Chudan
中段
The middle height level a technique is aimed at: the torso from neck to waist. In kendo, it is also the name of the basic stance with the sword tip toward the opponent.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Chudan (中段) means “middle level.” It is the middle of the three height levels into which Japanese martial arts divide the targets of techniques, between jodan and gedan. It covers the chest, abdomen, back and hips. The word is added to a technique's name, for example chudan mae geri is a front kick to the torso. In competition karate under WKF rules, a kick to chudan scores waza-ari for two points. In kendo, chudan no kamae is the basic and most common stance. The swordsman holds the sword out in front and the tip points at the opponent's throat or eyes.
Relations to other terms
See also
The upper height level a technique is aimed at: head, face and neck. In kendo, it is also the name of the stance with the sword raised above the head.
Gedan下段The lower height level a technique is aimed at: from the waist down. The best-known technique with this word is the block gedan barai.
Waza-ari技ありSecond-highest score in judo and karate, literally “technique is here”. In judo two waza-ari give ippon, in WKF karate it is worth two points.
Kamae構えGuard and ready stance in the Japanese martial arts. In kendo, five basic kamae are distinguished, from chudan to waki.