AOKK Isshin-ryu Traditional :Low Block (Gedan Barai)
AOKK Isshin-ryu Traditional: Low Block (Gedan Barai)
This is the first block taught to beginners. In the early days of karate training a student would be taught one block and they would practice this block against all types of attacks until they could deflect any blow. Later, as they became more skilled, they would be expected to move and deflect attacks using this block.
The fist of the hand delivering the low block starts at the ear. A few instructors move the hand over the top of the head and down to the ear to further cover any potential strikes to the face. Others simply pull the hand to the ear. The block then sweeps across the body covering all centerline targets. This gives the karateka the ability to redirect any blow or blows to these targets. The rear hand is positioned across the centerline targets on an angle to begin this block. This gives the student added protection as the hand of the blocking arm is pulled to the ear. As the low block sweeps across the body, the rear hand is pulled to the obi (belt).
As the block begins the hips are also turned slightly away from the opponent as an added cover to the centerline targets. Hips and shoulders rotate into position while weight is transferred to the front leg from the back and all movement stops at the same time for maximum generation of power. The fist of the blocking hand stops at the side of the thigh.
The blocking portion of the arm is the forearm. The deflecting portion of this technique is the Flexor muscles of the top of the forearm and the Radius and Ulna bones. In many systems the block is made with the Ulna bone only.
The rear hand is as important as the blocking arm. The crossing position of the arms creates a protective barrier against strike to the centerline targets of the body. Do not neglect the middle.
This block can be used in various responses for self-defense. It is not always simply a block. In a self-protection scenario the hand being pulled to the obi (belt) is grasping the adversary to keep them in your range of personal combat, or it can be used to break the opponent’s balance while the forearm is driven downward to its’ intended target.
A low block can also be a source of removing an attacker’s grasp. As the forearm of the striking arm sweeps down upon the adversary’s grasp the rear hand is pulled free. In an attack from behind the sweeping block can be used to prevent an opponent’s grasp while the rear hand delivers an elbow strike. When this rudimentary block is found in kata, you more closely examine the surrounding techniques to determine its’ real purpose.
This block is practiced from Seisan dachi or a forward walking stance. Seisan dachi is more of fighting stance than Zenkutsu dachi which is the stance used by most styles during the practice of this block. In Seisan dachi the front leg is bent, and the rear leg is bent. Feet are shoulder width apart with one leg roughly four to six inches behind the lead foot. When we step, it is in a half-moon motion. Shoulders are square and hips are square. This differs from the Japanese version where the hips are on an angle.
Note: The crossing position of the arms in front of the body creates a protective barrier.
The fortress block covers all centerline targets at the first positioning of the arms. Even as the arms are rotated into position these centerline targets continue to be protected. This scissor motion covers the targets. The low block simply moves the opponent’s arm away from the target. It is the entire block that covers the core as it is being executed.
You must understand that it is the fortress block position that is designed to stop the attacker’s blow. The forearm simply moves the opponnet’s arm in the direction you choose to open up the adversary to aid in your counterattack. The crossing of the forearms motion protects the centerlin targets during the rediretion of the adversary’s blow.
