Gedan barai, the defensive technique for the lower area, directs (blocks) the attacks from the inside to the outside to the side.
Gedan barai is frequently used in kata. In the Heian series, it appears in all kata except Heian yondan. Due to the long path to the target, gedan barai can be executed so powerfully that a fight is ended even during the defense. It is relatively easy to injure an attacking arm or leg with it.
