Exploring Mawashi Uke: A Circular Block with Hidden Depth

In our dojo, the students were recently set a simple but valuable challenge: research a different uke technique and demonstrate it in class. I chose to explore Mawashi Uke — the circular-style block often associated with Goju Ryu — and to look at how it can be applied in practical self‑defence. My son helped me demonstrate the variations in the accompanying video.

Although Mawashi Uke isn’t native to my own style, Shorin Ryu, it appears in several Okinawan systems. In Goju Ryu it forms part of the foundational kata Sanchin, while in our Shorin Ryu kata Naihanchi it is often interpreted as an outside block followed by a double block. But when you look more closely at the mechanics, the movement reveals a much richer application.

To show how deeply the technique is embedded within Goju‑ryu, it can be found from Sanchin, through Tensho, Saifa, Seiyunchin, Seipai, Kururunfa, all the way to the most advanced kata, Suparinpei.

Beyond Blocking: The “Parry Pass” Concept

Rather than thinking of Mawashi Uke as a static block, it becomes far more effective when viewed as a “parry–pass” sequence:

·         The first hand parries the incoming strike.

·         The second hand passes or sweeps the attacking arm outward, taking control of it.

This two‑stage motion redirects energy, disrupts balance, and creates immediate openings. When combined with a quarter turn of the body, the technique extends the aggressor’s arm and exposes their back — a position that offers multiple follow‑ups.

Specific Techniques Demonstrated

The specific techniques I demonstrated were variations on this parry–pass and quarter‑turn principle. These included: a Pass Parry with a quarter turn into an arm bar applied by the parrying arm, followed by a kick to the head and a drag‑rotate motion on the arm to perform a drag‑down; a Pass Parry and quarter turn into an arm bar or shoulder control, followed by a stomping kick to the rear of the knee; and finally, a Parry Pass with a quarter turn into arm extension and shoulder control, stepping in front with the leg closest to the opponent before pushing down on the back of the head and dragging the arm to execute a throw over that leg.

See the Technique in Action

For those who prefer to see the movements demonstrated, the full video is available here:

Mawashi Uke - Circular Block

The video follows the same structure as this article, showing the Sanchin and Naihanchi interpretations, the parry–pass mechanism, and the three applied examples.

Why This Exploration Matters

Cross‑training concepts like Mawashi Uke helps deepen our understanding of kata, body mechanics, and the shared roots of Okinawan karate. Even when a technique isn’t central to our own style, studying it expands our options and sharpens our ability to interpret movement under pressure.

Thank you for reading.

REY 25/02/2026