Gedan Barai
下段払い
Literally: lower-level sweep
A low sweeping forearm block against strikes and kicks below the belt; the first block taught in karate.
Quick Facts
Katas containing this technique
About
Gedan barai, literally a sweep at the lower level, is a block that uses the forearm to sweep aside an attack aimed below the belt, typically a low kick or strike. The Japan Karate Federation also lists it under its full name, gedan barai uke. The motion comes from hip rotation, making it the strongest of the basic blocks. In Shotokan it is taught among the first techniques: the British KUGB, following on from the JKA, places it in its syllabus from 8th kyu. Several variants derive from gedan barai, for example the double gedan morote barai on entering the straddle stance, or the rearward block ushiro gedan barai from the kata Enpi. Kata analysis (bunkai) shows that gedan barai need not be only a block: the same motion can unbalance the opponent, sweep the leg, or strike. In competitive kumite under WKF rules, attacks to the legs, groin, and joints are forbidden, so gedan barai serves mainly in kata and self-defense.