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 »

Outside Block ( 바깥막기 momtong bakkat makgi )

Outside Middle Block

바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-makgi

Difficulty Level: Intermediate Technique: Blocks ( 막기 makgi )

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.

To begin the technique, the practitioner would cross their forearms at shoulder height level with the palms ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) facing the face. The intended blocking arm would be further away from the body on the outside during the moment the forearms are crossed in front of the face; if blocking with the left arm the right hand is closer to the face. With the punch ( 지르기 jireugi ) approaching, the practitioner would then block outwards pushing the strike away from the defender. The other hand is chambered immediately to the waist for a counterattack strike such as a punch ( 지르기 jireugi ).

Remember to twist your body when you make the block ( 막기 makgi ) and keep the wrists ( 팔목 palmok ) straight. Another important thing to remember is that the Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-makgi ) is moving in a straight line across the chest while blocking. The other hand on the waist usually acts as a preparation move for a follow up technique such as a counter punch. Practitioners may combine techniques in a series to ensure one or more strikes impact their opponents.

Typically because of the angles involved, the Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-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. The technique could also be used to block ( 막기 makgi ) the upper section with the High Outside Block ( 올려 바깥막기 olgul-bakkat-makgi ).

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.

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.

50% Difficulty

Up to 70% 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.

Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-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 Summer Olympic Games

Taekwondo became a full medal sport at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and has been a sport in the Olympic games since then. For Olympic competition, there will be a single elimination tournament for each of the weight categories. Repechage competition will occur for the bronze medal contest, while the winner of the tournament will receive the gold medal, and the loser will receive the silver medal. For more information View Taekwondo Summer Olympic Games »

Year	Date	Flag	City	Host Country
2020			Tokyo	Japan
2016	August 5 -August 21		Rio de Janeiro	Brazil
2012	July 27 - August 12		London	United Kingdom
2008	August 8 - August 24		Beijing	China
2004	August 13 - August 29		Athens	Greece
2000	September 15 - October 1		Sydney	Australia

RESOURCES
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Taekwondo at the Summer Olympics" which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-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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Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-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 »

The Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-makgi ) is used during sparring competitions to block ( 막기 makgi ) any incoming middle punches ( 몸통 지르기 momtong-jireugi ) to the chest protector ( 호구 hogu ). The chest protector ( 호구 hogu ) is the most common scoring area in taekwondo sparring ( 겨루기 gyeorugi ). The blue or red colored area of the body protector is the scoring targets.

Understanding the tradeoff between power, balance, speed, and footwork ( 딛기 ditgi ) is important in making the appropriate decisions to adjust to each moment is key. Taekwondo students must learn how to deal with a fast, powerful, and determined attacker. It forces the student to improvise, to think under pressure, and to keep their emotions under control.

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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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Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-makgi )

Use in Patterns ( 품새 poomse )

Block is introduced in the following patterns:

TAEGEUK #: 4 6

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 »

Experienced practitioners learn through repetition and muscle memory when (not just how) to launch particular blocks, based on the circumstances they are facing. Fights and fighters may have ebbs and flows in momentum and action that become predictable. Disrupting this flow may give the striker an advantage.

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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Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-makgi )

Training Highlights Summary

The Outside Middle Block ( 바깥막기 momtong-bakkat-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.

deflects a strike away from the defender leaving an opportunity for a counterattack
to begin the technique, the practitioner would cross their forearms at shoulder height level with the palms ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) facing the face
other hand is chambered immediately to the waist for a counterattack strike such as a punch ( 지르기 jireugi )

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.

65% 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 Attention Stance?

Attention is a stance ( 서기 sogi ) where your body is in an upright standing position with the legs side by side, heels touching, distribute 50/50 weight ratio on the left and right legs, and toes facing straight forward. Your hands should be parallel with your body, to the side as your hands tap the legs.

Question. What year was Taekwondo an official Olympic Demonstration Sport in Seoul, Korea?

Taekwondo made its first appearance at the Summer Olympic Games as a demonstration sport at the Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. The opening ceremony featured a mass demonstration of taekwondo with hundreds of adults and children performing moves in unison. Taekwondo was again a demonstration sport at the Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. There were no demonstration sports at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA.

Question. What is the korean terminology for Low Block?

The Low Block is one of the most basic Taekwondo 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 ( 손바닥 sonbadak ) facing the ground, which blocks any incoming low kicks ( 차기 chagi ) or low strikes.

Question. What is the korean terminology for Walking Stance?

The Walking Stance is a beginner stance ( 서기 sogi ) that is used to approach or retreat in combat and poomse. Feet should be maintained approximately 3 foot-length from origin. To maintain a solid base, the front foot is facing straight forward and the back foot is 30 degrees to aid balance.

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 »