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Uke

What is Uke?

In martial arts, an Uke is the receiver of an attack, either blocking or absorbing a technique i.e., receiving an opponent’s strike or being thrown.
Common ones in karate are:

  • Age-uke (rising block) → deflects upward.
  • Gedan-barai (downward sweep/block) → protects the lower body.
  • Soto-uke (outside block) → sweeping block outward.
  • Uchi-uke (inside block) → sweeping block inward.
  • Shuto-uke (knife-hand block) → block with the side of the hand.

Why It Matters

  • Shows the idea that martial arts aren’t only about attacking — but also about receiving, controlling, and neutralizing energy.
  • Whether as the partner (uke) or the defender (using uke techniques), it’s about balance between offense and defense.

Related Article:  Shotokan Karate: Complete Guide to the World's Most Popular Martial Art Style

I believe that which you study is only matched in importance by the sincerity with which you approach it.
Chris Matakas

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