Uke Waza — Blocks and Defenses

Learn the Japanese names of Ju Jitsu blocks and defensive techniques.

• Age uke

  An upper block. Tori raises the arm to block incoming strikes to the head or upper body area, using an upward sweeping motion.

• Gedan barai

  A lower level sweep/block. Tori sweeps downward to block kicks or strikes to the lower body, typically executed with a strong hip rotation.

• Shuto uke

  A knife hand block. Tori blocks incoming strikes using the outer edge of the hand, typically defending against strikes to the side of the body.

• Soto uke

  An outside block. Tori blocks incoming strikes by moving the arm from outward to inward, protecting the center line of the body.

• Uchi uke

  An inside block. Tori blocks incoming strikes from the outside by moving the arm inward across the body, protecting vital areas.