Learn Karate's Soto-Uke (or Outside Block)

This section examines Karate's Soto-Uke or "From The Outside Block". Karate blocks are used in self-defense, Karate katas, Karate kihon, etc.

Soto-uke block is ver versatile, and can be used to block or strike.

As a block it can protect against-

• A forward strike to face
• A forward strike to chest
• A forward strike to stomach area
• A round house to head

As a strike, by extending your thumb knuckle it can target

• Head, temple or jaw
• Neck
• Arm pit in the bag of nerve points there, please note that the arm has to be extended to be effective
• Ribs/floating ribs

To perform the block as a black.

1. From a relaxed stance, this is where any fight begins, a small c-step forward or a small back step, which ever is warrented
2. Crossing your arms, with the arm you will block with on the top
3. From low the blocking arm comes over your body covering that and the resting arm pulls back in Hikite both as you are stepping
4. From the blocking arm coming over your body it should rest with your fist just above arm level, and your elbow bent so your fore arm covers your head from the attack.

To perform as a strike is very simular to blocking, but

• The resting arm is used as a parry or to grab an incoming attack
• Your thumb knuckle should be extended as this is what we use to strike with
• Where your attacking arm ends can be different, from the head where it would be striking the temple are, jaw line, or even nose as a swipe, even ribs by lowering the arm when aiming the strike, or if possible, even under the armpit, which when stretched exposes alot of nerve points.

For more blocking information and videos, visit the main Karate Blocks section.