I like this one a lot. Gedan Barai translates to 'low level block'. It looks easy to perform but believe me, form and application of this defensive move is difficult. I think the kids like doing this one a lot . They seem to hold their stance well when doing it and you can see it in their faces. So serious and so much effort into control. Not easy for even the adults, the angle of the lower arm is very important, as with the drawn back attacking arm. That with being well balanced on your feet make this defensive move something very challenging. Make sure to watch Yamaguchi-sensei or Taka-sensei carefully when this block is performed. It is a very beautiful and classic karate manuever, something I definitely will be practicing hard on in the next class.
Wayne.
