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Shotokan Technique · Block

揚げ受けAge-uke — Rising block

Age-uke (揚げ受け, “rising block”) deflects a high attack — a strike toward the head — by driving the forearm upward and slightly forward across the forehead. It is one of the first four blocks a Shotokan student learns and appears early in the Heian series.
TypeBlock (uke)
TargetJōdan (high)
HandClosed fist
StanceZenkutsu-dachi
Introduced~8th kyu

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

  1. Chamber the blocking arm low and across the body, fist by the opposite hip; extend the other arm.
  2. Drive the blocking forearm up the centre line and out to just above the forehead.
  3. Rotate the forearm at the end so the little-finger edge leads and the fist finishes past the temple.
  4. Keep the forearm angled — higher at the fist end — so attacks glance off.
  5. Snap the reaction hand back to the hip as the block reaches its top.

Key points

  • The forearm rises up the centre, then rotates out at the top.
  • Finish about a fist above the forehead, not resting on it.
  • Block and hikite finish together with a sharp kime.

Common mistakes

Blocking flat/horizontal instead of angled — attacks won’t deflect.
Finishing too far forward so the head is exposed, or too close so it jams.
Leading with the elbow instead of driving the forearm up.

Where you’ll see it

Age-uke appears across the Shotokan kata syllabus, including:

Heian ShodanHeian NidanHeian YondanJion

Application (bunkai)分解

Read as more than a shield: the rising forearm can lift and jam an attacking arm, strike up into the elbow or jaw, or clear a path for the reaction hand to counter underneath.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Age-uke performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Age-uke” on YouTube

Related techniques

Gedan-barai下段払いShutō-uke手刀受けZenkutsu-dachi前屈立ち

Age-uke — frequently asked questions

What does age-uke block?
High-level (jōdan) attacks aimed at the head or face. The forearm rises and angles so the strike glances up and over.
Why is the forearm angled at the top?
The angle deflects the attack up and away rather than absorbing it head-on, and it keeps the fist clear of your own face.
When is age-uke taught?
Very early — it is one of the first blocks after gedan-barai, and it appears in Heian Shodan, the first kata.