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Shotokan Technique · Block

下段払いGedan-barai — Downward block

Gedan-barai (下段払い, “downward sweep block”) clears a low attack — a front kick or a low punch — by sweeping the forearm down and across the body. It is one of the very first techniques a beginner learns and it opens the majority of Shotokan kata.
TypeBlock (uke)
TargetGedan (low)
HandClosed fist
StanceZenkutsu-dachi
Introduced~9th 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 fist up by the opposite ear, palm toward the ear; extend the other arm down and forward.
  2. Sweep the blocking forearm down and across the body in a straight, committed line.
  3. Finish with the fist about a fist-and-a-half above the front knee, forearm angled slightly out.
  4. Pull the reaction hand back sharply to the hip (hikite) as the block lands.
  5. Drive from the hips and settle into front stance as the block completes.

Key points

  • The forearm — not the fist — does the blocking work.
  • Block and hikite finish at the same instant.
  • Rotate the forearm so the back of the fist faces slightly outward at the end.

Common mistakes

Swinging the arm out wide instead of sweeping in a tight line across the body.
Finishing with the fist too low (past the knee) or too high.
A weak or late hikite that saps the block’s power.

Where you’ll see it

Gedan-barai appears across the Shotokan kata syllabus, including:

Heian ShodanHeian NidanTekki ShodanBassai DaiJion

Application (bunkai)分解

Beyond a simple low block, gedan-barai is often read as sweeping aside a grabbing arm, striking down onto a limb, or clearing a leg — the downward forearm and the strong hikite make it a control-and-break as much as a defence.

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 Gedan-barai performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Gedan-barai” on YouTube

Related techniques

Age-uke揚げ受けShutō-uke手刀受けZenkutsu-dachi前屈立ち

Gedan-barai — frequently asked questions

What does gedan-barai block?
Low-level (gedan) attacks — most classically a front kick, but also low punches or grabs. The forearm sweeps them across and away from the body’s centre line.
Why does almost every kata start with gedan-barai?
It is a safe, strong opening posture that both guards the low line and turns the body to face the first opponent, which is why the Heian and many advanced kata open with it.
Fist or forearm — what actually blocks?
The forearm makes contact and does the work; the fist is simply the firm end of a committed sweeping motion.