Shotokan Basics Shuto uke Knifehand Block

In shotokan karate, Shuto uke or knife hand block is probably the most difficult of all the basic karate techniques. Especially when stepping in kokutsu dachi (shotokan back stance). Many shotokan karate dojo do not practice this technique until the karateka has been attending karate lessons for several months. Even if you have just started practicing karate, the sooner you understand the basic fundamentals of this karate move, the faster you will progress.

Shotokan Basics Gedan Barai Downward Block

Gedanbarai, or downward block is one of the most commonly used karate techniques, in the karate dojo. This technique should be first practiced in shizentai (natural stance), with feet approximately shoulder width apart and toes facing forward. Here is a quick video showing the block in natural stance.

 

Shotokan Basics Soto Ude Uke Outside Forearm Block

Soto ude uke, or outside forearm block is one of the basic karate moves, in the karate dojo. A tricky move to begin with because it contains both linear and circular arm movements, this karate technique should be first practiced in shizentai (natural stance), with feet approximately shoulder width apart and toes facing forward.

 

Shotokan Basics Uchi Ude Uke Inside Forearm Block

Uchi ude uke, or inside forearm block is one of the basic karate moves, in the karate dojo. This karate technique should be first practiced in shizentai (natural stance), with feet approximately shoulder width apart and toes facing forward. Remember, the blocking part of the arm, is the outside of the forearm, not the edge of the arm! In the finished blocking position, make sure you can tighten all of your arm muscles properly, if you cannot, your blocking arm will be to high, to far forward, or to far across the center of the body. If you are learning karate online, take these karate moves one step at a time, start slowly, research and study karate resources, before building up to full speed.

Shotokan Basics Age Uke Upper Block

Age uke or upper block is one of the first blocks practiced in Shotokan karate. If you are looking to learn karate online, start very slow, gradually picking up the speed and power. The actual karate technique is very important, you can easily injure yourself if you practice incorrectly. A good idea is to film yourself practicing age uke, then play it back and critique it, then film again and so on. This video shows age uke in shizentai (natural stance), we have other videos showing age uke stepping forward and back, age uke within kata (forms) and kumite (sparring).