Downward Block

Target Areas

Gedan Barai (downward sweeping block) is the foundational low block of karate. It deflects kicks and low strikes directed at the lower body by driving the forearm in a powerful downward arc across the centerline and finishing below the belt. It is the opening technique of Heian Shodan (the first kata) and appears in virtually every kata in the Shotokan, Goju-ryu, and Shito-ryu systems. The block is always paired with a sharp reaction hand pull and is executed in front stance (Zenkutsu-dachi) in kata.