Morote uke Examples
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Double Arm Block·Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu
Just some samples of possible uses of the Morote uke, both-hand block/augmented block. Please 'like' & subscribe to my …
Double Arm Block
SubFamily諸手受け(Morote Uke)
TraditionalTranslation: double arm block / augmented block
Overview
The Double Arm Block (Morote Uke) uses both arms simultaneously to block a powerful incoming attack, with one arm performing the primary block and the other reinforcing it. [1] In karate, it is called morote uke (augmented forearm block), where the back fist of the supporting hand is placed against the inside of the blocking arm's forearm to add structural reinforcement. [1],[2] In Taekwon-Do it is doo palmok makgi (double forearm block). This technique is used against powerful attacks where a single-arm block may be insufficient — particularly against strong roundhouse kicks or committed punches. [1]
Morote UkeJPDoo Palmok MakgiAugmented BlockReinforced BlockTwo Arm Block
History & Origin
The Double Arm Block (Morote Uke) is documented in Gichin Funakoshi's Karate-Do Kyohan as an augmented forearm block for defending against powerful attacks. [1] In Taekwon-Do it is doo palmok makgi. The technique appears in kata/forms across nearly all traditional martial arts as a response to committed power attacks. [1],[2]
Effectiveness
Essential against powerful attacks where a single arm block would be insufficient. [1] Particularly effective against roundhouse kicks to the body — the double forearm barrier absorbs the shin impact. However, it commits both hands to defense, so it must be followed immediately by a counter-attack. [1]
Lineage
Okinawan karate lineage: Chinese martial arts (Fujian White Crane, Southern Shaolin) → Okinawan te (Shuri-te, Naha-te, Tomari-te) → systematized by Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna → transmitted to mainland Japan by Gichin Funakoshi (Shotokan), Chojun Miyagi (Goju-Ryu), and Kenwa Mabuni (Shito-Ryu) in the 1920s–30s. [1]
Competition Record
Fundamental defensive technique in WKF karate kumite competition. Used in every competitive karate match. Also foundational in TKD, kickboxing, and MMA striking defense. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Two arms work together — one blocks, one reinforces — creating a structurally stronger barrier
Joints Involved — Both shoulders, both elbows — one in blocking position, one supporting
Force Vector — Perpendicular to incoming strike with reinforcement from second arm
Contact Surface — Outer forearm of primary arm, reinforced by inner forearm of supporting arm
Position & Entry
From fighting stance — Both arms move to block simultaneously — the primary arm blocks while the secondary arm reinforces from behind
Against a powerful roundhouse — Raise both forearms together to create a double barrier against the shin
Variants
Augmented block (morote uke) — one arm blocks, the other reinforces from behind
X-block (juji uke) — both forearms cross to create an X-shaped barrier
Double rising block — both arms sweep upward against an overhead attack
Double low block — both arms sweep downward against a low kick
Videos
morote uke Bunkai Strategies 2021 week 15 koryu karate oyo jutsu
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Double Arm Block·John Burke
http://www.bunkai.co.uk for the free Bunkai Strategies Newsletter and our range of DVDs, Books, and Downloads. In this …
morote uke Bunkai Strategies 2020 week 19 koryu karate oyo jutsu
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Double Arm Block·John Burke
http://www.bunkai.co.uk for the free Bunkai Strategies Newsletter and our range of DVDs, Books, and Downloads. In this …
HOW TO: MOROTE UKE | Shōtōkan Karate Technique by Fiore Tartaglia
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Double Arm Block·Fiore Tartaglia
🔊 Turn on subtitles 🇺🇸 Video description: MOROTE UKE | Shōtōkan Karate Technique --- If you like the video, feel fr…
Lesson 158: Muay Boran Double Arm Block (part 1)
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Double Arm Block·Muay Boran Academy
This ancient Muay Thai method of blocking uses 2 arms to block as you step inward to close the gap. In this instance, we…
Morote Uke - einmal richtig erklärt!
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Double Arm Block·Marie Niino Karate & Kokoro Physical Training
Es gibt viele verschiedene Varianten einer Technikausführung. Warum ist das so? Beherrsche das Kihon Basic Prinzip und v…
Karate Moves | MOROTE UKE - DOUBLE REINFORCED BLOCK
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Double Arm Block·NATIONAL KARATE KOBUDO FEDERATION
☯️ BIO: Kyoshi Colton Woodard, USA National Team Athlete, Entrepreneur, Ramen Noodle Connoisseur & Operator of the Natio…
Karate Short - Augmented Block / Morote Uke Part 1 - Block/Strike
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Double Arm Block·Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu
This is an orientation for the use of the augmented block / morote uke as a block and strike, either simultaneously, or …
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8 videosWhat Instructors Say
The double arm block (morote uke) functions as a simultaneous defensive and offensive technique in which both arms work together to intercept and neutralize incoming attacks while creating immediate striking opportunities. According to Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu, the fundamental application involves raising both hands to protect the body when an opponent throws a punch, with one arm blocking while the other generates a counter-strike, particularly targeting the torso or neck. The technique's effectiveness increases when the defender breaks the attacker's structural integrity through the block itself. John Burke emphasizes alternative bunkai applications involving grab scenarios, where the defender uses the double arm block mechanics to control an aggressor's wrist or grip, roll their arm position, and transition into striking from a position of control. Both instructors agree the timing of interception is critical—ideally catching the attacker's arm before it passes the shoulder. Kata For Self Defense details multiple striking targets including the floating ribs, thoracic nerve, femoral nerve, and jaw, with variations in stance (front or back) and follow-up sequences depending on kata context. The technique appears extensively in Heian Nidan and Heian Sandan, where it manifests as block-strike combinations or multi-strike sequences. Burke stresses the importance of controlling the opponent's weapons and managing positioning advantage before committing to strikes.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu — Morote uke Examples: Provides foundational block-strike mechanics, structural breaking principles, multiple kata applications (Heian Nida, Heian Sanda, Joan), and demonstrates how the block can transition into wrist control or lifting applications.
- John Burke — morote uke Bunkai Strategies 2021 week 15 koryu karate oyo jutsu: Emphasizes grab-scenario applications where the defender intercepts a wrist grab from someone attempting to pull them into a strike, then uses double arm mechanics to roll the grip and counter-strike in front stance.
- Kata For Self Defense Shotoryu Goshinjutsu — Karate Short - Augmented Block / Morote Uke Part 1 - Block/Strike: Provides extensive detail on timing optimization, specific target zones (brachial muscle, femoral nerve, floating rib, thoracic nerve), stance variations with tactical implications, and sequential multi-strike follow-ups including knee strikes.
- John Burke — morote uke Bunkai Strategies 2020 week 19 koryu karate oyo jutsu: Demonstrates control principles in grab applications, wrist tucking mechanics, weapon neutralization, and the importance of cutting across the wrist rather than striking vertically to maximize effect.
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
1
Low1/10
Minimal — defensive technique.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
WKF Karate— fundamental defensive technique
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDFWT Taekwondo— blocking is a core skill
WT Competition Rules 2026PDFWAKO Kickboxing
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDFUnified MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFTraining Notes
✓Use the double block only against POWERFUL attacks — it ties up both hands
✓The reinforcing arm should contact the blocking arm's inner forearm
✓Keep the elbows close to the body for structural strength
✓Immediately follow with a counter — both hands occupied means you need to transition fast
Common Mistakes
!Using the double block against weak attacks — wastes both hands unnecessarily
!Reaching too far — both arms extended leaves the body exposed
!Not countering immediately after the block — you're defensively committed
!Poor alignment between the two arms — reduces structural reinforcement
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Double block a roundhouse kick → immediate counter knee to the body
2X-block a downward strike → push attacker away and counter
3Double low block a leg kick → rising counter-kick to the head
Sources & References
Primary Source
Funakoshi, G. Karate-Do Kyohan. Kodansha.
1BookFunakoshi, G. Karate-Do Kyohan. Kodansha.
[1] Funakoshi, Karate-Do Kyohan, Blocking chapter
2BookChoi, H.H. Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. IFT.
[2] Choi, Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (1999)
Official karate technique names (和語/漢語)
4OtherJapanese Martial Arts Standard Terminology (武道用語)
Established Japanese martial arts naming convention — native Japanese term (和語/漢語)
5CitationFunakoshi, G. Karate-Do Kyohan. Kodansha.
[1] Funakoshi, Karate-Do Kyohan, Blocking chapter
6CitationChoi, H.H. Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. IFT.
[2] Choi, Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (1999)
Community
Athletics
Requires
forearm conditioning (absorbing powerful impacts), structural alignment
Key muscles
both deltoids, both forearm complexes, core (absorbing impact through the body)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a double arm block instead of just moving away?
A double arm block is preferable when moving away would allow your opponent to continue their attack. By moving in and up while executing the block, you can simultaneously defend and strike across their head in one motion, controlling the distance and neutralizing the threat.
How do I follow up after landing a double arm block?
After executing the double arm block and striking, you can continue with a double tap combination—such as a kick followed by an elbow strike—which bends your opponent over and creates an excellent target for follow-up techniques.
How does the Double Arm Block work?
The Double Arm Block (Morote Uke) uses both arms simultaneously to block a powerful incoming attack, with one arm performing the primary block and the other reinforcing it. In karate, it is called morote uke (augmented forearm block), where the back fist of the supporting hand is placed against the inside of the blocking arm's forearm to add structural reinforcement.
Where does the Double Arm Block come from?
The Double Arm Block (Morote Uke) is documented in Gichin Funakoshi's Karate-Do Kyohan as an augmented forearm block for defending against powerful attacks. In Taekwon-Do it is doo palmok makgi.
Is the Double Arm Block legal in competition?
WKF Karate: Legal: legal — fundamental defensive technique; WT Taekwondo: Legal: legal — blocking is a core skill; WAKO Kickboxing: Legal {src:WAKO Full Contact Rules|/sources/WAKO: legal — Full-Contact-Rules.pdf}; Unified MMA: Legal {src:Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025|/sources/Unified: legal — MMA-Rules-August-2025.pdf}
How dangerous is the Double Arm Block?
Danger rating 1/10. Minimal — defensive technique.
How do I set up the Double Arm Block?
The standard setup chain: Double block a roundhouse kick → immediate counter knee to the body → X-block a downward strike → push attacker away and counter → Double low block a leg kick → rising counter-kick to the head.
How do I defend against the Double Arm Block?
Standard counters include: N/A — this IS a defensive technique. Can be exploited by feinting a power attack then striking elsewhere while both a….
What are the variants of the Double Arm Block?
Common variants: Augmented block (morote uke) (one arm blocks, the other reinforces from behind); X-block (juji uke) (both forearms cross to create an X-shaped barrier); Double rising block (both arms sweep upward against an overhead attack); Double low block (both arms sweep downward against a low kick).
How effective is the Double Arm Block in competition?
Fundamental defensive technique in WKF karate kumite competition. Used in every competitive karate match.
What are common mistakes when doing the Double Arm Block?
Top errors to watch for: Using the double block against weak attacks — wastes both hands unnecessarily / Reaching too far — both arms extended leaves the body exposed / Not countering immediately after the block — you're defensively committed / Poor alignment between the two arms — reduces structural reinforcement.
What are other names for the Double Arm Block?
The Double Arm Block is also known as Morote Uke, Doo Palmok Makgi, Augmented Block, Reinforced Block, Two Arm Block.