Gedan

下段

Lower level target area of the body (waist downward including legs).

Quick Facts

CategoryBody Part

Pronunciation/[geh-dan]/

Alternative NamesLow level, Lower zone

Definition

Gedan encompasses the lower body from the hips down to the feet. In traditional Karate, lower-level sweeping blocks are called Gedan-barai. In full-contact styles like Kyokushin, low kicks aimed at the Gedan zone serve to break down an opponent's balance and mobility.

Related Terms

Jodan上段

Upper level target area of the body in Japanese terminology (head and neck).

Chudan中段

Middle level target area of the body (chest, abdomen, and torso).

Associated Martial Arts

Takamura Shindo Yoshin-ryu Tenjin Shin-ryu Jujutsu Jikishin-ryu Jujutsu Byakuren Kaikan Asayama Ichiden-ryu Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu Jujutsu Shotokan Kyushin-ryu Jujutsu Takagi-ryu Jujutsu Chokushin-ryu Jujutsu Shindo Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Unkei-ryu Jujutsu Seidokaikan Karate Sekiguchi-ryu Jujutsu Hontai Yoshin-ryu Jujutsu Jundokan Goju-ryu Shinno Shinto-ryu Jujutsu Kyokushin Budokai Shibukawa-ryu Jujutsu