LOWER BLOCK (GEDAN BARAI) POSITION
What is the Japanese name for Lower Block? ANSWER: Gedan Barai
What is the position of the blocking arm? ANSWER: The blocking arm is in front of the front leg.
What is the position of the non-blocking or returning arm? ANSWER: The returning arm is tucked back with the elbow pushing towards the spine.
What is this position called in Japanese? ANSWER: Hikite
What is the stance for the lower block position? ANSWER: Front Stance or Forward stance.
What is the Japanese name for Forward Stance? ANSWER: Zenkutsu Dachi.
How long is forward stance? ANSWER: Approximately two shoulder widths long.
How wide is forward stance? ANSWER: Forward stance is a maximum of one shoulder width wide.
How are the feet placed in forward stance? ANSWER: The outside edge of the front foot is straight ahead, so the foot is turned slightly inwards. The back foot is less than 30 degrees to the front.
How far do you bend the knee in forward stance? ANSWER: The front knee should be bent so that if the kneecap fell off, it would land on the big toe, and the knee should just block visibility of the big toe.
What is the weight distribution in forward stance? ANSWER: 60 percent forward, 40 percent back.
What is the hip position for Lower Block? ANSWER: Half facing position or Hanme.
What is the posture in Lower Block position? ANSWER: Straight posture with the tailbone tucked under.
