MANJI UKE

The spinal block is a combined defensive technique of Gedan barai and Jōdan uchi uke.

Manji uke is used almost exclusively in conjunction with kokutsu dachi. It is used in partner exercises or bunkai exercises based on a free-fighting stance. Manji uke appears frequently in kata. The technique first appeared in Heian godan. It is used most frequently in the master kata Gankaku.