The
Japanese name for a
Karate technique:
type:
block
English name: down block
level:beginner
Using the left arm: The right
arm is
extended in front of you so the
fist is level with the
solar plexus while the left arm is bent with the
fist drawn up near the right ear, palm facing toward the head. At the same time,
pull the right arm back into the
chamber position and bring the left arm down, leading with the elbow until it's roughly
parallel to your
front leg while
pivoting on the
elbow to extend the
forearm,
twisting at almost the
last moment so the
palm is
facing the
knee and about ten
centimeters above it, (assuming you're using
zenkutsu-dachi). As you do this,
move the hips, thrusting the left
hip forward and the
right back.
This
block protects the
groin,
abdomen, and
upper legs. The
idea is to
strike the
arm,
leg, or
2x4 that is attacking your lower region, changing it's trajectory before it
impacts you. In addition to a block, it is also used widely as a part of assuming a
stance. When assuming
zenkutsu dachi for
kihon gedan barai is almost always performed as the stance is assumed. This increases readiness since you perform a
technique before you're even
engaged, like
swordsmen who are trained to slice the air in front of them every time they remove their blade from the
scabbard, even the
unsheathing of the
weapon is an
attack.