空KarateDecodedDecode the kata
Home › Basics › Uchi-uke

Shotokan Technique · Block

内受けUchi-uke — Inside forearm block

Uchi-uke (内受け, “inside block”) sweeps the forearm from inside outward to deflect a mid-level attack, blocking with the thumb-side edge of the forearm. Note the naming: in JKA Shotokan it is named for where the block ends (the inside line), which is the reverse of how some other styles label it.
TypeBlock (uke)
TargetChūdan
TravelInside → outward
ContactThumb-side of forearm
StanceZenkutsu-dachi

See the technique型

Toggle between the phases. These are simplified schematics of the shape of the technique — pair them with the step-by-step below and your instructor.

A diagram shows the shape, not the speed or feel. For full-motion form, watch the reference video below and train it live.

How to perform it

  1. Chamber the blocking fist low across the body to the opposite hip; extend the other hand forward.
  2. Drive the elbow forward and sweep the forearm from the inside outward and upward.
  3. Rotate the forearm about 90° only at the end, so the thumb-side edge meets the attack (rotating early exposes the wrist).
  4. Snap the opposite hand back to the hip (hikite) to power the block.
  5. Finish with the fist at shoulder height, forearm vertical, elbow bent to a right angle about one fist in front of the ribs.

Key points

  • Travels inside → outward; contact is the thumb-side of the forearm.
  • Lead with the elbow, not the fist.
  • Rotate the forearm only at the point of contact.

Common mistakes

Rotating the forearm too early and blocking with the wrist bones.
Carrying the fist too far past the shoulder, opening your centre.
Leading with the fist instead of the elbow.
A late or missing hikite.

Where you’ll see it

Uchi-uke appears across the Shotokan kata syllabus, including:

Heian SandanBassai DaiKankū DaiJion

Application (bunkai)分解

It deflects a mid punch outward and clears the line for an immediate counter — the block itself can also trap or strike the attacking arm as it sweeps across.

Note: applications are interpretive and one shape carries several valid uses — explore them with a qualified instructor.

Watch a reference performance演武

To see Uchi-uke performed at full speed, watch instructor demonstrations:

▶ Watch “Uchi-uke” on YouTube

Related techniques

Soto-uke外受けAge-uke揚げ受けGedan-barai下段払い

Uchi-uke — frequently asked questions

What is the difference between uchi-uke and soto-uke?
In JKA Shotokan, uchi-uke travels from inside outward and blocks with the thumb-side of the forearm; soto-uke travels from outside inward and blocks with the little-finger side. Same target height, opposite motion and opposite blocking surface.
Why is uchi-uke called an inside block if the arm moves outward?
Shotokan names it for where the block comes from and ends — the inside line — not the direction of travel. Styles that name by direction (such as Wadō-ryū and the JKF) call the same motion soto-uke, which is why there is so much confusion.
Which part of the arm blocks in uchi-uke?
The thumb-side (radial) edge of the forearm — never the wrist bone.
Is uchi-uke the same as uchi-ude-uke?
Yes. Uchi-ude-uke (inside forearm block) is the full name; uchi-uke is the common short form.