Karate Rising Block (Age-uke)
Quick Information
Category
Combat Sports
Difficulty
Beginner
Equipment
None
Primary muscle group
Deltoids, Triceps Brachii, Obliques
Secondary muscle groups
Latissimus Dorsi, Gluteals, Quadriceps
Movement pattern
Upward Block
Training goal
Skill Acquisition
Sport
Karate, Kickboxing, General Athletic Development
Overview
Purpose. Deflect a high or descending attack upwards and away using the forearm, while the other hand withdraws to load a counter.
How it fits the system. The upward block of the karate material in the Combat Sports section. Related work in the library: Karate Down Block and Karate Knife Hand Block.
Primary muscles
Deltoids, Triceps Brachii, Obliques
Secondary muscles
Latissimus Dorsi, Gluteals, Quadriceps
Movement pattern
Upward Block
Equipment
None
Difficulty
Beginner
How to Perform
- Begin in a stance with one arm extended and the other fist at the hip.
- Bring the blocking forearm up and across in front of the forehead, rotating so the little-finger edge leads.
- Finish with the forearm angled and roughly a fist-width above the forehead.
- Withdraw the other hand to the hip at the same speed to complete the technique.
Coaching Cues
- “Deflect upwards and outwards, do not stop it dead.”
- “Forearm angled, not flat.”
- “Both arms move together.”
Common Mistakes
- Blocking directly overhead with a flat forearm, which absorbs rather than deflects the force.
- Blocking too close to the head, leaving no room to deflect.
Progressions & Regressions
Progressions
Add it while stepping, then block a partner’s descending strike, then block and counter.
Regressions
Practise the path of the forearm slowly in front of a mirror.
When to Use It
When to use
Kihon practice, line drills and kumite preparation.
When not to use
Wrist, elbow or shoulder injury.
Programming
3–5 sets of 10–20 repetitions per side with full extension and full retraction.
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