In the Japanese language, there are basically 3 different attack levels:
1. Jōdan
2. Chūdan
3. Gedan
A variety of karate techniques are used to deliver strikes to these attack levels. In Shōtōkan Karate most strikes are executed using a linear approach utilising efficiency and power from the hips. Although this method is mostly preferred, there are other motions (circular, over and under) techniques to be considered also.
1.
Jōdan
The Jōdan area is the upper attack stage and includes neck and head. Accordingly, one calls a straight fist push (Oi-zuki) to the head area Oi-zuki jōdan. A half-circle foot (Mawashi-geri) to the head is called Mawashi-geri jōdan . The group of defence techniques mentioned above is called Jōdan-uke. This includes, for example Age-Uke (upward solid defence with the forearm), Haishu-Uke (back of the hand defence in the head region), or Morote-Uke (upper block defence with supporting second arm).
2.
Chūdan
The Chūdan area is the middle attack stage and extends from the neck down to the belt line. A reverse punch (Gyaku zuki) to the solar plexus is therefore called Gyaku zuki chudan. A straight foot step (Mae-geri) to belly is called Mae-geri chūdan. Chūdan-uke is the group of defensive techniques that are used in the middle. These include, for example, Uchi-ude-uke (inner-to-outer defence with the forearm), Soto-ude-uke (from the outside to the internal defences with the forearm) and Shutō-uke (swordhand).
3.
Gedan
The Gedan area is the lower attack stage and extends from the belt line down to the knees. The stage of gedan is largely a tabuzone in most stylistic settings, since it includes, among other things, the genital area. Therefore, the number of attack techniques in the Gedan area is rather low. Arm techniques are only possible as defence techniques (Gedan-uke), for example at Gedan-barai (arm defence in the Gedan area against foot attack Mae-geri). Attacks are carried out specifically in self-defence, for example as Yoko-geri kekomi gedan (Yoko-geri = Side Kick lateral foot impact) to the thigh-knee area.
Other attack levels
A fourth attack stage, however unsuitable for impact and percussion techniques, is called Hiza shita and reaches down from the knees down to the ground. In this area only foot sweep techniques are usually executed, which aim to get the opponent out of balance.
