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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |