I suck at blocking.

Discussion in 'Kenpo' started by gray fox, Jun 14, 2005.

  1. Flashing Dagger

    Flashing Dagger Valued Member

    Another idea that comes from American Kenpo is to move the last point of contact (your head or body) out of the way first. So more important than just blocking is evasion while repositioning yourself to strike. In this case your block can become more of deflection. It takes the pressure off of your arm muscles.

    Also consider the psychology of blocking. If you eliminate purely defensive ideas from your mind then you can think of a block as a strike to the incoming limb or even make your block just part of larger offensive movement. The great thing about kenpo is that we incorporate circling strikes, arcing strikes, half-circles, straight lines, looping motions, whipping motions. Your strike can also just happen to block an incoming punch while on its path to the target.

    As Russiankenpo mentioned you can jam the opponent's punch if you are able to crowd the opponent and get in his space. This requires an aggressive attitude. Most people instictively move away from someone's attack.

    By the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
     
  2. RussianKenpo05

    RussianKenpo05 Valued Member

    Oh yes, i get quotage :), lol, jk.
     
  3. GeeMac

    GeeMac Valued Member

    Musashi in his Book of Five Rings says you should practice until you forget. He meant that you should work on your techniques until they become automatic and you do not have to think about what to do in a given situation. Blocking should be a natural reaction, unless, of course, you like being hit.
     

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