Jodan

上段

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

Quick Facts

CategoryBody Part

Pronunciation/[joh-dan]/

Alternative NamesHigh level, Upper zone

Definition

Japanese martial arts divide target areas into three vertical zones: Jodan (upper), Chudan (middle), and Gedan (lower). Jodan covers the face, skull, and neck. Strikes aimed at Jodan (such as Jodan-zuki or Jodan-geri) require supreme precision and control to prevent injury during sparring.

Related Terms

Makiwara巻物 / 巻き藁

Traditional Okinawan training post used to develop striking power and condition impact surfaces.

Chudan中段

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

Gedan下段

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

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