Blocking questions (constructive)

[HtTKar]

I would say I'm a little different than most people on this..maybe not. Anyways, this is just my opinion.

I dont like the idea of blocking. It puts you in a defensive mindset, and slows you down. If you're thinking about blocking, you're not thinking about 100 other things that you could be doing. Slipping while throwing a punch, moving in-and-out, Changing up your footwork, etc. I do pushblock, but am more likely to strike their arm, bicep, wrist-bone, or fist as it comes toward me, and then move to a more capable position. I like to keep centered, and able to strike with any limb, and blocking takes a lot of that away.

Besides, if you're trying to block a punch, or kick from a very large guy. The jarring you recieve from blocking is almost as bad as the strike itself. Better to make them nervous about sticking their limbs out to get attacked, than test to see how strong of a kick...or how many punches you can actually block.

[SimonM]

hkung fus im not gonna mention any because i dont want to affend anyone. anyway im just wondering if you know some actual constructive blocking that will actually work

Well despite the fact that I am fond of movies I also block a lot so I'll answer this one. The trick to blocking is that you rarely want to meet force with force. If you do that a hard puncher will as you say punch straight through it. Blocks should be fast and loose as often as possible. A quick snap of the palm can frequently bounce punches and straight kicks away from you just be careful not to block with your fingers. Remember palm or Ox Jaw. For low round kicks and sweeps don't block - it's stupid - just back away from the attack or step to the side depending on angle of attack. Also any strike aimed lower than mid thigh should not draw a block, evade instead. For high round kicks use your arm like a big sheild. IF you can bring your elbow down on your opponent's foot you can do some serious damage but don't try too hard to do this. Rather just make sure that you are able to get your forearm and (if possible) your bicep in between your opponent's kick and your head/body the more of your arm the kick hits the more spread out the force of impact is likely to be. These are just a few examples. Everything is situational.

[Hardball]

I don't really believe in Blocking unless its absolutely neccessary. I prefer to "Parry" which is simply a deflection.

My .02 worth.

[jcmack]

blocking is needed only when you can't just move out of the way and into another lane of attack, or you can use blocking to hurt or distract your opponent.

[47MartialMan]

depends on what is being blocked...

[bbbb]

?did...

Bruce Lee block?

[SimonM]

Bruce Lee block?

I'd assume so.

I don't know if Bruce was more fond of redirects or hard blocks. Considering his WC background, I'd guess redirects. But they are a form of block.