jodan

Jodan is a term that can refer to several concepts, most commonly in Japanese martial arts. It is derived from the Japanese 上段, read jōdan, and means "upper level" or "upper stance."

In martial arts, jōdan designates the high zone of attack or defense. In kendo, jōdan no kamae is a high guard with the sword held above the head. In karate and other striking arts, techniques described as jōdan tsuki (high punch) or jōdan uke (high block) target or protect the head. The term is contrasted with chūdan (middle) and gedan (low), which describe mid-level and lower zones. Applications vary by style and rules, but the high-level focus is a common element.

Outside martial arts, jōdan can appear in Japanese-language contexts to describe the upper part of something or an upper tier; in English-language discussions it is usually clarified by context. The romanization may appear as Jodan, Jōdan, or Jōdan depending on the system used.