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Blocking
( 막기 makgi )
One will persevere time and time again until they have achieved a result which is adequate towards what one was trying to achieve.
Variations of Blocks ( 막기 makgi )
Outward Block ( 바깥막기 bakkat-makgi )
Turning Block ( 돌려막기 dollyeo-makgi )
Inward Block ( 안막기 an-makgi )
Pressing Block ( 눌러막기 nulleo-makgi )
Twisting Block ( 비틀어막기 bitureo-makgi )
Downward Block ( 내려막기 naeryeo-makgi )
Forward Block ( 앞막기 ap-makgi )
Side Block ( 옆막기 yeop-makgi )
Upward Block ( 올려막기 olgul-makgi )
Supporting Block ( 거들어막기 kodureo-makgi )
Deflecting Block ( 걷어막기 geodeo-makgi )
Absorbing Block ( 받아막기 bada-makgi )
Kicking Block ( 차막기 cha-makgi )
Striking Block ( 쳐막기 chye-makgi )
In martial arts, blocking ( 막기 makgi ) is the act of stopping or deflecting an opponent's attack for the purpose of preventing injurious contact with the body. A block ( 막기 makgi ) usually consists of placing a limb across the line of the attack.
Blocks ( 막기 makgi ) are considered by some to be the most direct and least subtle of defensive techniques. Other ways of avoiding attack include evasion, trapping, slipping and deflection of the oncoming attack; this approach is often referred to as the application of 'soft' techniques.
The practitioner relaxes to the extent possible during the block ( 막기 makgi ), tensing the muscles of much of the body only at the time of impact, then relaxing again to recoil the blocking part. Relaxation enables the block ( 막기 makgi ) to achieve the greatest possible velocity during travel, while rigidity at impact allows the maximum transfer of force.
* Please see a certified Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ) for training. Proper guidance and instructions are needed to ensure safe training.
The Low Block ( 아래막기 arae-makgi ) is one of the most basic blocks ( 막기 makgi ) and one of the first things a beginner will learn. The lead forearm is bent and raised to shoulder height, snapping the arm straight down with the palm facing the ground, which blocks any incoming low kicks ( 차기 chagi ) or low strikes. Remember to twist your body when you make the block and keep the wrists straight. Read more »
An inside Middle Block ( 몸통막기 momtong-makgi ) deflects a strike away from the defender and away from the attacker. For example, against a straight punch ( 지르기 jireugi ) to the face, an inside forearm block would aim to meet the inside of the forearm of the attacker, pushing the punch ( 지르기 jireugi ) outward, leaving the opponent open for a counter attack. Read more »
A High Block ( 올려막기 olgul-makgi ) deflects a downward strike such as a hammer fist, a stick attack from above or a face punch from a taller opponent. The blocking arm starts low with the hand in a relaxed fist ( 주먹 jumeok ) across the abdomen (over the belt) with the palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) facing upward. The wrist ( 팔목 palmok ) of the blocking hand is one fist distance away from the center of the forehead. Read more »
An Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-makgi ) deflects a strike away from the defender leaving an opportunity for a counterattack. For example, against a straight punch ( 지르기 jireugi ) to the chest area, an Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-makgi ) would aim to meet the forearm of the attacker, pushing the punch ( 지르기 jireugi ) outwards causing it to miss, and then most commonly leaving the defender slightly to the side to counterattack the opponent. Read more »
This blocking technique is to deflect an attack at the upper section around the neck and face level. Similar to an outside block, the technique would aim to meet the outside forearm of the attacker, pushing the punch outward, leaving the defender slightly to the side of the strike causing it to miss. Read more »
This block uses the inner wrist of your forearm which is used to deflect a strike away from your body. The blocking fist is parallel to the shoulder and the palm of the fist should face the body. The other hand should have the wrist stick to the waist of the body. Read more »
The hand is kept in a knife hand ( 손날 sonnal ) position to block attacks to the torso. As the front arm sweeps down in an arc from the inside to the outside of the body, the back hand is simultaneously pulled back to the back hip and ready for a counter punch. Read more »
Block the same motion as momtong makgi but the hand is kept in a knife hand ( 손날 sonnal ) position to block. The block deflects a strike away from the defender and away from the attacker. The important thing to remember is that the block is moving in a straight line across the chest. Read more »
Open the hand and use the "bottom of the palm" to block the trunk area. The bottom of the palm is called batangson ( 바탕손 ). The wrist should be bent and the blocking technique starts from shoulder level. The finishing point is below the solar plexus area. Read more »
A standard block used to deflect incoming kicks and punches. The hand is raised up to shoulder height and thrust directly down to meet the attackers hand or limb. Although simple, it requires a lot of partner training to get the timing of this Taekwondo block correct. Read more »
A standard block used to deflect incoming kicks and punches. Open the hand and use the "bottom of the palm" to block the trunk area. The bottom of the palm is called batangson ( 바탕손 ). The open hand is raised up to shoulder height and thrust directly down to meet the attackers hand or limb. Read more »
In this technique, place the back of the assisted fist under the blocking arms' elbow to support. The Palm Heel ( 바탕손 batangson ) is as high as the solar plexus level. Open the hand and use the 'bottom of the palm' to block. The bottom of the palm is called 바탕손 batangson. Read more »
In the Supported Hand Blade Outward Block ( 손날 거들어 바깥막기 sonnal-kodureo-makgi ), the lead hand ( 손 son ) is kept in a knife hand ( 손날 sonnal ) posture to block ( 막기 makgi ) attacks to the torso while the rear hand (also in knife hand posture) could be used as a counter strike. The blocking hand starts from shoulder level with the palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) up while you stretch the other hand far from the waist with the palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) facing downward at shoulder height level. Read more »
Blocking technique where you make a low block ( 아래막기 area-makgi ) with hand blades ( 손날 sonnal ), while the other hand ( 손 son ) is supporting the block ( 막기 makgi ) also with hand blades ( 손날 sonnal ) around the sternum area. The blocking hand ( 손 son ) starts from shoulder level with the palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) up while you stretch the other hand ( 손 son ) far from the waist reaching outwards with the palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) facing downward at shoulder height level. Read more »
The Supported Downward Block ( 거들어 내려막기 kodureo-naeryeo-makgi ) has the practitioner making a low block ( 아래막기 area-makgi ) with one hand ( 손 son ), while the other hand ( 손 son ) is supporting the block ( 막기 makgi ) with fists ( 주먹 jumeok ) around the sternum area. This advanced blocking technique is first introduced in World Taekwondo (WT) Taegeuk #8 태극 8장 Pal Jang Poomse. Read more »
This is a more advanced taekwondo block ( 막기 makgi ), designed to be used against a strong attack to the center of the body. Standing upright, the lead forearm blocks the attack with the fist closed using the Inner Wrist ( 안팔목 anpalmok ). The second arm provides further support, linking into the crook of the arm so both forearms are at a 90 degree angle to the body. Read more »
The cross block ( 엇걸어막기 otgoreo-makgi ) technique deflects a downward strike such as an axe kick, hammer fist, a stick or a face punch from a taller opponent. This technique starts near the waist on the opposite side of the foot in front. Read more »
This cross block technique deflects using a hand blade posture. This technique starts near the waist on the opposite side of the foot in front. The hand that is on the same side as the foot in front should be under the other hand. Read more »
This technique starts near the waist on the opposite side of the foot in front. The hand that is on the same side as the foot in front should be under the other hand. Cross your wrists and finish by placing your hands in the center. The Low Cross ( 아래 엇걸어막기 arae-otgoreo-makgi ) technique blocks any incoming low kicks or low strikes. Read more »
This twisting block technique uses the blade of your hand to block your face and if successful grab your opponents wrist and counterattack with a knee or kick ( 차기 chagi ). When you block, make sure to turn your waist and upper body sideways and then to twist your hand at the last second. Read more »
This technique is used when the hands are crossed and pushed apart to loosen the opponents grip while they are trying to grab you with two hands. The Outside Wrist Double Block ( 바깥팔목 헤쳐막기 bakkat-palmok-hecho-makgi ) is usually followed by grabbing the opponents neck or head and pulling down to attack with the knee. Read more »
A technique to block ( 막기 makgi ) an opponents attack from two sides aimed at the chest or abdominal area. The block ( 막기 makgi ) should deflect the strike away from your body and could be pushed apart to loosen the opponents grip while they are trying to grab you with two hands. The Inside Wrist Double Block ( 안팔목 헤쳐막기 anpalmok-hecho-makgi ) is usually followed by grabbing the opponents neck or head and pulling down to attack with the knee ( 무릎 mureup ) such as with the Knee Upward Strike ( 무릎 올려치기 mureup-ollyeo-chigi ) Experienced practitioners learn through repetition and muscle memory when (not just how) to launch particular blocks, based on the circumstances they are facing. Read more »
This technique requires both forearms to be bent and raised to shoulder height level to form a cross. Then snap both arms straight down like a low block ( 아래막기 arae-makgi ) to the right and left sides. Read more »
This technique is to block at the same time with a Low Block ( 아래막기 arae-makgi ) and an Inner Wrist Outer Block ( 안팔목 바깥막기 anpalmok-momtong-bakkat-magki ). Blocking fists are parallel to the shoulder and the palm of the fists should face the body. Read more »
This move composes of under section blocking and face blocking. The hand that blocks under starts from the starting point of low block ( 아래막기 arae-makgi ) technique. The face blocking hand starts at the starting point of high block ( 올려막기 olgul-makgi ) technique. Read more »
INNER WRIST SUPPORTING SIDE BLOCK
( 안팔목 거들어 옆막기 anpalmok-kodureo-yeop-makgi )
Difficulty Level: Advanced
This move uses the inside wrist to protect the face with side block ( 옆막기 yeop-makgi ). The blocking arm is placed to the side of the shoulder. The other arm should be at the same level with the blocking arms elbow. The assisting hand is placed in front of the chest on the opposite side with the fist facing down. The back of the blocking fist should face outside. This technique is in the 4th Dan Black Belt Poomse "Pyongwon".
This advanced block ( 막기 makgi ) uses the outside wrist ( 바깥팔목 bakkatpalmok ) to protect the trunk area with the Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-makgi ) technique. The Outside Wrist Supporting Outward Block ( 바깥팔목 거들어 바깥막기 bakkatpalmok-kodureo-bakkat-makgi ) is similar to the Supported Knifehand Outward Block ( 손날 거들어 바깥막기 sonnal-kodureo-makgi ) technique except instead of a knife hand ( 손날 sonnal ), a fist ( 주먹 jumeok ) is used. Read more »
The Wide Open Mountain Block ( 산틀막기 santeul-makgi ) is an advanced technique performed in the 2nd Dan black belt poomse Keumgang. Depending on the direction of the block ( 막기 makgi ), both hands are swung to the back side of the head twisting the torso in the same direction, while you then quickly twist the other direction stomping on the ground and blocking ( 막기 makgi ) simultaneously. Read more »
The hand blocking the upper section begins with the starting movement of Inner Wrist Outer Block ( 안팔목 바깥막기 anpalmok-bakkat-makgi ). The hand blocking the lower section begins with the starting position of a Low Block ( 아래막기 arae-makgi ). The lower blocking hand is about two-fist distance away from the thigh. Read more »
This technique takes the shape of a bull's horn by lifting the outside edges of both wrists ( 바깥팔목 bakkatpalmok ) over the head so the opponents attack is weakened along the diagonal lines of the forearms ( 앞팔 ap-pal ). The Bull Horn Block ( 황소막기 hwangso-makgi ) is an advanced blocking technique performed in the 5th Dan Black Belt Poomse Sipjin 품새 십진. Read more »
The Ridgehand Supported Downward Block ( 손날등 거들어 내려막기 sonnal-deung-kodureo-naeryeo-makgi ) is an advanced blocking technique where you make a low block ( 아래막기 area-makgi ) with the ridgehand ( 손날등 sonnal-deung ), while the other hand ( 손 son ) is supporting the block ( 막기 makgi ) with hand blades ( 손날 sonnal ) around the sternum area. Read more »
A technique of blocking the attack from the inside to the outside of the defender’s body. By tucking the thumb into the palm, a striking surface called the ridgehand ( 손날등 sonnal-deung ), or reverse knife-hand is formed, extending a few inches along the inside of the hand below the first knuckle of the index finger. Ridgehand blocks commonly are delivered with a hooking motion, or with a straight arm swing. Read more »
A technique of blocking the opponent’s strike from the side by swinging a hand from the inside to the side. This block is most effectively executed by stepping to the side into a Horse Riding Stance ( 주춤서기 juchum-sogi ) to avoid an attack. Read more »
A blocking technique by striking the opponents leg or foot to stop them from advancing. This could be a defensive move as well as an attack at the same time. Read more »
In this advanced block ( 막기 makgi ), the fingers all touch together, the hand ( 손 son ) is pointed towards the inside, exposing the top of the wrist ( 팔목 palmok ), which is then swung outward to block ( 막기 makgi ) an attack most commonly an attacker trying to grab the practitioner. The blocking surface is the bent wrist ( 굽힌손목 gupinsonmok ). Read more »
The lead forearm is bent and raised to shoulder height, snapping the arm straight down with the palm facing the ground in a hand blade technique, which blocks any incoming low strikes. The other arm is placed on the side of the waist which starts with the fist facing downward across the abdomen over the belt. Read more »
In this blocking technique, take the fingertips ( 손끝 sonkkeut ) of the open hand and put them lightly on the outer wrist ( 바깥팔목 bakkatpalmok ) of the blocking arm to provide extra blocking support. The blocking fist ( 주먹 jumeok ) is parallel to the shoulder and the palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) of the fist ( 주먹 jumeok ) should face the body. Read more »
In this advanced blocking technique, inner block the target palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) with the inner wrist ( 안팔목 anpalmok ) of the opposite arm. The Underneath Target Block ( 아래 표적 막기 arae-pyojeok-makgi ) is part of Target Block ( 표적 막기 pyojeok-makgi ) techniques. Read more »
Courtesy ( 예의 ye-ui ):"Showing courtesy to all, respecting others, having manners as well as maintaining the appropriate etiquette at all times, both within and outside the dojang (도장) (designated training area)."View Taekwondo Tenets »
