The Jodan Age Uke, or Upper Rising Block, is the most effective head block one learns in GKR Karate, and is also very basic. It’s primary use is to block any sort of aerial attack, such as a hammer fist, punch, or attack from a weapon (such as a staff). The more powerful one’s stance, the more powerful your block will be.
To perform this technique, start in a normal standing position instead of a fighting stance. Pull your left arm back against your side in the form of a fist, and raise your right arm above your head. Take your right arm and bring it across your body so that your forearm is facing outwards and at a 45 degree angle with your fist clenched. Raise your arm until your elbow is completely level with the top of your head. At the same time, push your arm out enough to where it’s about a foot away from your head. Rotate your arm upwards so that at the moment of impact the soft part of your forearm blocks your opponent’s attack. Just like a punch, the rotation should come at the last possible second for the extra power. As your left arm is being raised, you simply retract the right arm back against your side with your fist clenched.
Keep your left arm in the raised position until you actually start to bring up your right arm to block. Dropping the left arm too early will expose your head. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. If your arm is grazing your head at all, either push your arm out further or push it out sooner.
2. When your arm is in the blocking position, make sure your forearm is at a 45 degree angle and not horizontal. Likewise, if it’s vertical, you will have to move your arm too far to the side to block.