Basic Defensive Terminology

Whether you are a novice seeking to learn the fundamentals or a seasoned practitioner aiming to refine your techniques, it is imperative to grasp the lexicon employed in karate classes.

To maximize the benefits of your karate instruction, it is essential to familiarize yourself with a diverse range of basic defensive terms, including their pronunciation and meanings. These terms comprise various stances, blocks, and strikes that are deployed to safeguard against an adversary’s attacks.

For instance, basic stances such as the front stance, back stance, and horse stance are used to maintain balance and stability while executing techniques.

Blocks, such as the inward block, outward block, and rising block, serve to deflect an opponent’s punches or kicks.

Moreover, strikes, such as the front punch, reverse punch, and knife-hand strike, are employed to deliver blows to an adversary’s body.

By gaining a comprehensive understanding of these fundamental defensive terms, you will be better equipped to participate in training sessions and enhance your karate proficiency.

This guide will help you become familiar with a variety of basic defensive terms, including their pronunciation and meanings, so that you can easily follow along during training.

Uke (Oo-kay): Block

Jodan Age Uke (Joe-darn Arg-eh Oo-kay)
Upper Rising Block

Soto Uke (Soh-toh Oo-kay)
Outside Block
Also known as Soto Ude Uke (Outside Forearm Block)

Uchi Uke (Oo-chey Oo-kay)
Inside Block or Inside Hooking Block
Also known as Uchi Ude Uke (Inside Forearm Block) or Chudan Uchi Uke (Mid level Inside block)

Gedan Barai (Geh-darn Bar-rye)
Downward Block

Gedan Uke (Geh-darn Oo-kay)
Lower Block
Also known as Gedan Ashi Barai (Lower level sweeping block)

Chuge Uke (Chuh-geh Oo-kay)
Double Block or Body Groin Block
‘Chu’ coming from Chudan (mid level) and ‘Ge’ coming from Gedan (lower level)

Kake Uke (Kar-keh Oo-kay)
Hooking Block

Mawashi Uke (Ma-wash-ee Oo-kay)
Round Block

Shuto Uke (Shoe-toe Oo-kay)
Knife Hand block

Mastering these defensive terms will significantly enhance your understanding and execution of karate techniques. By familiarizing yourself with this terminology, you enrich your martial arts vocabulary and deepen your practice, allowing for a more engaging and practical learning experience.

Remember, each term carries a specific meaning that reflects a fundamental aspect of the defensive techniques in GKR Karate. Keep practising and revisiting these terms as you advance in your karate journey.

Titles And Rankings with GKR Karate
Self Defence Within The Law

Why GKR Karate?

GKR creates the right environment for our members to train in. Although we promote self defence and fitness, our style also fosters positive values, confidence, discipline, focus and well being. GKR teaches you not only how to punch and kick, it teaches you to be a better person.

We encourage students of all ages, from all walks of life to join our club and be part of the supportive ‘family’ that is GKR Karate.

Self Defence

Synonymous with martial arts, self defence and inner self confidence are one of the key takeaways from regular training. From the age of 5 GKR teaches basic self defence and extraction moves, continuing right through to our senior grades.
Weight Loss

Karate is a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight, with most classes consisting of aerobic, stretching and toning activities. For those who may not have exercised in some time, GKR provides a supportive environment where students can train at their own pace and physical ability. Our classes are a mixture of men, women and children of all ages.
Focus

Many parents are keen to see their children develop greater focus and discipline through their martial arts training, and GKR’s classes provide the perfect environment. Instructors teach in a respectful and supportive atmosphere through karate inspired games, activities and drills.

Family

GKR promotes a family environment, encouraging kids, parents and relatives to all train in the same class. Staying a few karate grades behind your children, will encourage them to continue a regular training program.
Respect

As a traditional Japanese martial arts, karate promotes respect to our instructors, our club, each other and most importantly ourselves. This is a key part of your learnings as a student of GKR karate.
Friendships

Although karate is considered a solo sport, it is still the foundation for many life long friendships. Classes include games and partner work where children and adults alike take the opportunity to learn about and bond with their fellow class mates.

Have a question or require further information? Contact us today.

About GKR

Basic Defensive Terminology

Basic Defensive Terminology

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Why GKR Karate?

About GKR

Basic Defensive Terminology

Basic Defensive Terminology

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Why GKR Karate?

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