Martial Arts - Blocks

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: The Stance

REMEMBER! Good solid blocks require good solid energy. This is drawn up from the ground through your stance.

Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and taking a step back with your right foot to a comfortable distance, as if on tram lines. Then turn your feet 30º and bend your knees. Remember to keep your feet firmly on the ground.

Step 3: Rising Blocks

Blocking a kick or a punch is much more than just stopping your opponent's assault. It's designed to give you a way of redirecting his attack, and in turn, the opportunity to strike a counterattack.

When you've got yourself into the basic stance, ask your training partner to throw a straight right punch to your nose.

As the punch approaches, lean forward and raise your right arm, bent at the elbow, rotating the fist so the little finger is now the highest finger in the fist.

Deflect the punch. You'll want to use the bony part of your forearm to avoid hurting yourself.

Once you've blocked the punch, pull your arms back as quickly as possible into the guard. And never forget: as with any martial art technique, speed is of the essence.

Step 4: Cross Blocks

Get into the stance as before and again ask your partner to throw a punch at your face or upper target area.

Bring your right arm up and bent 90º at the elbow.. Push or sweep your arm across the front of the face from right to left, making sure you push with the elbow and keep the lower arm upright.

Again, your main aim with both these blocks is to deflect the opponent's punch with the bony part of your lower arm, rather than with the fleshy part.

Step 5: Review

Don't forget the solid stance, the quick reaction, the deflection of the punch with your lower arm and the keeping of the guard up.