“Gedan Uke” Turn and Throw
Following the exact pattern of movement called gedan uke you can trap an incoming grab or strike, lock the elbow and shoulder, and throw the opponent.
This interpretation begins with your right arm extended. This is your position after the third front punch in Fukyugata Ichi.
This turn also appears in Pinan Shodan (see our video “Chudan Arch”) and in the advanced kata.
The opponent sidesteps that punch and counters with a left punch or kick to your center.
We demonstrate this against a punch. A kick is also a likely attack here.
You twist your hips moving your body out of the line of attack. Simultaneously you redirect his incoming punch with the radial edge of your right arm, as it rises across your chest. This is sometimes described as “covering” for a “down block.”
The interpretation of this kind of move as a “down block” does not seem to be correct. As you can see in the Nagamine demo from 1965, the timing, distance, maneuver and perception are all impractical. The defender would have to perceive the attack without seeing it, know not only that there is someone there but what he is targeting, the attacker is too far away to be effective, the defender has to take the time to step in to defend against this kick to the air, and even then, is not positioned to immediately counter, as he does in the kata.
That redirect sends his attacking arm past you as you trap his arm from above and below, using the exact posture and arm positions taught as “chudan uke.” You can grip his elbow and shoulder naturally in this posture.
You continue to turn 225° in Fukyugata Ichi and Pinan Shodan.
His elbow and shoulder are locked. As you turn, he will go over your hip if you pull him straight in, or down if you send him past you and hold on throughout the move.
This uses the power of the opponent against him. As do all moves in all martial arts, static or moving. In this case he is moving in and you continue his forward motion past his intended foundation and balance point.
This Gedan Uke to protect the lower body from a strike works moving forward, not turning.
This is an effective interpretation of several moves in Fukyugata Ichi, Pinan Shodan and in advanced kata.
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