© 2014 T. Westermann

Soto uke - outer forearm block

With Soto uke you fends off an attack with the forearm from outside to inside. The defense level is primarily the Chudan area (stomach to chest), but it can also be warded attacks to the head (Jodan). Soto uchi is outstandingly suitable as a defense against backhand strikes. The impact surface while blocking is formed by the lateral outer forearm (ulnar side); here too for an most effective execution the use of the hip is crucial. Because the attack, while blocking hits on a relatively hard "obstacle" , bruises at the aggressor but also at the defender can not be excluded.

The following variants of Soto uke are possible: Morote soto uke – At very strong running strikes or even at kicks, the block can be performed with both forearms. Here, the second arm performs Uchi uke, so from the inside outwards. Soto barai uke – The blocking forearm is turned directly after contact with the attacking extremity in a sweeping movement.