The following blocks
are used in Taekwondo for defense against kicks and punches. In
addition, you will have to know these blocks to excel at your
Taekwondo forms. You
should perform these blocks with speed & power
because they
can "hurt" an opponent (as you counter their attack) and make them less willing to attack you.
See the videos below in order to view the correct technique for
many of these blocks.
Basic Blocks - Knife
Hand Blocks and Closed Fist Blocks (see videos below)
Low block - Bring
the outside of your forearm down (with fist closed) below your
waist in order to protect
against leg & lower body strikes.
High block - Bring
the outside of your forearm over your head to protect
against high attacks (i.e. axe kicks).
Inside block -
Bring the outside of your forearm "inside" across your face in
order to protect your head from opposite side attacks.
Outside block -
Bring the outside of your forearm level with your shoulders or
head in order to protect your head & upper body. More
natural than an inside block as you are bringing your arm
"outside" to defend against an attack. See the videos below for
an example.
Outside forearm
block
Knife hand block -
Rather than a closed fist, you used an "open" hand to block.
Useful in order to block and grab an opponent's leg or a
wrist.
Inside palm block -
An almost instinctive block as you try to protect your face,
etc. Do an inside block with an open fist (versus a closed fist).
Downward palm block
- Another instinctive block where you try to block a kick with
your palm (an open hand). However, if you do this block incorrectly, your fingers might bend
"backwards". Ouch!
Double outside block
- Protect yourself on two sides.
Double low block -
Protect yourself from a kick to the groin. Cross your arms into
an "X".
Double high block -
Stronger protection against high attacks. Cross your arms into
an "X".
Double knife hand
block - Used in many forms.
Basic Blocks - Kicks
Push Kick -
Bring your leg up to block an opponent's forward momentum.
Cut Kick - Use this kick to
block an opponent's kick. Then quickly turn into a jumping back
kick.
Advanced Blocks
Reinforced outside
block
Scissors block
Mountain block
Single mountain
block
Combinations of
blocks and punches (i.e. high knife hand block and a knife hand
strike)
