© 2014 T. Westermann

Shuto uke – Hand edge block

At Shuto uke the block is performed with the edge of the hand. The technique can be used in the lower Jodan, Chudan and upper Gedan area as well. For a strong performed technique the use of the hips is crucial. Shuto uke is a very challenging technique and it is very difficult to perform it strongly. In Shotokan Karate, it is intended as a hard block technique to break the opponent's arm. But it can also prepare the grip of the opponent's arm.

The following variants of Shuto uke are possible:

  • Uchi shuto uke – Defense like Uchi uke, ...
  • Soto shuto uke – Defense like Soto uke, ...
  • Otoshi shuto uke – Defense like Otoshi uke, ...
  • Gedan shuto barai – Defense like Gedan barai, ...

... however, the impact surface is the hand edge!