Our art has lots of “blocking sets” Masters, Plum Tree, Willow Palm, 10 Point, and Star. We also have Forward and outward blocking sets. There are 6 forward blocks (2 hands each with a High, Mid, and Low) and we have 6 Outward blocks. Before each outward block will be a face covering mid forward block. We often call this mid block a check or inward check. This block will come in contact with the punch first, then the proceeding outward block, will re-direct it to its final “named” position. Another important concept is movement – the easiest way to avoid being hit by a bus is to not stand still in a road. So while a punch is being delivered we can combine movement, inward checks, and outward blocks to protect ourselves, however only 2 of these is actually needed. Here are the combinations.
- 1: Move, Check, Outward block
- 2: Check, Outward block
- 3: Move, Check
- 4: Move, Outward block
The interesting thing is that those blocking sets with great names like Willow and Plum tree is that they use basic forward and outward blocks in creative ways. Focus on the basics Move and cover your center
Lets define Move, Check, and Outward Block
- Move – Use footwork, body rotation, or stance transitions to move out of harms way. We may have limits on the distance. When combined with a check or outward block the movement must be in the proper direction, otherwise the check or outward block only accelerates the attack towards us.
- Check – A mid forward block, the waist and blocking hand will both be moving forward.
- Outward Block – A mid outward block, the waist and blocking hand will both be moving back or outward.
Ranking the Combinations
For this ranking lets assume a single punch towards the face from directly in front of you. Not all blocks are created equal and a 3 out of 3 score is best, 2/3 is considered a valid block, 1/3 “might” work, 0/3 is nope nope nope.
Score 3/3
Move, Check, with an Outward block = 3/3
Score 2/3
- No Movement with a Check and Outward Block = 2/3
- Move with a Check = 2/3
- Move with an Outward Block = 2/3
Score 1/3
- No Movement with a Check = 1/3
- No Movement with an Outward Block = 1/3
Score 0/3
- No Movement, no Check, no Outward Block = 0/3
- Checking hand is pushing the attack the same direction that you move = 0/3
- Outward block is guiding the attack the same direction that you move = 0/3
Exploring Kata 1 with different blocking combinations
Kata 1 – an experiment in Blocking Combinations
Below are some different ways to defend the initial attack as applied to kata 1. We will experiment with moving or checking in different directions, I hope to add video examples of each of these examples over the next few weeks. So stay tuned.
Attack: Lead hand front punch; after 1/4 moon back and pivot
- Left half moon stance, right check – left outward block Score 2/3
- Left half moon stance, right check – left outward block – use leaning factor to move right Score 3/3
- Left check, Right (rear) high outward block Score 2/3
Attack: Lead hand front punch, coming from side, while in horse stance
- Right Quarter moon forward (left hinge forward), left high outward block Score 2/3
- Right Quarter moon forward (left hinge forward), right check, left high outward block Score 3/3
Attack: Lead hand hook punch: after 1/4 moon back and pivot
- Left half moon stance, Sagang Labo Score 3/3
Attack: Lead hand punch, from defensive posture
- Step out to angle 7 high outward block with left Score 2/3
- Step out to angle 7 check with right, high outward block with left Score 3/3
Attack: Lead hand punch, from left half moon stance
- Lead foot escapes to angle 5, rear hand check, Rear foot steps to angle 7, lead hand outward block Score 3/3