Karate Name: Jodan Uke
Objective: to learn how to perform a head block used to defend against attacks to the head and face.
How to: The head block can be performed from any stance. The idea is to use your forearm to strongly block and deflect an incoming attack.
The effectiveness of the block comes from the angle of the arm and the speed and twist of the defence.
• In any stance (shown here is from ready stance stepping to left long stance).
• The blocking arm is raised in an uppercut type move in front of the body and face.
• The arm is rotated and stops at approx. a 45 degree angle from the horizon about 15cm away from the forehead.
• The wrist and hand should be clenched and in line with the forearm. The opposite arm is pulled back to the waist or belt height in a reverse twist so the palm is upwards but fist clenched.