Jōdan
/ˈdʒoʊ.dɑːn/noun
A high-level stance or guard position in Japanese martial arts, especially with the hands or weapon held above the shoulders.
Did you know?In karate terminology, jōdan is one of three vertical target zones: jōdan is high, chūdan is middle, and gedan is low.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Chinese
Chinese
上段
“An upper section, upper level, or higher rank”
Middle Chinese
Chinese
上段
“Upper part or elevated section”
Early Japanese
Japanese
jōdan
“An upper level or high section; written with the characters 上段”
20th Century
Japanese martial arts
jōdan
“A high stance, guard, or target area in disciplines such as karate and kendō”
Modern English
English
jōdan
“A high guard or upper-level stance in Japanese martial arts”