Gedan Uke

Gedan Uke is a karate block. Pronounced 'ge-dan-huke-hay'. This lower sweeping block is found in many karate styles from Shotokan to Goju and many other martial arts styles too.

With the arm resting by the side of the body and the fist clenched, the blocking technique is used by moving the entire arm across the front of the body, passing across the lower stomach and groin area and towards the opposite side of the body. The arm and wrist will twist during the movement to help deflect and roll off any blows or grabs to the arm from an attacking opponent.

The Gedan Uke Sweeping blocking technique is used to protect the lower part of the body including the groin, upper thighs and stomach areas. This technique can also be used as strike to the groin or stomach area of an attacking opponent.