Shotokan Blocks Uchi Ude Uke 3 Different Ways

In this short video tutorial we are working on one of the basic Shotokan Blocks Uchi Ude Uke (inside forearm block), using three different ways to execute the block.

Shotokan Blocks Uchi Ude Uke

Uchi Ude Uke Starting Position

A. The elbow of the left blocking arm is roughly one fist to one fist and a half apart from the torso.

The elbow of the blocking arm should be bent at a 90 degree angle.

The blocking arm’s fist is roughly shoulder height.

The palm of the left fist is facing you, shoulders back and relaxed.

B. On the right side of the torso, the right hike arm should be positioned at the base of the ribs.

The fist should be made with the palm facing up, the elbow tucked in slightly, and the shoulders dropped and relaxed.

Keep the elbow directly behind the fist and try not to let it stick out.

Uchi Ude Uke Version 1 (block coming around)

1. Stretch the left arm out and forward, so that the fist is facing forward and the arm is straight with the palm facing down.

2. Slide the right fist and arm from the hikite position across to the bottom of the left sides ribs, with the palm facing down at the same time the left arm extends forward.

The right forearm should now be across the lower stomach, hugging the body. 

3. Next, drive the blocking arm forward and around, from low down on the left side of the body, make sure and cross the body’s centre line.

The outside of the forearm serves as the arm’s blocking area, strongly rotating the forearm on completion of the block.

4. While you carry out step 3, firmly draw your left hikite (pulling arm) back.

As you bring the arm back, make sure to keep the elbow parallel to the side of the body.

As soon as you begin the pull back, make sure the elbow and fist return in a straight line.

Turn the left hikite arm clockwise so the fist is facing downward.

Finish the rotation vigorously by turning the forearm as the hiking arm approaches the side of the body.

The hikite fist closes with its palm facing up, elbow bending just a little, and relaxed, square shoulders.

Uchi Ude Uke Version 2 (block coming forward like a back fist strike)

1. and 2. are the same as uchi uke version 1.

3. Next, drive the blocking arm from low down on the bottom of the left ribs, forward in a 45 degree motion across to the body’s centre.

From the low position to the final position, the elbow and fist move in a straight line.

The outside of the forearm serves as the arm’s blocking area, the blocking arm should finish roughly level with the shoulders.

The blocking arm travels forward and across in this version, then on completion almost looks like a backfist strike (uraken uchi).

Number 4. is the same as version 1 of uchi uke.

Uchi Ude Uke Version 3 (block coming forward and hooking back)

1. and 2. are the same for all three soto uke versions.

3. Next, drive the blocking arm from low down on the bottom of the left ribs, forward in a 45 degree motion across to the body’s centre.

From the low position to the final position, the elbow and fist move in a straight line, then as it reaches the target, the arm hooks back slightly.

The outside of the forearm serves as the arm’s blocking area, the blocking arm should finish roughly level with the shoulders.

The blocking arm travels forward and across in this version, then on completion has a recoil snap, which gives it that circular feeling.

We also have articles and videos on three versions of the Shotokan Blocks Soto Ude Uke, give them a try, number one is the most widely practiced, but sometimes altering completion of soto uke can have a really positive effect. We have the same with shotokan block Age Uke and Gedan Barai.

 

Linden Huckle

About the author

Linden Huckle has been practicing and teaching karate for over 50 years and believes first and foremost, karateka should enjoy their karate. He says 'there is nothing better than seeing a person develop into a great person through their karate practice, while at the same time enjoying karate.'

Linden Huckle

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