Introduction and Context

Musuke from Kaido introduces a comparative analysis of Gedan Barai between Karate and Aikido methodologies, featuring guest instructors Gyom and Mihai-san from Japan. The session addresses fundamental differences in how each discipline applies this foundational blocking technique.

Limitations of Hip-Driven Technique

While Gedan Barai is traditionally used in Karate to break grips, a more efficient approach exists. When force is generated primarily through hip rotation, energy disperses inefficiently across multiple vectors—into the hips, shoulders, and ground—resulting in significant power loss.

The Vertical Axis Principle

Rather than distributing force laterally, practitioners should channel energy through a single vertical axis aligned with their spine. This method utilizes ground contact and shoulder engagement without hip rotation, maintaining energy efficiency and structural integrity throughout the technique.

Proper Body Alignment and Weight Distribution

The correct execution involves slight shoulder elevation combined with downward body weight direction, similar to drawing a bow. The lower body remains stable while force transmits straight down through the spine, creating maximum density at the point of contact without compensatory hip movement.

The Hip Rotation Mistake

Hip rotation, even when executed skillfully, causes energy leakage from multiple angles. The shoulders and hips must move together as a unified structure; any twisting motion disperses force that should travel along the single central axis, dramatically reducing technique effectiveness.

Elbow Placement and Spinal Extension

The elbow serves only to direct force, never to generate it. Practitioners should focus on dropping the body weight first while maintaining heavy sensation through proper alignment, then extend along the spine without flaring the elbows outward, which causes energy loss.

Lower Body Engagement

The legs do not actively drive the technique; instead, practitioners place their weight centered at the belly button level while maintaining hip-shoulder unity. This positioning creates a heavy, grounded sensation directly proportional to proper vertical alignment rather than muscular effort.

Force Absorption Through Gravity

Generating excessive power without proper structural alignment causes injury, particularly to the lower back. By directing all force—both generated and received—toward the ground through the vertical axis, practitioners safely absorb and transmit power without compensatory strain on vulnerable joints.

Practical Application: Standing Resistance

During applied practice, a stiff, rigid structure is easily unbalanced. Instead, practitioners should maintain relaxed alertness while radiating stability toward the floor, creating an immovable quality without muscular tension that would compromise balance and responsiveness.

Pressure Redirection and Ground Connection

When external pressure is applied, practitioners must redirect incoming force downward through the body into the ground rather than compensating through the arms or lower back. Proper execution creates a sensation of increased heaviness at the contact point while maintaining tension-free structure throughout the body.

❌DON'T❌ Turn Your Hips!?!?｜Gedan Barai Aiki-Jujutsu Style

Karate Dojo waKu

Gedan Barai

2 min read·10 key moments·PT10M35S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction and Context
•Limitations of Hip-Driven Technique
•The Vertical Axis Principle
•Proper Body Alignment and Weight Distribution

Yokohama Budokan: https://budokan.buntai.jp/ Aikido in Japan https://www.youtube.com/user/SenNoSenProject Guillaume Erard: Aiki-jujutsu instructor from Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu Shikoku Hombu 🥋Join my ONLINE GROUP LESSONS and receive personal feedback!🥋 Program Details: https://karateintokyo.com/ Any questions or concerns? → Email me at [email protected] 【Chapters】 00:00 Introduction 00:11 Aiki Gedan Barai Explanation 01:14 The Key Is "Vertical Movement" 04:34 Practice w/ A Sword 05:55 Practice w/ A Pushing Game -------------------------------------------------------------- ✨| For Online Private Lesson, sign up from here https://bit.ly/2LX2kYl 📱| Check out our INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/karate_dojo... ✉️| Email me at [email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------- 📷Filming Gear🎥 Mic: https://amzn.to/3acXAGu Tripod: https://amzn.to/3eAKhmy Camera: https://amzn.to/2K7SeS9 Lens: https://amzn.to/3bc7klD iPhone Case: https://amzn.to/2XFbzC3 Lights: https://amzn.to/3b9XAs8 Final Cut Pro X: https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/ MacBook Pro 13in: https://amzn.to/2xBhvlf Samsung SSD: https://amzn.to/3arkRUY WD HDD: https://amzn.to/2wUPwfN Green Screen: https://amzn.to/2yiXlfw Camera App: https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/pro-cam... -------------------------------------------------------------- 📕My Background📕 Name: Yusuke Nagano Birthplace: Kawasaki, Japan Belt Grade: 2 Dan As a Competitor: 2 Years @ Local Dojo in USA, 7 Years @ Keio Mita Karate Club As a Coach: 4 Years @ Keio Mita Karate Club, 2 Years @ Karate Dojo waKu Style of Coaching: The Fusion of Simple Concept and Logical Breakdown -------------------------------------------------------------- What I covered in this video: karate, shotokan, karate shotokan, shotokan karate, karate sensei, karate tutorial, karate how to, karate dojo waku, yusuke nagano, sensei seth, karate nerd, jesse karate, jesse enkamp, aikido, aiki, aikijutusu, aikijujutsu, aiki-jujutsu, aikido vs mma, aikido vs karate, karate vs aikido, karate vs aikido real fight, shotokan karate vs aikido, aikido master vs karate master, baki aikido vs karate, aikido vs mma real fight, karate vs, aikido vs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about gedan barai?

This video covers introduction and context, limitations of hip-driven technique, the vertical axis principle. It provides detailed instruction from Karate Dojo waKu.

How long does it take to learn gedan barai?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.