Kihon - Uke Waza (Blocking techniques)

Jodan Uke

Soto Uke

Uchi Uke

Gedan Barai

Check your technique from the bottom up and from the point closest to your center of gravity.

A block becomes a block only when it comes into contact with your opponent’s technique. When practicing blocks it is even more important to imagine your oppo­nent’s position, range and technique than it is with punches. This goes for both basic practice and fight training.

Blocks are practiced out of the pigeon-toe stance, but you assume a more side-on posture than for punches. First of  all a block must stop your opponents attack, and-then, with the follow-through, break his balance. Imagine his attack as you practice and determine where the impact zone will be; block the attack and follow through with precision. Blocks in particular lose all their strength if your elbow drifts away from your body. Think first about blocking with your hips, twisting effectively, leading with your elbow to impact.

Always keep your follow up in mind as you practice blocks. It is clear that if you only block, you’ll be felled sooner or later. You must simultaneously block and pre­pare yourself to counterattack. To that end, when you block during basic practice you should bring your upper body side on to your opponent pulling back your other hand to build tension for the counterattack. When practicing an inside block, with lower block and roundhouse block, which involves moving both hands at once, con­centrate on smooth. definite movements for each hand to avoid sacrificing form.

Be sure that:

• you are twisting inwards with the knee corresponding to the blocking hand
• the opposite knee doesn’t point outwards.
• your ribs aren’t exposed.
• your upper body is turning side on.
• you are blocking with your hips.
• your shoulders are relaxed
• you’re not sticking your chin out.
• you don’t let your stance get too high.
• you are concentrating power at the point of impact.
• you’re not pulling your hips back.
• you’re leaning forward slightly.
• your pivot is solid.