level sweep / down-block)
Fist on blocking side comes        to the opposite side shoulder, while the other fist crosses body   to hip. Slid fist at your shoulder down arm making a X in middle     of body, and thrust fist to just outside of your knee strong        and fast. Other fist comes into chamber. Gadan Barai is often done from Zenkutsu Dachi or  Shiko Dachi.