Taekwondo 태권도Taekwondo Preschool

When you reach senior belt you are expected to guide the junior belts when they are beginning Taekwondo such as showing by example. To advance from one rank to the next, students typically complete promotion tests in which they demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art before a panel of judges or their teacher. View Taekwondo belt levels »

Scissor Block

가위막기 kawi-makgi

Difficulty Level: Advanced Technique: Blocks ( 막기 makgi )

Scissors Block ( 가위막기 kawi-makgi ) is an advanced technique to combination block ( 막기 makgi ) 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 to keep the defense tight and the palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) of the fists should face the body. This intermediate blocking technique is first introduced in World Taekwondo (WT) Taegeuk #7 태극 7장 Chil Jang Poomse.

To begin the technique, the lead forearm is bent and raised to shoulder height, snapping the arm down straight with the palm ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) facing the ground, which blocks ( 막기 makgi ) any incoming low kicks. The other hand uses the inner wrist ( 안팔목 anpalmok ) of your forearm to deflect a strike away from your body. Remember to keep the wrists ( 팔목 palmok ) straight and the arm is angled at 90-120 degrees for the Inner Wrist Outer Block ( 안팔목 바깥막기 anpalmok momtong bakkat magki ).

Typically because of the angles involved, the Scissors Block ( 가위막기 kawi-makgi ) is used to block ( 막기 makgi ) against attacks aimed at the torso. Most critical organs are housed within the torso. For example, in the upper chest, the heart and lungs are protected by the rib cage, while the abdomen contains the stomach, kidney, and etc.

Practitioners may combine techniques in a series to ensure one or more blocks ( 막기 makgi ) impact the strike. These blocks ( 막기 makgi ) are thrown at various areas to protect the practitioner.

Training Methods

How well one improves with training depends on several factors, such as the frequency it is engaged in, and the type of feedback that is available for improvement. If a student does not train often enough, reinforcement fades, and he or she is likely to forget what was learned.

When learning the block ( 막기 makgi ), it is helpful to use mirrors to observe your technique and fix your mistakes immediately. Initially, a student may need focused feedback from a certified Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ); however, as they progress, they must develop the ability to self-assess the block ( 막기 makgi ).

The technique is also learned by blocking in the air as though there is an opponent striking but focusing on the form, speed, and technique; then moving on to partner training (self-defence scenarios, sparring practices, one-step sparring, etc) reinforcing the block ( 막기 makgi ) on a realistic moving attack.

In preparation for full contact sparring, students may be required to wait a few months, for safety reasons, because they must first build the skills they would ideally employ in their sparring practice. Some schools restrict the amount of force that may be used to hit an opponent, by allowing 'light contact' during sparring. Light contact allows a student to hit an opponent getting the feel of impacting the opponent but with controlled force and not full power. Light contact sparring is a good method to practice the block ( 막기 makgi ).

Difficulty of Technique

Taekwondo students of geup ranking learn the most basic techniques first, and then move on to more advanced and difficult techniques as they approach 1st Dan Black Belt. The more difficult the technique, the more practice may be needed for the purpose of improving or mastering it, as in the phrase 'practice makes perfect'. Every technique must display the requisite speed, balance, power and firmness to be realistically used as an attack or defense move.

80% Difficulty

Up to 90% Difficulty

* Please see a certified Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ) for training. Proper guidance and instructions are needed to ensure safe training.

Promotion Tests

Students often undergo periodic testing and grading by their own Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ) in order to advance to a higher level of recognized achievement such as a different belt color. They need to demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art such as the execution of patterns ( 품새 poomse ), which combine various techniques in specific sequences.

Scissors Block ( 가위막기 kawi-makgi ) is a requirement for the below belt levels (Techniques vary between schools). Promotion from one belt level to the next can proceed rapidly in some schools, since schools often allow geup promotions every two, three, or four months. Students of geup rank learn the most basic techniques first, and then move on to more advanced techniques as they approach first dan black belt. View Promotion Tests »

Did you know?

Taekwondo Mental Toughness

Mental toughness is very hard to explain through words and can truly be understood when put to the test in an intense situation where you feel like you are at a breaking point, and find an inner will within you to push forward and overcome the situation. There are those who face stressful situations and back down and let them trample them, these people crumble during life. Then there are those who when faced with stressful, energy draining situations take them by the horns and conquer them, and it fills you with such a great energy and confidence, that helps you with every obstacle that you have from there on. For more information View Mental Toughness »

Indomitable spirit ( 백절불굴 baekjul-boolgool ): To have indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what odds you are up against, and to always give 100% effort in whatever you do.

Self-control ( 극기 geuk-gi ): This means to not only have control over one's physical acts, but also their mental thoughts and actions.

Perseverance ( 인내 in-nae ): One will persevere time and time again until they have achieved a result which is adequate towards what one was trying to achieve.

RESOURCES
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles "Mental Toughness" and "International Taekwondo Federation Philosophy" which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Scissors Block ( 가위막기 kawi-makgi )

Blocking Surface

Various surfaces of the body may be engaged as the blocking surface depending on which area of the body is being targeted. This leads to a large array of blocking positions. For more information on Impact Surface Areas »

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Technique Injuries

Collisions with the ground, objects, and other taekwondo practitioners are common, and unexpected dynamic forces on limbs and joints can cause injury. Taekwondo injuries can also occur in techniques if done improperly or from overuse of a particular body part. Taking a break from training or reducing the volume and the intensity of the training will allow the body to recover. For more information on Injuries »

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Common Mistakes when Performing the Technique

When performing the technique, there will be more mistakes as a beginner and as the practitioner advances through the rankings, they will have learned and improved from the past. How well one improves with training depends on several factors, such as the frequency it is engaged in, and the type of feedback that is available for improvement.

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Some Technique(s) to Block Against

Blocking ( 막기 makgi ) is the act of stopping or deflecting an opponent's attack for the purpose of preventing injurious contact with the body in either sparring ( 겨루기 gyeorugi ) or for self-defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) applications. Experienced practitioners learn through repetition and muscle memory when (not just how) to launch particular blocks ( 막기 makgi ), based on the circumstances they are facing.

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Some Counterstrike Combinations after the Block ( 막기 makgi )

After a successful block ( 막기 makgi ) the taekwondo practitioner may immediately counterattack to the opponent with a kick ( 차기 chagi ) or punch ( 지르기 jireugi ). When the opponent is attacking, they may leave themselves vulnerable in some areas such as recovering from a technique, positioning, imbalance, and more. Practitioners may combine techniques in a series to ensure one or more strikes impact their opponents.

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Some Stance(s) ( 서기 sogi ) used with this Block ( 막기 makgi )

An example of the union of mental and physical discipline is the combination of stance ( 서기 sogi ), footwork ( 딛기 ditgi ), and technique (either with kick, block and/or strike), which requires both physical mastery of the technique and the concentration to focus one's power. Experienced practitioners learn through repetition and muscle memory when (not just how) to launch particular techniques, based on the circumstances they are facing.

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Scissors Block ( 가위막기 kawi-makgi )

Use in Sparring ( 겨루기 gyeorugi )

Under World Taekwondo (WT) and Olympic rules, sparring is a full-contact event and takes place between two competitors in an area measuring 8 meters square. A win can occur by points, or if one competitor is unable to continue (knockout) the other competitor wins. Points are awarded for permitted, accurate, and powerful techniques to the legal scoring areas; light contact does not score any points. For more information on World Taekwondo (WT) Tournament Sparring »

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Use in Self-Defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) Applications

Self-Defense is to protect yourself from being attacked from would-be aggressors. It is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm and is designed primarily to cause injury or quickly incapacitate an attacker, in addition to being a deterrent against them. Attackers are typically larger, stronger, and are often armed or have an accomplice. With proper execution attackers may be incapacitated with a single blow, which lessens the number of attacks with multiple people. For more information on Self-Defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) »

Each technique must be correctly timed and aligned in order to defend effectively. Taekwondo practitioners must have their body weight correctly distributed during the stance ( 서기 sogi ) including proper footwork ( 딛기 ditgi ). The block ( 막기 makgi ) is performed during Self-Defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) scenarios.

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Use in One-Step Sparring

One-Step Sparring is performed with a partner in which predefined movements are practiced. One student is the attacker while the other student responds with defenses, counterattacks, and/or other actions, based on part of the predefined movements. For more information on One-Step Sparring »

The block ( 막기 makgi ) is featured during One-Step Sparring practice. Fundamentally, taekwondo One-Step Sparring is one of the learning grounds for real combat. As such, every technique including stance ( 서기 sogi ) must display the requisite speed, power and firmness to be realistically used as an attack or defense move. One-Step Sparring varies between schools.

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Use in Breaking ( 격파 gyeokpa )

The discipline of destroying inanimate objects such as wooden boards, baseball bats, ice blocks or cement bricks and is a feature common to martial arts including taekwondo. A single board or stack of boards may be broken or, alternatively, a series of boards may be broken in a pre-set sequence utilizing a variety of strikes. Advanced competitors may even break several boards in a single jump with multiple kicks before landing. For more information on Breaking ( 격파 gyeokpa ) »

In use, the block ( 막기 makgi ) is not featured during Breaking ( 격파 gyeokpa ) events. General qualities that judges look for in any taekwondo practitioner include proper breathing technique and body control. The diaphragm must be engaged in deep breathing, shallow breathing concentrated in the upper abdomen results in raised shoulders and stressed muscles. Breaking ( 격파 gyeokpa ) varies between schools.

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Scissors Block ( 가위막기 kawi-makgi )

Use in Patterns ( 품새 poomse )

Block is introduced in the following pattern:

TAEGEUK #: 7

PALGWE #: 5

BLACK BELT: Taebaek 품새 태백 ( 3rd Dan Poomse )

Poomse is the foundation for the teaching of taekwondo. A poomse or form is a detailed pattern of defense-and-attack motions and techniques used in traditional martial arts. Poomse is useful in developing proper kinetics, mental and physical fortitude.

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Most Kukkiwon 국기원 schools will use the poomse taegeuk whereas a few schools will use the poomse palgwe. The meanings, trigrams and symbols are shared by both poomse taegeuk and poomse palgwe, however the sequence of movements is different. The first 8 forms of the set of poomse differ from each other, whereas the last 9 forms (Black Belt forms) of the set are shared between the two sets. All students studying in World Taekwondo (WT) Kukkiwon style must learn these forms, or taegeuk, to advance to a higher belt level. There are eight taegeuk forms, each one similar to the previous one, but each time with more complicated techniques to display the students' mastery of the techniques learned during lessons, as well as the ability to interconnect these techniques.

For more information on taekwondo patterns refer to Poomse 품새 Section »

Learn other taekwondo blocks on the Main Blocking ( 막기 makgi ) Section »

Use in Demonstrations

To promote taekwondo for its emphasis on high kicking and fast hand techniques, taekwondo schools perform at tournaments, community events, shopping malls, parks, and tv shows. Demonstrations vary from school to school, but may include such elements as the execution of poomse ( 품새 poomse ), which combine various techniques in specific sequences; the breaking of boards to demonstrate the ability to use techniques with both power and control; sparring ( 겨루기 gyeorugi ) and self-defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) to demonstrate the practical application and control of techniques; physical fitness usually with push-ups and sit-ups. For more information on Demonstrations »

The block ( 막기 makgi ) is commonly used in demonstration activities such as when performing poomse ( 품새 poomse ) which is the foundation for the teaching of taekwondo. A poomse ( 품새 poomse ) is a series of movements linked together in a prescribed sequence which is significant to demonstrate. As such, every technique must display the requisite speed, power and firmness to be realistically used as an attack or defense move.

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Use in Warming-Up

A warm-up generally consists of a gradual increase in intensity in physical activity, joint mobility exercise, and stretching, followed by the activity. Warming-up brings the body to a condition at which it safely responds to nerve signals for quick and efficient action. For more information on Warming-Up »

In addition to being a block ( 막기 makgi ) in itself, the block ( 막기 makgi ) is an exercise used by many instructors to teach the principle of focusing, stretching, relaxing the muscles, increasing the range of motion and flexibility, something which is considered important in taekwondo. The result is a feeling of increased muscle control, flexibility and range of motion.

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Scissors Block ( 가위막기 kawi-makgi )

Training Highlights Summary

The Scissors Block ( 가위막기 kawi-makgi ) contains many key point highlights. There are some that are simple and straightforward but then some are complex and detailed that require repeated training to learn and master.

to block ( 막기 makgi ) at the same time with a Low Block ( 아래막기 arae makgi ) and an Inner Wrist Outer Block ( 안팔목 바깥막기 anpalmok momtong bakkat magki ) against attacks aimed at the torso
to keep the wrists ( 팔목 palmok ) straight and the arm is angled at 90-120 degrees for the Inner Wrist Outer Block ( 안팔목 바깥막기 anpalmok momtong bakkat magki )
technique is first introduced in World Taekwondo (WT) Taegeuk #7 태극 7장 Chil Jang Poomse

Precision of Blocking ( 막기 makgi ) Technique

Depending on the strike, one may block ( 막기 makgi ) an attack most commonly by placing a limb across the line of the attack. Some techniques can block and deflect an attack with more precision which allows an effective counterstrike. The below is an approximate measurement of how precise the block requires from the practitioner to be effective.

80% Precision

Experienced practitioners learn through repetition and muscle memory when (not just how) to launch particular blocks ( 막기 makgi ), based on the circumstances they are facing.

* Please see a certified Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ) for training. Proper guidance and instructions are needed to ensure safe training.

Additional Resources

Taekwondo Blocks ( 막기 makgi )

This book is available for download with Apple Books on your Mac or iOS device, and with iTunes on your computer. Book can be read with Apple Books on your Mac or iOS device.

In taekwondo and other 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.
View more information about Book »

TAEKWONDO BLOCKS ( 막기 makgi )
	Hangul 한글	Korean	Belt Requirement	Difficulty Level	Tutorial
Low Block	아래막기	arae-makgi		Beginner Level	Tutorial »
Middle Block	몸통막기	momtong-makgi		Beginner Level	Tutorial »
High Block	올려막기	olgul-makgi		Beginner Level	Tutorial »
Inner Wrist Outer Block	안팔목 바깥막기	anpalmok-bakkat-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Single Knife Hand Outward Block	한손날 바깥막기	hansonnal-bakkat-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Low Side Block	아래 옆막기	arae-yeop-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Hand Blade Low Block	한손날 아래막기	sonnal-arae-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Supported Hand Blade Block	손날 거들어 바깥막기	sonnal-kodureo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Pressing Block	눌러막기	nulleo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Palm Heel Pressing Block	바탕손 눌러막기	batangson-nulleo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Outside Wrist Pressing Block	바깥팔목 눌러막기	bakkatpalmok-nulleo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Outside Block	바깥막기	bakkat-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
High Outside Block	올려 바깥막기	olgul-bakkat-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Trunk Push Low Block	아래 헤쳐막기	arae-hecho-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Cross Block	엇걸어막기	otgoreo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Low Cross Blocking	아래 엇걸어막기	arae-otgoreo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
High Cross Blocking	올려 엇걸어막기	olgul-otgoreo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Hand Blade High Cross Block	손날 엇걸어막기	sonnal-olgul-otgoreo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Inward Knife Hand Block	손날 안막기	sonnal-an-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Palm Heel Inward Block	바탕손 안막기	batangson-an-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Supported Downward Hand Blade Block	손날 거들어 내려막기	sonnal-kodureo-naeryeo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Hand Blade Twisting Outward Block	손날 비틀어 바깥막기	sonnal-bakkat-bitureo-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Palm Heel Assisted Block	바탕손 거들어 몸통막기	batangson-kodureo-momtong-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Trunk Push Double Block	헤쳐막기	hecho-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Outside Wrist Double Block	바깥팔목 헤쳐막기	bakkat-palmok-hecho-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Inside Wrist Double Block	안팔목 헤쳐막기	anpalmok-hecho-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Side Block	옆막기	yeop-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Inside Wrist Side Block	안팔목 옆막기	anpalmok-yeop-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Outside Wrist Side Block	바깥팔목 옆막기	bakkat-palmok-yeop-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Hand Blade Side Block	손날 옆막기	sonnal-yeop-makgi		Intermediate Level	Tutorial »
Scissors Blocking	가위막기	kawi-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Supported Trunk Block	거들어막기	momtong-kodureo-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Outside Wrist Supporting Outward Block	바깥팔목 거들어 바깥막기	bakkatpalmok-kodureo-bakkat-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Supported Downward Block	거들어 내려막기	kodureo-naeryeo-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Hand Blade Double Block	손날 헤쳐막기	sonnal-hecho-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Single Hand Wide Open Block	외산틀막기	wesanteul-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Wide Open Mountain Block	산틀막기	santeul-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Diamond Blocking	금강막기	keumgang-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Keumgang Downward Side Block	금강 내려 옆 막기	keumgang-naeryeo-yeop-makgi		Advanced Level
Keumgang Outward Block	금강 바깥막기	keumgang-bakkat-makgi		Advanced Level
Hand Blade Diamond Downward Side Block	손날 금강 내려 옆 막기	sonnal-keumgang-naeryeo-yeop-makgi		Advanced Level
Hand Blade Diamond Outward Block	손날 금강 바깥막기	sonnal-keumgang-bakkat-makgi		Advanced Level
Bent Wrist Outward Block	굽힌손목 바깥막기	gupinsonmok-bakkat-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Bull Horn Blocking	황소막기	hwangso-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Ridgehand Outward Block	손날등 바깥막기	sonnal-deung-bakkat-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Ridgehand Side Block	손날등 옆막기	sonnal-deung-yeop-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Ridgehand Double Block	손날등 헤쳐막기	sonnal-deung-hecho-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Ridgehand Supported Downward Block	손날등 거들어 내려막기	sonnal-deung-kodureo-naeryeo-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Inner Wrist Supporting Side Block	안팔목 거들어 옆막기	anpalmok-kodureo-yeop-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Inner Wrist Supporting Outward Block	안팔목 거들어 바깥막기	anpalmok-kodureo-bakkat-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Palm Assisting Outer Block	손바닥 거들어 바깥막기	sonbadak-kodureo-bakkat-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Target Block	표적 막기	pyojeok-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Underneath Target Block	아래 표적 막기	arae-pyojeok-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Kicking Block	차막기	cha-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Outward Kicking Block	바깥 차막기	bakkat-cha-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Inward Kicking Block	안 차막기	an-cha-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Front Kicking Block	앞 차막기	ap-cha-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »
Side Kicking Block	옆 차막기	yeop-cha-makgi		Advanced Level	Tutorial »

Quiz

Question. What is the korean terminology for Front Stance?

Front Stance is a precursor of the fighting stance ( 겨루기준비 gyeorugi-junbi ) according to some authors. Body should be relaxed in this stance ( 서기 sogi ). From the attention stance ( 차렷 charyeot ) with feet together, one foot is placed straight ahead of the other. Depending on the martial art and style, some instructors teach to step sideways slightly when moving forward.

Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #2 in Korean?

Taegeuk 태극 (in World Taekwondo (WT)) refers to a set of poomse 품새 used to create a foundation for the teaching of taekwondo. A poomse or form is a detailed pattern of defense-and-attack motions and techniques used in traditional martial arts. Each taegeuk form symbolizes a specific state thought to be indicative of the belt the student currently holds, and is represented in World Taekwondo (WT) by trigrams similar to those found in the four corners of the South Korean flag.

Question. What is the korean terminology for Ready Stance?

Ready Stance refers to the most common ready position used in taekwondo training. The stance ( 서기 sogi ) is performed by standing with the feet one foot-length from origin apart, measured from the inside edge or namely the Reverse Foot Blade ( 발날등 balnaldeung ) of the feet. The arms are slightly bent and the fists held tightly about one fist size apart just below the belly button and the fists should be a fist size away from the body.

Related Information

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.

View all taekwondo blocks on the Blocks ( 막기 makgi ) Main Section »