Sports & Outdoors

How To Do A Palm Block

In taekwondo, as in all martial arts, blocks are just as important to learn as kicks and strikes. In this step by step guide Richard Newcombe, instructor with the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain, shows you how to do a number of different blocks with the heel of your palm. Enlarge

How To Do A Palm Block

In taekwondo, as in all martial arts, blocks are just as important to learn as kicks and strikes. In this step by step guide Richard Newcombe, instructor with the Taekwondo Association of Great Britain, shows you how to do a number of different blocks with the heel of your palm.

Top Tips

  • In palm blocks you use the heel of your hand. Make sure you keep your hand tense and your thumb tucked in next to your fingers.
  • In the front palm block you power the palm heel into the opponent as they advance towards you, moving into the sitting stance.
  • In the low palm heel block you move backwards into the L stance, bringing your front arm round and down to deflect a kick.
  • The upward palm heel block is used to deflect punches. You step back into the L stance and move your palm upwards.