Shotokan Basics Gedan Barai - Gyaku Zuki Stepping
Shotokan Basics Gedan Barai - Gyaku Zuki Stepping
This combination is one of five three technique combinations that are part of the green 6th kyu examination.
shotokan basics gedan barai gyaku zuki stepping
Start from a right gyaku zuki (reverse punch) in a left leg in front zenkutsu dachi (front stance).
As you start to move, the reverse punching arm (right arm) that’s out, is going to come back to prepare for the gedan barai (down block), so imagine you’re grabbing your partner your opponent and you’re pulling them towards you as you start to step.
Feel like you are snatching the blocking arm back rather than just placing the arm on your left shoulder. As you strongly pull the gyaku zuki arm back, the right leg shoots forward sharply to the half way position.
At the same time as I step to the half way position, your hikite shoots forward like a punch. Here at EIKA we step with zenkutsu dachi in a straight line, so our feet step direct, with the knees coming inwards very slightly.
Keep the knees bent and back straight, then drive forward off the left leg, as you step with your right leg, your body is in the shomen (square facing) position.
As you land in zenkutsu dachi, rotate the body sharply and complete the gedan barai (down block).
Try and coordinate completion of the block with arms, legs and body.
As soon as you complete the gedan barai, immediately counter with a left gyaku zuki (reverse punch).
When stepping backwards with the left leg first, soften the back right knee whilst keeping the back straight, be sure and keep the same height throughout this combination.
At the same time you soften the knee sharply prepare the arms and start to step back.
As you pull the right arm and left leg, use the right arm to help the left leg come back and use the left leg to help the right arm come back, at the same time thrust the left arm forward like a punch. So the feeling is as you step backwards, you block and strike.
Try and have that feeling as you move back rather than just putting in the arms in the preparatory position for blocking down block.
Drive off the front right leg, use the left hikite (pulling arm) with the leg going back, use the left side of your body and right side of your body. So as the left side of your body goes back, the feeling is also forward with the right side of the body.
Once again, as you land in zenkutsu dachi, rotate the body sharply and complete a right gedan barai (down block).
As soon as you complete the gedan barai, immediately counter with a left gyaku zuki (reverse punch).
Shotokan Basics Gedan Barai Gyaku Zuki Stepping
This combination is great for coordination, as the arms have to change midway through each step, which can be difficult when you first start practicing this.
From the reverse punch position, really snatch the arm as you start to step and prepare for the down block, at the same time you snatch the reverse punch, punch out with the hikite arm, try and keep the stepping legs speed up with the hikite arm shooting forwards speed.
Try and keep the same height throughout the combination.
Use the legs to drive forwards and backwards.
Work on the shomen hanmi within this combination.
Also check with your Sensei about stepping in front stance, as there are a few different ways to do this and it does vary from shotokan Dojo to Dojo.
We also have shotokan video tutorials for ~
1. age uke, gyaku zuki
2. soto uke, gyaku zuki
3. uchi uke, gyaku zuki