Karate Moves - Gedan Barai Or Downward Block

Gedanbarai, or downward block is one of thethe arm that blocks. Just before the right arm
most commonly used karate techniques, in thereaches full extension, rotate the right forearm
karate dojo.strongly, so as the palm of the right fist faces
This technique should be first practiced in shizentaidown. At exactly the same time, the left hikite
(natural stance), with feet approximately shoulderarm (pulling arm), also rotates and stops at left
width apart and toes facing forward.side of the body, at exactly the same time as
1. Extend the left arm down and out, so the backthe blocking arm.
of the fist is pointing up and is positioned four toGedan Barai Top Tips
five fists distance in front of the left thigh.When you prepare to block, try and focus on
2. The right arm or hikite arm, should be placed atbringing the elbow across the body strongly, then
the bottom of the ribs, palm up and elbow pullingas you block, drive the elbow down and and
down slightly, with both shoulders down andacross. Try and stay relaxed until the block lands,
relaxed.then kime! Breathe out sharply and tighten the
3. Lift the right fist to the left shoulder, keepingmuscles, as soon as you have tightened the
the right arm as close as possible to the body.muscles, relax the muscles, but keep your form.
The palm of the right fist should be facing theThis karate move and kime is practiced in many
neck.karate dojo, but there are many different
4. As you start to slide the right fist down thevariations, so check with your karate sensei
outside of the left arm, bring the left armbefore practicing this way.
towards the centre of the body.If you are starting to learn karate at home, start
5. As the right fist reaches the left elbow, startslowly, research and study karate resources,
to pull the the left hikite arm back to the left sidebefore building up to full speed. Gedan barai is one
of the body.of the first karate moves for beginners to
6. The back of the right forearm, is the part ofpractice.