Blocking techniques
Encyclopedia
In martial arts
, blocking is the act of stopping or deflecting an opponent's attack for the purpose of preventing injurious contact with the body. A block usually consists of placing a limb across the line of the attack.
, these techniques are referred to as uke waza. Examples include age uke (rising block) and shuto uke (knife hand guarding block). In Korean martial arts such as Taekwondo
, these techniques are referred to as makgi, with some examples being chukyeo makgi (rising block) and sonkal daebi makgi (knifehand guarding block).
away from the defender. For example, against a straight punch to the face, an inside forearm block would aim to meet the inside of the forearm of the attacker, pushing the punch outward, leaving the opponents facing each other which also helps in counter attack.
away from the defender and across the attacker. For example, against a straight punch to the face, an outside forearm block would aim to meet the outside forearm of the attacker, pushing the punch outward, leaving the defender slightly to the side of the strike causing it to miss. Typically, because of the angles involved, inward blocks are used against attacks aimed at the torso; although they can be used to defend any area, these usually require a movement from the defender. Executed correctly, this kind of block can create a good opening for a counter-attack. For example, if an attacker were to aim a right-handed punch at an opponent's torso, if the opponent side-stepped left and used his left hand to strike the outside of the attacker's punching arm to the right, this would leave the attacker off-axis, off-balance, and facing at an approximate angle of 45 degrees to the left of where he intended to be when the punch was thrown. This would leave the whole right hand side of the attacker's body open, whereupon his opponent could then choose from a range of counter attacks, such as a knee kick, a roundhouse kick
to the floating ribs, or an elbow strike to the head or ribs, all of which would inflict serious damage.
. The chamber starts with the forearm across the chest, the hand in a loose fist, and the palm facing upwards towards the cheek. As the arm is lowered and passes the outside of the abdomen, the palm is turned forcefully downwards and the fist and arm are tensed.
More complex blocks include the circular block, X block, high X block, twin forearm guarding block, hooking block, and pole block.
or palm strike
can be used to neutralize an incoming blow. It is also common to use the knee to block leg attacks from an opponent. A knee block, however, is ineffective when dealing with side kicks and any kick in which the heel of the foot is used and may result in damage to the knee.
Blocks are considered by some to be the most direct and least subtle of defensive techniques. Other ways of avoiding attack include evasion, trapping, slipping and deflection of the oncoming attack; this approach is often referred to as the application of 'soft' techniques (see hard and soft (martial arts)
). Sometimes, it is more useful to deflect an attack, as it may leave the opponent open for a counter-attack. Some martial arts, such as T'ai chi ch'uan and Capoeira
, reject blocking techniques completely as they consider them too inefficient. In Capoeira, they use evasion instead of blocking.
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
, blocking is the act of stopping or deflecting an opponent's attack for the purpose of preventing injurious contact with the body. A block usually consists of placing a limb across the line of the attack.
Examples in specific arts
Styles and types of blocking, as well as terminology, vary widely among the various martial arts. In Japanese martial arts such as KarateKarate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
, these techniques are referred to as uke waza. Examples include age uke (rising block) and shuto uke (knife hand guarding block). In Korean martial arts such as Taekwondo
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path"...
, these techniques are referred to as makgi, with some examples being chukyeo makgi (rising block) and sonkal daebi makgi (knifehand guarding block).
Types of blocks
Simple blocks are usually the first to be taught to beginning students in a martial art, and can be as effective in combat situations as more complex moves. The details of blocks vary from style to style, but broadly blocks can be split in to two types: inside and outside.Inside blocks
An inside block deflects a strikeStrike (attack)
A strike is an attack with an inanimate object, such as a weapon, or with a part of the human body intended to cause an effect upon an opponent or to simply cause harm to an opponent. There are many different varieties of strikes...
away from the defender. For example, against a straight punch to the face, an inside forearm block would aim to meet the inside of the forearm of the attacker, pushing the punch outward, leaving the opponents facing each other which also helps in counter attack.
Outside blocks
An outside block deflects a strikeStrike (attack)
A strike is an attack with an inanimate object, such as a weapon, or with a part of the human body intended to cause an effect upon an opponent or to simply cause harm to an opponent. There are many different varieties of strikes...
away from the defender and across the attacker. For example, against a straight punch to the face, an outside forearm block would aim to meet the outside forearm of the attacker, pushing the punch outward, leaving the defender slightly to the side of the strike causing it to miss. Typically, because of the angles involved, inward blocks are used against attacks aimed at the torso; although they can be used to defend any area, these usually require a movement from the defender. Executed correctly, this kind of block can create a good opening for a counter-attack. For example, if an attacker were to aim a right-handed punch at an opponent's torso, if the opponent side-stepped left and used his left hand to strike the outside of the attacker's punching arm to the right, this would leave the attacker off-axis, off-balance, and facing at an approximate angle of 45 degrees to the left of where he intended to be when the punch was thrown. This would leave the whole right hand side of the attacker's body open, whereupon his opponent could then choose from a range of counter attacks, such as a knee kick, a roundhouse kick
Roundhouse kick
A roundhouse kick is a kick in which the attacker swings his leg around in a semicircular motion, striking with the front of the leg or foot. This type of kick is utilized in many different martial arts and is popular in both non-contact and full-contact martial arts competitions...
to the floating ribs, or an elbow strike to the head or ribs, all of which would inflict serious damage.
High blocks
A high block deflects a downward strike such as a hammer fist, a stick or a face punch from a taller opponent. The chamber starts low with the hand in a relaxed fist across the abdomen with the palm facing inward. As the arm is raised above the head, the palm is forcefully turned outward and the arm fist are tensed. The arm should be at a 45 degree angle from the ground to deflect the strike.Low blocks
A low block deflects an inward strike directed at the stomach or ribs such as a roundhouse kickRoundhouse kick
A roundhouse kick is a kick in which the attacker swings his leg around in a semicircular motion, striking with the front of the leg or foot. This type of kick is utilized in many different martial arts and is popular in both non-contact and full-contact martial arts competitions...
. The chamber starts with the forearm across the chest, the hand in a loose fist, and the palm facing upwards towards the cheek. As the arm is lowered and passes the outside of the abdomen, the palm is turned forcefully downwards and the fist and arm are tensed.
Parries
Parries are executed when an opponent punches or kicks you and you will quickly push their arm or leg away to the right or left side(as it is considered as a block) and counterattacking when the procedure is done. Parries need right timing with an attacking opponent or they will be the one to strike instead.More complex blocks include the circular block, X block, high X block, twin forearm guarding block, hooking block, and pole block.
Other types of blocks and alternatives
Offensive techniques can also be used to block. For example, a kickKick
In combat sports and hand-to-hand combat, a kick is a physical strike using the foot, leg, or knee . This type of attack is used frequently, especially in stand-up fighting...
or palm strike
Strike (attack)
A strike is an attack with an inanimate object, such as a weapon, or with a part of the human body intended to cause an effect upon an opponent or to simply cause harm to an opponent. There are many different varieties of strikes...
can be used to neutralize an incoming blow. It is also common to use the knee to block leg attacks from an opponent. A knee block, however, is ineffective when dealing with side kicks and any kick in which the heel of the foot is used and may result in damage to the knee.
Blocks are considered by some to be the most direct and least subtle of defensive techniques. Other ways of avoiding attack include evasion, trapping, slipping and deflection of the oncoming attack; this approach is often referred to as the application of 'soft' techniques (see hard and soft (martial arts)
Hard and soft (martial arts)
In martial arts, the terms hard and soft technique denote how forcefully a defender martial artist counters the force of an attack in armed and unarmed combat...
). Sometimes, it is more useful to deflect an attack, as it may leave the opponent open for a counter-attack. Some martial arts, such as T'ai chi ch'uan and Capoeira
Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with Brazilian native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century...
, reject blocking techniques completely as they consider them too inefficient. In Capoeira, they use evasion instead of blocking.