what is jodan uke?
The quick answer: Jodan Uke is "High block" or "Head block".
It can be convenient, but if you're looking for real understanding or Karate theory on a higher level, it's actually a bad answer...
First, we need to understand the language:
Jodan = Jo + Dan.
Jo means above or up. Dan means grade or level.
You guessed it:
Jodan means upper level (from the collar bone to the tip of the head).
Uke means receive, so "Receive at upper level" is less easy than "high block".
Having said that...
Jodan Uke actually refers to ALL Uke Waza happening at Jodan level—not only the basic techniques that Shotokan stylists call "Age Uke" (rising "block").
Something can be said in favor of the approach:
- Age describes the trajectory of the movement and classifies more as well.
- Soto Uke for example —if executed Jodan— can also be called Jodan Uke.
You can see why Age Uke can be a more clear approach. For completeness, you could say Jodan Age Uke to be more precise about the direction of the movement.
Having said that in Wado we generally simply call this Jodan Uke. Most of the time anyway...
..so you can't really go wrong.
Anyway, if you execute Jodan Uke as you do in basic practise— there are a number of key points to take note of and mind as you practise:
The main thing is to not expose the armpit during Jodan Uke. Do so by squeezing your elbow inside during the movement while avoiding unnecessary tension.
Let's see how this goes again step by step.
jodan uke — step by step
Take Hikite position.
Bring your elbow inside properly.
Pass Seichusen and bring your arm next to your head.
Execute Jodan uke from your elbow and make sure that your arm and side of the body form a straight line.
key points of jodan uke
- Bring your elbow inside properly;
- Pass Seichusen and bring your arm next to your head;
- Execute Jodan uke from your elbow;
- Make sure that your arm and side of the body form a straight line.
I reveal and show the above key points of Jodan uke in the video.
applications of jodan uke
Ultimately, all techniques are applications of the fundamental principles. Jodan Uke included. Beginner level applications are straight forward - you can recognise the technique easily.
The more advanced you get, the more you know how to use the fundamental principle. In the end it may not even look like Jodan Uke...
beginner level ippon kumite
Here's an Ippon Kumite that shows the most standard use of Jodan Uke. It's the first way taught to beginners. The second movement is one of the ways to continue and counter attack.
ADVANCED level ippon kumite for jodan uke
This application is the first movement of Kumite Gata 12. You may think it's not Jodan Uke, and if you consider Jodan Uke to be the form you learn as a white belt, you're right.
But. Jodan Uke is a basic movement which "contains the formula for advanced movement" as Kazumasa Yokoyama Kancho verbalised it. In fact — it's the EXACT same movement, but more forward and emphasis is logically place in striking the opponent.
Both take Migi Hanmi Chudan Gamae. It's the formal name of "right stance".
The opponent strikes with his front hand sliding in, so when you take emotion and hormones out of the equation it's simple. Slide slightly diagonally inside.
It allows you to strike staight away, instead of 1-2 aka block-punch. When you counterattack AS your opponent attacks himself he has extremely limited (if any) options to defend himself. This principle is called "Ko Bo Ittai".
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just how many jodan uke are there?
3.
The application shown above not taken into the equation...
In Kata, you do the regular one — the neutral. For application you need to take circumstance and objective into account. And that's why Jodan Uke transforms.
Get accustomed to different types of Jodan Uke with this Kumite 
the mini series
gems of jodan uke
Each stance has advantages and disadvantages. If you know these you can pick the stance that you use for practise deliberately.
Use these 2 stances to their benefit:
After focussing on the centre line and the trajectory of the arm, it's time to add body movement. Importance lies in picking the right method so you can strictly focus on rotational movement. At the same time it should complement Jodan Uke.
Here's your key to rotational movement:
If you're looking for the most efficient way to practise you have to let all methods complement each other. That's why the movement chosen in this method and the stance are not an accident.
Here's how to combine elements and connect it to your movement:
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