Series of straight punches 1. Two hits in a row with the left hand to the head with a double step forward2. Dvoechka to the head - a blow with the left hand is followed by a blow with the right hand.3. C grade from the right hand to the head - three blows under each step with the foot. Starting with the right hand-left hand-right

Strike Defense Techniques Once you've mastered the basic punches and kicks, you're ready to fight for your first victory. I hasten to cool your ardor, because you still do not know how to defend yourself from blows. In this case, the chances of winning will be minimal. It is very important to be able to put a block on

Kicking Technique Do you want to master the kicking technique? What about spectacular roundhouse kicks? Despite their modern interpretation, kicks have deep roots at their core. All of them contributed to the creation of a dynamic

A SERIES OF Strikes A series of strikes is two or more strikes delivered one after the other almost without interruption. In boxing matches (fights), the fate of the fight is usually decided by a series of blows. What are the advantages of the series? A single blow, even if delivered relatively weakly, is all

DEFENSE AGAINST Strikes We separate, distinguish between: the actual defense, that is, avoiding a blow, and the parade - or response, that is, the way to go on the offensive, depending on the defense. Thus, the defense will be a passive defense, and the parade (response) will be active. The defense is carried out

BLOCKING With direct blows, the opponent's fist is caught in the open palm of the hand. This method requires great skill (Fig. 6). With side impacts, swing, cross or Russian swing strike - the blow is beaten off with the forearm of the hand. On low hits (gooks or crosses) or hit

Sometime in your life you will find yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself against one or more opponents. How to defend yourself in an extreme street fight?

At some point in your life, you will find yourself in a situation where you have to defend yourself against one or more opponents. In street fights there are no rules and indulgences; if you find yourself in this position, you need to do everything possible to protect yourself and prevent serious injury. Keep in mind that excessive use of force is illegal but allowed in self-defense, so remember that your goal is to protect yourself and get out of a dangerous place.

1. How to beat off one opponent

Leave or run and hide if possible. Your best defense is to avoid a fight.

You must know how to defend yourself. In the event that you cannot escape and must stand up for yourself, self-defense skills are essential. But keep in mind that the rules of martial arts may not help you, as sometimes even black belt holders can get seriously injured in tough street fights without rules.

Try to dissuade the attacker from fighting.

Try to stay calm. The calmer you are, the better you will be able to find places to escape through and capture this moment.

Don't forget that the notion that size is not related to strength is a myth. In fact, it matters a lot. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can take on a man twice your size just because you have certain martial arts skills.

2. How to fight off multiple attackers

As with a single opponent, try to get away or run away and remain calm.

Try not to anger the group of attackers even more; shouting insults, you can provoke their attack.

If possible, try to find out why they are trying to attack you. But be aware that if you talk too much or ask too many questions, you may piss them off even more.

If you're not good at fighting, stand with your back against a wall so the group can't surround you. This way you will be able to go left or right and get through one attacker instead of the whole group.

3. How to respond to the attacker

It will be useful for you to know about some basic techniques that you can use for self-defense:

Try to hit the attacker in the ribs. Contrary to popular belief, it can actually hurt.

It is best to hit the solar plexus or under the nose. Never aim at the eye socket: this is the strongest part of the face and you can break your fingers. If you hit the solar plexus, you will have a lot of time to run away (as well as stun the enemy and get a chance to hit from behind), and a blow to the nose can knock out the attacker. Any of these methods will work.

When the attacker wants to punch you, turn around to dodge the punch, then grab his arm and strike at the elbow joint.

If the attacker (or attackers) tries to choke you and pin you against the wall by squeezing your throat, do the following. With your left hand, hold the hand that is squeezing your throat. Then with your right hand, hit the opponent hard on the elbow joint. After that, hard (but not too much) hit the attacker in the neck, then push him against the wall and run away in an instant. If you want, you can press the opponent's hand to his back.

4. Advanced Tactics

The following tricks will help you to give benefits, but you should understand that this may not be enough. Only use these advanced tactics as a last resort.

Roll the attacker's arm back (not enough to break it) and hold it in that position. He will be in a lot of pain and he won't be able to do anything to you. At this time, you will have a chance to escape.

If you are into martial arts, use this move as you were taught as it is widely used in martial arts (judo, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, etc.).

Grab your neck. First, try to get around the opponent from behind. When possible, grab the middle part of the head with your left or right hand (approximately at the level of the nose).

Hold on a little and let go. But be careful: when you do this, you can still be attacked.

Some karatekas have learned that in order to break free from a hold, one must step on the opponent's foot, causing him pain. If someone tries to do this to you, jump back slightly without releasing the grip. But the successful execution of this trick still requires training.

5. How to defend yourself when holding on horseback

Mounting is extremely dangerous. In this position, you lie on the ground, and the attacker on top of you is on his knees. At the same time, he has more control and opportunities to strike, while you are very limited.

You must know what to do. The key action to prevent this situation is to block the opponent's punches. If you do get knocked to the ground, you need to kick as hard as you can with both feet in front of your opponent's thighs to attack. Then get up and run wherever your eyes look.

No need to try to attack immediately. This will make you more vulnerable, and lying pressed to the ground will seem like flowers.

Find a way to escape. The attack may not work, so running is the best option in your case. Here are some ways to do it:

Use "back door exit". Try to crawl out from under the attacker, moving down.

Push your hips up and to the side.

Block off the space between you and the attacker with your hands or elbows in order to free one or two legs.

Turn face down. Then the attacker will be on your back, and so he will have much fewer opportunities. Lying on your stomach, you can feel your opponent's grip loosen, and you can get out by standing up and "chicking" him off his back, or using the "exit through the back door."

6. How to break free from a neck hold

6.1 Learn how to break free from a neck hold, as this is a common move in street fights. Some of the tricks are listed here, but the best defense is to stay alert and avoid capture in the first place. If you know you're being approached, you can turn around and prevent this stunt.

6.2 When the attacker is just starting to grab the neck, try to "dive in" and block his arms. This may be enough to break out of a possible capture. But the longer you wait, the harder it will be for you to free yourself.

6.3 Protect yourself. Being trapped can block your air or circulation. So the first thing you need to do is protect yourself.
Pull your chin in.

Turn your head towards the attacker's chest to protect your face from the fists.

Grab the attacker's arms (which are clasped together as they do a grab) and pull down. The pressure will drop immediately.

6.4 Do not straighten up. Bend your legs and spread them relatively wide. You need to stay steady in order to attack back or break free when you get the chance.

6.5 Use your free hands to protect your face from blows.

When trying to break out of a hold, try some of the following methods:

Step on the attacker's foot. Do it instantly quickly and accurately. When done correctly, this trick will hurt the attacker, and this will be enough for him to loosen his grip, allowing you to break free.

Hit from above on the inside of the thigh or in the groin area. Then pull the opponent's head up (by the hair, eye sockets, etc.), push him away from you and run.

Pinch the attacker in the face. He may be hurt and you will have enough valuable moments to break out of the grip.

Move your head up and down quickly. In this way you will puzzle the enemy; once you've done that, lean forward sharply. Your opponent will fall.

Grab your opponent's arms and slide your head under them, then break free. To do this, you need to catch the moment when the opponent’s grip is weaker, or for something to temporarily distract his attention (for this, a good blow to the ribs or groin may be enough).

Use two of your hands against one of your opponent's. With all the strength of both hands, pull off one wrist of the attacker. It is VERY hard to do a good neck grab or choke with one hand, so pulling back with one hand will immediately feel less pressure.

Instead of one hand, you can pull back your finger. Grasp your finger with one hand and bend as much as possible. With this technique, you can easily break the attacker's finger.

7. How to get out of the shoulder or elbow lever

It is very painful to get out of the elbow or shoulder lever. Here are some ways.

7.1 If the opponent is going to make a hold in which the arm should be straight, bend it. If he wants to leverage with a bent arm, straighten it out.

7.2 Prevent elbow or shoulder leverage by holding on to your belt, pants, skirt belt, etc. until the opponent has completed the hold. That way he won't be able to straighten (or bend) and twist your arm. Of course, to do this, you need to be extremely careful and recognize the intention of the attacker to leverage the elbow or shoulder.

7.3 When the attacker has performed an elbow or shoulder lever, try the following methods:

Pretend that you want to hit the enemy with your fist: he will be distracted and loosen his grip. Use this moment to release your shoulder or elbow leverage.
Actually punch your opponent or kick him and use the moment when his grip loosens.

7.4 Try to pull your arm back as sharply as possible. Sometimes, due to surprise, the opponent may let go of your hand and give you a chance to run away.

7.5 When trying to free yourself from the elbow or shoulder lever, be extremely careful, as your attempt may also lead to a broken arm.

8. How to block punches

8.1 Learn to recognize when an opponent is about to punch. As with most techniques, the ability to predict the movement of an opponent is a significant part of self-defense. Signs to look out for include:

Clenching the hand into a fist;
Grinding of teeth, movements of the jaws, expressing anger;
shallow breathing; the enemy seems to be squeezing out air;
A sharp extension of the leg forward;
Lowering the chin (to protect the throat);
Shoulder drop (initial punching stance)
Rotate the body to the side, away from you.

8.2 Move. Before the opponent made the decision to punch, he had already decided where he would strike and thought out his strategy. In turn, you have half a second to dodge this blow. So if the enemy wants to hit you in the head, deflect it a little and he will miss or at least hit you not so hard.

8.3 Aim with your hands in the same direction as the opponent directs the blow. This helps to predict the opponent's next moves. Your assumption should not be made at random - it should be justified.

8.4 Try to block blows with your shoulders, not with your palms, since the latter method will only reduce the range of blows of the opponent, but will not affect the original goal.

9. How to block kicks

9.1 Blocking kicks is the most difficult technique in wrestling. But still, if you successfully grab your opponent's leg when he tries to hit you, you can knock him to the ground.

9.2 Block the kick with the palms of the hands, not with the part of the arms where there are muscles. You can get seriously injured if your opponent kicks your muscles.

9.3 Dodge hits. This means that you should avoid hitting like this:

Dodge the trajectory of the opponent's movements;
Bend down quickly;
Jump back;

Step aside.

9.4 Remember that by jumping, dodging, moving from side to side, you will be able to avoid blows more effectively than constantly ducking down.

9.5 Be unpredictable: the opponent should not guess how and when you duck and dodge. Don't do it in a specific pattern.

Advice

When you go to dangerous places, you should have one or two friends with you. This may be enough for nothing to happen to you.
Fight only as a last resort. Talking the enemy out of the fight and leaving the place are the best options.

Use the techniques and tactics that work best for you, according to your physique and physical capabilities. Thin people with a light weight can run better and dodge more easily. A large and heavy person can block blows and use force more easily than dodge.

Do something unexpected and unusual. If an interesting thought comes to you at a critical moment, try it. Surprise always helps.

If the attacker shows you his weapon in his hand or pocket, give him whatever he wants. Your life is more important than all the values ​​in the world! You must understand that the attacker is likely to use a weapon if you make him angry or upset, so try to please him as best as possible.

Speaking of weapons, it's always more useful to have something with you than to go into a fight with a stranger on the street empty-handed. Even a stick, stone or umbrella can make a huge difference.

Try not to look like a victim. Stand straight and keep good posture; so you really will have a more menacing look. Walk with one hand in your pocket. Street gangs like to attack people who are easily offended and show signs of vulnerability.

If possible, try to avoid areas where there are street gangs.

Be polite to people. Don't let the other person have a grudge against you if you can build a friendship with the person instead. Don't act like you're afraid of others, as weakness attracts street thugs looking for victims.

Try to calmly and confidently dissuade bullies from fighting. Remain unperturbed. The less fear or anger you show or feel, the less your opponent can control or "read" you. The angrier you are, the less control he has. Confuse him!

Learn to spy and hide.

When the bully is just bluffing, don't deliberately try to piss him off, as he may come up and actually attack. Or if you are very good at when a person is bluffing, then by angering him, you will violate his plan of attack, the moment of surprise. But only do this if you know how to protect yourself. It's not a very smart move.

Focus: this is not a joke!

Self-defense classes can do you good.

If you see that there is no way out, try to strike first and fight until there is a loophole through which you can escape. Then get out and run away with all your might.

Try to scare the enemy by throwing a rock over your back. If there is a wall behind you, throw it hard on the ground.

Defense against attack in karate is a more complicated process than it seems at first glance. To initiate a block, you must anticipate the type and direction of your opponent's attack. When blocking an opponent's blow, you should try to seize the initiative and bring (wrap) the opponent's attack to your advantage. The following methods illustrate the various possibilities in blocking.

1. Block the opponent's arm or leg with sufficient force, preventing him from further attack. In a sense, this type of blocking can be called attacking.
2. Block an opponent's attack with only enough force to deflect or deflect it. Such a block can be called a light block.
3. Blocking and attack. Block the enemy's attack and immediately counterattack. If possible, block and counterattack at the same time.
4. Force the opponent to lose balance by applying a block.
5. Start blocking an enemy attack at a time when it is just beginning. It is necessary to be able to anticipate the attack of the enemy.
6. Block and then move to a safe position until an opportunity to counterattack presents itself.

Blocks against kicks - GERI - are highly developed in karate. GERIs target vital areas of the body and are typically not found in other body contact sports, so these blocking moves are one of a kind. In karate, not only arms and hands are used for blocking, but also feet and legs.

As mentioned above, a strong block is a type of attack because it can impart a strong blow to the opponent's arm or leg. The correct and traditional meaning of KARATE is the evidence in its actions. Ancient lore tells of a martial arts master of hand-to-hand combat whose locks were so strong that his opponents felt as if his arms and legs were made of iron. Opponents who tried to attack him could not bear the pain of his blocking and were forced to retreat. Protecting oneself without destroying others is what shows the correctness of the spirit of martial art.

Many karate students today, these days, spend their time training for competitions, focusing on techniques that can be used to win fights. They emphasize the use of combinations of techniques and emphasize the principle of continuous attack with various techniques, preferring them to the main training in basic movements that strengthen the arms, hands and feet. This is useful for learning competitive techniques, but training in basic techniques, which is characteristic of karate, is much more important. Karate students seem to overlook the fact that a defense, if applied with sufficient force, can also be an attack. The ultimate goal of attacking and defensive techniques is to prevent the enemy from continuing his attack. This point deserves special consideration.

BASIC UNITS

The first thing to remember in learning the basic blocks and applying them is that your hand blocking an opponent's attack should begin its movement almost simultaneously with the movement of the opponent's arm or leg attacking you. The following factors underlie the blocking techniques of KARATE.

First consider the enemy's attack path. Then change the direction of his attack with a block. In general, blocks should be directed along the following routes:

1. against an attack in the face, block from the bottom up;
2. against an attack to the middle of the body (torso), block from the outside inward or vice versa;
3. against an attack on the perineum or below, block down with a pull to the side.

Blocking with insufficiently precise direction is usually weak. The principles above are explained in the following commonly used blocks.

AGE-UKE (upper block against a blow to the head).

Move the blocking hand from the starting position up and forward until it touches the opponent's hand. At the moment of contact, bring your forearm back in the direction of your head, ending its movement just in front of your forehead. In its full path, the blocking hand describes a curve. Note that her route lies outside the returning hand. If you greatly outnumber your opponent in strength and skill, it is necessary to carry the forearm in the direction of your head after blocking. Under normal circumstances, however, it is safer to stick to the curve.

If your left hand is in front of your forehead when you start blocking, open your hand, point your fingers up and the edge of your hand out. Return the hand to a position above the left thigh, bringing it straight down and in front of the nose. Clench your fist as your hand reaches your hip, move your right forearm up as your left hand returns. The path of the blocking hand is outside the reversing - left - hand. If you do everything right, the left hand and right forearm form a crosshair (cross) in front of the face as they pass each other. The blocking surface in this guard contains (includes) about 3-4 inches (approximately 7-10 cm) of bony area on the bottom of the wrist.

UDE-UKE (middle block with the forearm against an attack in the torso).

The UDE-UKE block includes two varieties of the middle block with the forearm: SOTO-UDE-UKE (SOTO-UKE) - block from the outside inward with the lower part of the wrist and UCHI-UDE-UKE (UCHI-UKE) - block from the inside outward with the upper part of the wrist. Let's consider both cases separately.

SOTO-UKE.

Raise your left hand to the side with your fist near your left ear (very close). At this point, the bottom of the fist is facing outward to the left. With the elbow bent at a right angle, move your arm down and forward and block the TSUKI being thrown by your opponent to your torso.

The moment your forearm meets your opponent's hand, the back of your fist should be facing your opponent at chin height with your forearm nearly perpendicular to the ground. Rotate your forearm 180 degrees counterclockwise as it moves from outside to inside. To sum it all up, beat the opponent's attacking arm to the side with a circular motion of your forearm from the outside in. As in AGE-UKA, the blocking surface of the forearm is the bony area of ​​the lower part of the wrist.

UCHI-UKE.

Place the left fist in front of the right thigh, the back of the fist is facing forward. Extend your forearm up and forward, using your elbow as a pivot. Reflect the enemy's attack into your torso by kicking his forearm to the side with the top of your wrist from the inside out. The left hand moves forward outward and to the right. At the moment of contact, try to keep your elbow bent at a right angle, your fist should be at chin height, and your forearm should be almost perpendicular to the ground.

Return your right hand to position over your right hip as your left forearm moves forward to block. Rotate your hands and hips to increase strength at the same time. The more force produced by the movement of the hip, the stronger the block will be.

GEDAN-BARAI (lower block against an attack in the groin).

Start GEdan-barai with your left fist close to your right ear. Turn the back of your fist out to the side, strike down while straightening your elbow, and deflect the opponent's attack to the side with the bottom of your wrist. Finish GEdan-barai when the left fist is directly over the left knee.

Place the edge of the right hand near the left ear, the back of the hand facing out to the side. Throw out the right hand by extending the elbow forward, and rotate the body counterclockwise. As the hand moves forward to block an opponent's attack, rotate your forearm counterclockwise and keep your elbow bent.

Focus on learning blocks designed to parry different attacks. Remember that your block will be stronger if it takes a longer route to its destination. While this longer route block is desirable, it is usually not possible because there is only a limited amount of time to block. Since blocks must respond to attacks of great speed and surprise, advanced karate students will not start their blocks in the positions described above. However, beginners should learn the block in its full and correct route until they can use the shorter version. In all cases, beginning students should concentrate on learning the basic techniques.

FACTOR 2. Forearm rotation and timing

A. Rotation of the forearm.

Blocks gain strength if you rotate your forearm while doing them. When you block, rotate your forearm as if you were about to drive it into your opponent's arm bone. This rotation of the forearm serves to deflect the direction of the opponent's attack away from your body.

Rotate your forearm counterclockwise as you lift it towards your forehead. Keep your elbow bent during the movement. Tighten your wrist and forearm muscles.

UDE-UKE (middle block with the forearm against an attack in the torso):

SOTO-UDE-UKE (block from outside to inside). Rotate your forearm clockwise as you block. Keep your elbow bent at all times.

UCHI-UDE-UKE (block from inside out). Rotate your forearm clockwise as you bring it forward for a block.

When blocking an opponent's attack with a block from the inside out, the forearm must be rotated counterclockwise; while blocking from outside to inside, rotate the forearm of the blocking hand clockwise.

GEDAN-BARAI (lower block). Rotate your forearm inward, straightening your elbow, and block with a large downward movement of your arm.

B. Timeliness (timing).

Forearm rotation and timing are closely related.

Obviously, the block should not be applied too early or too late.

Having seen the intention of the enemy, take the initial position of your block, however, of course, leaving enough time to parry or repel the attack of the enemy.

Consider, for example, an AGE-UKE block under ideal conditions in terms of forearm rotation and timing. As explained above, you need to lift and rotate the forearm from the side, and block the opponent's arm from the bottom up. Touch the opponent's attacking arm relatively far away from your head before you move your arm back towards your head. After the initial contact, continue to rotate the forearm, drawing the opponent's attack up above your head.

Sometimes the opponent is too close to allow you to block his hand in the manner described above. In this situation, sharply lift your forearm straight up, rotating it quickly. Since there is no opportunity to withdraw the opponent's attacking hand, the block must be strong and sharp enough to repel the attack. Proper timing and rotation of the forearm is essential if an effective block is to be achieved.

Unfortunately, ideal blocking conditions are extremely rare. There is usually not enough time to assume the prescribed initial (starting) stance. When an attack starts suddenly, move immediately to the final phase of the block from any position you are in. In the event of an attack directed at your stomach, you may be faced with a block choice. Indecision in this case can be fatal when you make the wrong choice. For example, imagine that you are in a low position and an opponent is attacking your solar plexus, or imagine that a tall (tall) opponent is attacking this point of your body. You are faced with block selection. If you place a gedan-barai (lower block), you don't have enough time to raise your fist to your shoulder for a successful block, as the fist must be raised high. It is much better to block with the forearm against an attack in the torso from the outside in. In the corresponding block, mastery is achieved by constant training.

It is not always possible to have enough time and space to get the blocking hand to complete its full motion somewhere nearby. However, since blocking conditions are usually less than ideal, proper timing is of the utmost importance. Estimate accurately the speed of the enemy's attack and its distance from you, and then choose the time of your block to repel the attack.

FACTOR 3. Hip rotation

The discussion of TSUKI punching technique clearly shows the importance of hip rotation and punch increase. Rotation of the hips is also necessary to obtain an effective block. In all cases, if your block is strong and performed from a hard or soft position, remember to rotate your hips. It's impossible to parry or parry a strong attack if you don't use enough strength in your hips.

When blocking, both hands seem to start moving at the same time. However, the final analysis of the movement shows that the blocking hand lags momentarily behind the returning (reversing) hand at the start of the movement. In AGE-UKA, the left hand starts the movement, then the right hand moves up to block. In other words, the returning arm moves first. The order of movement in SOTO-UKA against an attack to the body is similar to the order in AGE-UKA, except for the difference in hand positions and in the direction of blocking.

If the hips rotate properly in the block, they automatically return to a position that is very helpful in applying a counter punch. Let's take another way, when the hips rotate completely in one direction and, having reached the limit of tension in the abdomen, they begin to rotate in the opposite direction. The force from this counter-rotation will pour out in the direction of the blow and, reinforced by the movement of the shoulders, upper arm and forearm, will end up in the fist as a powerful explosion against the target.

Despite the fact that in AGE-UK and UDE-UK the returning (reversing) hand moves a fraction of a second earlier than the blocking one; the following constituent parts of the movement all end in an instant, these are:

1. return of the fist of the reverse hand to the position above the thigh;
2. acceptance of HANMI; c) application of the block.

FACTOR 4. Elbow position of the blocking hand

When applying the block instantly, all the force should be concentrated in the forearm. The amount of force you are able to apply depends on the connection of your elbow to the side of your body. If your elbow is too far away from your body, it is difficult to tighten the muscles in your side and your block will be weak. And similarly, if your elbow stays too close to your body when you block, the span (size) of your block is small and your blocking strength is therefore reduced. Keep your elbow neither too far nor too close to your body. Also, when blocking an opponent's attacks to your torso, make sure that your forearm ends up better in the center of your body than to the left or right of it. At the moment of impact (touch), fully strain the muscles of the side and arm.

The consideration of the correct position in the various blocks is as follows:

AGE-UKE (upper block).

Raise your elbow to the height of your ear and as close to it as possible. This placement enables your body to provide for sufficient tension.

UDE-UKE (middle block).

Place your elbow a hand's width away from your body (side) when standing in HANMI. If the elbow is more than twice the distance from the side, it will be difficult to tighten the muscles of the side. The position of your elbow roughly bisects your body when you are standing in HANMI. A TSUKI strike delivered to you by an opponent straight ahead must either hit you in the forearm or deflect harmlessly to either side of your body. Avoid moving the elbow in any direction from the prescribed position. Your block will be weak if the elbow moves forward from the body.

SHUTO-UKE (block with the edge of the palm).

The elbow is in a position corresponding to that proposed for UDE-UKE.

FACTOR 5. Final block position

The swing of the forearm (movement) is of no use if it goes past the point where the block would be effective. If your forearm continues to move after blocking, tension in the flank muscles is lost, body control is reduced, and the subsequent move is difficult to apply. If you throw your forearm further beyond the recommended position without stopping for a focused block, then it is likely that your block will be weak. In such circumstances, the first requirement for a strong block is the tension of the muscles of the sides, which cannot be done. The following end positions are recommended for the various blocks:

AGE-UKE (upper block to attack to the head).

Finish the block with your forearm one fist in front of your forehead. In this position, your forearm should be at an angle to the horizontal. If you block this way, your opponent's attacks pass over your head. The time spent blocking is kept to a minimum compared to a block that does not stop in front of the forehead but continues further up.

SHUTO-UKE (block with the edge of the palm).

A straight line, mentally drawn from the edge of the hand to the shoulder of the blocking arm, must correspond to the direction of the opponent's attack.

FACTOR 6. Blocks as attacks

As mentioned above, a block can also serve as an attack. For example, a strong block can deliver a strong blow, enough to prevent the opponent's next (further) attack. There are other meanings of block as an attack, in which, however, the blocking movement serves as an attacking one. For example, when the forearm blocks the hand, the blocking hand can hit the opponent's nose or chin at the same time. This characteristic feature of KARATE is absent in other martial arts. Exploring the various blocks opens up many interesting uses for you.

AGE-UKE

AGE-UKE can be used as an attack in the following way. When an opponent attacks your head with a TSUKI strike, crouch (lower your hips), lean slightly forward and step under your opponent's attacking arm. At the same time, apply AGE-UKE in such a way that you simultaneously attack his armpit with your elbow and his chin with the bottom of your fist. Another possibility for AGE-UKE as an attack is the one that occurs immediately after blocking. Grasp the wrist of the opponent's attacking hand with the blocking hand and pull it down, while at the same time passing AGEUKE with the other hand along his elbow joint.

UDE-UKE and SHUTO-UKE

When the opponent moves forward attacking your body with a TSUKI strike, step towards his attack and block with a wide reach - a movement of the forearm or a SHUTO-UKE block. your goal is to block his attack and at the same time hit the point under his nose with your fist or poke his eyes with your fingers.

HIJI-SURI-UKE

HIDZI-SURI-UKE - block by sliding the elbow. It's a combination of block and punch. When the opponent attacks your face with a right OY-TSUKI, step back with your right foot and throw your left arm out in AGE-UK. However, don't end up with AGE-UKE. Instead, lightly strike your attacking arm slightly to the side with your elbow, and then throw your fist forward into the opponent's face.

BASIC BLOCKING TECHNIQUES

AGE-UKE (upper block against an attack to the head).

AGE-UKE is one of the main techniques used to block enemy attacks that are aimed higher than the solar plexus. When an opponent tries to attack your face with a TSUKI punch, block his attack with part of your wrist by raising your arm up with force.

Important points:

1. Finish your block with your forearm about 4 inches (10 cm) in front of your forehead; the hand is higher than the elbow and the bottom of your fist is pointing up. Avoid allowing your elbow to deviate from the most direct path to its final position. It should move forward and up close to the body.
2. Keep the elbow of the blocking arm at a 90 degree angle as you lift it. Return the opposite hand to the position above the hip. The arms should be crossed one over the other at chin height. Rotate your forearms as they move in opposite directions. Try to move your arms quickly and strongly.
3. Clench your fist tightly at the moment of blocking the enemy's attack. At the same time, strongly tighten your abdominal muscles and transmit this tension to the muscles around the armpit and to the blocking arm in a wave-like flow of force.

Training method for AGE-UKE - 1.

1. Take HIDARI-ZENKUTSU-DACHI, hips and shoulders pointing straight ahead.
2. Place your right forearm in front of your forehead with an open hand, palm facing out. The position of your left fist is over your left thigh, with the back of your fist pointing straight down.
3. Rotate your hips clockwise and begin to lower your right hand down in front of your face towards your right hip. At the same time, lift your left forearm, rotating it as you lift. The route of the left hand lies outside of the right.
4. As you bring your right hand back towards your side, make a fist. Raise your left forearm to the height of your forehead. Finish the blocking movement at the same time that your body has finished moving into the semi-frontal HANMI position.
5. Rotate your hips counterclockwise and return to the position described in step 2. Return your brushes to their original position as well.
6. Repeat AGE-UKE on both sides of the body. After you get used to the training method - 1, start practicing the training method - 2.

Training method for AGE-UKE - 2.

1. Take HACHIDZE-DACHI to SHIZEN-TAI
2. Start sliding your right foot back and lift your right arm forward straight in front of your face. While sliding your foot back, return your right hand to your right side and bring your left forearm up to block. Raise the blocking hand outside of the returning hand.
3. At the end of the blocking movement, your body should take the HANMI, your right fist should be over your right thigh, and your left forearm should be in front of your forehead.
4. Return to starting position.
5. Train the movement alternately on both sides of the body.

Important Considerations.

1. If you raise the elbow of your blocking arm too high, the muscles around your armpit cannot fully contract and your block will be weak. Avoid this error when blocking; raise your hand above your elbow.
2. If your blocking forearm stops too far in front of your forehead, an opponent's attack can pass over your block and hit you. Remember that the ideal distance between your forehead and forearm should be approximately 4 inches (10 cm).
3. Sometimes, fearing a threatening attack, the student tilts his head back out of fear, avoiding a blow. Avoid this mistake.

For the GYAKU-AGE-UKE block (reverse block), the execution option is as follows: when you stand in HIDARI-ZENKUTSU-DACHI, block with your right hand; when you get into MIGIZENKUTSU-DACHI, you block with your left hand. If you are blocking with your right hand, step back with your right foot and rotate your hips counterclockwise. Reverse block with your left hand.

SOTO-UDE-UKE (forearm block to attack the body from the outside inward).

This technique is used as an excellent way to block TSUKI strikes to the torso. In this block, the opponent's hand is deflected to the side as you block from the outside to the inside. If applied with sufficient force, this block alone is sufficient to discourage further attacks.

Important points.

1. In the final position of the block, you want the forearm to be bent at a right angle at the elbow and so that it is almost perpendicular to the ground. At this point, your elbow should be about 4 inches (10 cm) from your side and the top of your fist at the height of your chin. Fully tighten the muscles around the armpit.
2. While moving forward with the blocking hand, return the opposite hand to your hip, clenching your fist tightly, as if you were trying to grab someone with it. Turning your hips is part of your block. The force generated by the rotation of the hips must be followed (transferred) to your blocking hand.

Training method for SOTO-UDE-UKE - 1.

1. Take MIGI-ZENKUTSU-DACHI, hips and shoulders straight forward.
2. Straighten your left hand forward to the height of the solar plexus. The hand can be open or clenched in a fist, but in any case, the back of the hand looks up. Place the right hand over the right shoulder close to the ear.
3. Return the left hand to the left side by rotating it 180 degrees counterclockwise. If your hand is open, make a fist as it approaches your thigh. Rotate your hips counterclockwise. At the same time, send your right hand forward from outside to inside and block. Rotate the blocking forearm clockwise as you throw it forward.
4. Finish the block with the body in HANMI;
5. Your left fist should be over your left hip (back of fist facing down), and the top of your right fist should be at chin height.
6. Return to position 2.
7. Repeat on both sides of the body.

Training method for SOTO-UDE-UKE - 2.

1. Lower your arms, as usual, to your sides.
2. Start stepping back with your left foot and straighten your left hand (fist) forward. At the same time, raise your right fist over your right shoulder close to your ear.
3. Continue the step, return the left hand to the left side and rotate the hips counterclockwise. At the same time, move your right forearm forward from the outside inward against the imaginary opponent (his attacking arm).
4. Finish all blocking moves in MIGI-ZEN-KUTSU-DACHI with the body in HANMI. At this point, your left fist is over your left hip with the back pointing down, and your right fist is in front of you, its top edge is at chin height.
5. Practice this blocking move on the other side of your body, blocking with your left hand. Finally, repeat the movements alternately in both directions. Instead of stepping back when you block, practice blocking when you step forward. In addition, it is necessary to practice, including the application of the block after moving in KOKUTSU-DACHI or KIBA-DACHI.

Special Considerations.

1. Rotate your hips sharply. The faster the hips rotate, the more force they impart to the block. Increase hip rotation speed with strong rotation of the blocking hand. Avoid rotating only the shoulders when it is necessary to rotate the belra.
2. Block failure is more likely when you block an opponent's attack obliquely (diagonally) from top to bottom. Block in such a way that the enemy's attack is reflected to the side. In the final position of the block, avoid allowing the elbow of the blocking hand to deviate in the other direction from the recommended position.
3. Bend the blocking arm at a right angle at the elbow. Avoid excessive extension or elbow flexion of your blocking arm.
4. The block will be ineffective if the wrist of the blocking hand is bent. Straighten and tighten it.

UCHI-UDE-UKE (forearm block to attack the body from the inside out).

This technique is used to block an opponent's attack in the torso by swinging (stretching) the forearm from the inside out and repelling his attack to the side.

Training method for UCHI-UDE-UKE - 1.

1. Take HIDARI-ZENKUTSU-DACHI, shoulders and hips pointing straight ahead.
2. Extend your right hand out in front of you, palm down, and place your left fist in front of your right thigh, with the back of the fist facing down.
3. Return the right hand towards the right hip and rotate the hips clockwise. At the same time, send the left forearm along the route outside of the returning (reversing) arm. Use your elbow as a pivot as you rotate your blocking forearm counterclockwise and block from the inside out.
4. Finish the block when your body is in HANMI. At this point, the right fist should be above the right thigh, and the left forearm should be almost perpendicular to the ground, the top of the fist at the height of your chin.
5. Rotate your hips counterclockwise and return to the position described in step 2.
6. Practice this technique alternately on both sides of the body.

Training method for UCHI-UDE-UKE - 2.

1. Take HACHIDZE-DACHI to SHIZEN-TAI.
2. Start stepping back with your left foot. At the same time, extend your left hand in front of you, palm down, and place your right fist in front of your left thigh (back of fist pointing up).
3. As you move, return your left hand to your left side and rotate your hips counterclockwise. At the same time, throw your right arm forward from the inside out. Use your elbow as a pivot and rotate your forearm clockwise as you throw it forward.
4. Finish the block in MIGI-ZENKUTSU-DACHI with the body in HANMI. The block can also be easily completed in the KIBADACHI and KOKUTSU-DACHI positions. In any end position, the left fist must end at a point above the left hip, with its back facing down.
5. Step forward and return to position 1.
6. Repeat on both sides of the body. Instead of stepping back during the block, practice it by stepping forward in ZENKUTSU-DACHI, KIBA-DACHI, or KOKUTSU-DACHI.

Special Considerations.

1. UCHI-UDE-UKE will be weak if you block with only one hand. Use the force generated by the rotation of the hips, thereby strengthening the block. Avoid blocking with just one hand; use both hands. In other words, this move will not reach its maximum strength unless the blocking hand comes back sharply (quickly) and strongly.
2. The elbow position of the blocking hand should change very little throughout the blocking (movement). Send your forearm outward as if it were a fan. In this circular movement of the forearm, the elbow works as an axis.

SOTO-UDE-UKE and UCHI-UDE-UKE are usually practiced as blocks against an attack to the body, however they can also be effective against an attack to the head.

OTOSHI-UKE (blow down block).

This technique is used to block an opponent's attack in the stomach. Drop your forearm straight down from above your head. Block the opponent's forearm with the bottom of your wrist. Block End Position Your forearm is parallel to the ground, the back of the blocking hand's fist is facing forward.

OTOSHI-UKE is similar to the UDE-UKE block, but differs from the latter in the way in which it goes to the goal. Note also that the opponent's arm moves down rather than sideways, as in UDE-UK.

GEDAN-BARAI (lower block).

Block your opponent's TSUKI or GERI strike to your lower abdomen with a GEdan-barai lower block. Repel his attack to the side by sending your forearm down and slightly to the side. GEDAN-BARAI is one of the main blocks used against the attack of the lower part of your body.

Important points:

1. Finish GEdan-barai with the fist of the blocking hand about 6 inches (15 cm) above the knee of the front leg.
2. Direct the blocking hand and the returning (reversing) hand so that they almost touch each other as they move in their respective directions. Rotate both forearms throughout the entire route of the block.
3. Since you may need to block a strong kick with your foot, your block must be adequately strong. Block with a large (large) downward motion of the blocking hand.

Training Method for GEDAN-BARAI - 1.

1. Take HIDARI-ZENKUTSU-DACHI with your shoulders and hips facing straight ahead.
2. Straighten your right arm in front of your stomach, the back of the hand looks up. The hand can remain open or clenched into a fist. Raise your left fist to the side of your right ear, the back of the fist facing out to the side.
3. Return the right hand to the right thigh and rotate the hips clockwise. At the same time, send the left forearm down, rotating it clockwise and straightening (extending) the blocking arm at the elbow as it comes down to block the opponent's attack.
4. Finish the block with the body in HIDARI-ZENKUTSU-DACHI and in HANMI. The fist of the left (blocking) hand should be about 15 cm higher than the left knee, the rear of the fist looking up.
5. Return to position 2.
6. Repeat the GEDAN-BARAI block alternately on both sides of the body.

Training method for GEDAN-BARAI - 2.

1. Take HACHIDZE-DACHI to SHIZEN-TAI.
2. Step back with your right foot, straighten your right arm in front of your lower abdomen and place your left fist on the side of your right ear.
3. Continuing the step back, return the right hand to the side, clenching it into a fist and rotating the hips clockwise. At the same time, send your left forearm down, rotating it and straightening your elbow.
4. Finish GEDANI-BARAI with the body in HIDARI-ZENKUT-SU-DACHI and in HANMI. Your right fist should be over your right thigh with the back of your fist pointing down. Your left hand should finish moving over your front leg, the back of your fist looking up.
5. Move the standing foot forward one step and return to position 1.
6. Practice this on the other side.

Additional practice consists of performing GEdanbarai while stepping forward instead of stepping back; as well as from other racks.

Special Considerations.

1. If you are afraid of an opponent's attack, you are able (tend to) pull back your hips, thereby avoiding a blow. This action greatly weakens the GEdanbarai block. It is difficult to block a strong GERI if your body is tilted forward. So push your hips forward throughout the block, keeping your body perpendicular to the ground.
2. If you are trying to do gedan barai without full rotation of the hips, the block may not be effective. Since the opponent's blow to your crotch is very strong, place special emphasis on the rotation of the hips, producing the necessary force for the GEdan-barai block.
3. If your hips are too high when you block, your opponent's chances of making a successful attack increase. Keep your hips low and block from a position as close to your opponent as possible.
4. If the fist of your blocking hand deviates from the recommended position of 15 cm above the knee of your front leg, then your block becomes weak. If your block ends too far above your knee, the opponent's GERI punch will hit your stomach. If the block ends too close to the knee, then your block will miss the opponent's GERI strike, and your chin will suffer accordingly.

SHUTO-UKE (block with the edge of the hand against an attack in the body).

SHUTO-UKE is one of the main blocks against the opponent's stomach attack. Block the attack as if the edge of your hand were sharp, and you planned to cut off the opponent's hand to the wrist. This technique is peculiar to Karate and is somewhat difficult to perform correctly. SHUTO-UKE has many variations.

Important points:

1. The reverse hand does not return to the side, but stops in front of the solar plexus with an open palm facing up. Use this hand to counterattack with NUKITE (spear of the hand) immediately after a SHUTO-UKE block with the other hand.
2. In the final position of this block, you want the elbow of the blocking arm to be bent at a right angle and that the muscles around the armpit are tense. The elbow should not end its movement away from the body. Pull your elbow inward.
3. The blocking hand follows the path: diagonally forward and down towards the target from its starting position. This marrut lies higher than the route of the returning hand.
4. bring your body diagonally back. If you are stepping straight back or blocking without stepping back, this move has little chance of success.

Training method for SHUTO-UKE.

1. Take HACHIDZE-DACHI to SHIZEN-TAI.
2. Step back with your right foot and straighten your right hand in front of you at solar plexus height, palm down. At the same time, place the left hand with an edge near the ear; the back of the hand looks outward to the side. Your left elbow should be in front of the upper left side of your chest.
3. Keep walking back. Your walking course can be diagonal or straight. Return your right hand towards its position in front of the solar plexus and rotate your hips clockwise. At the same time, send your left hand forward and down in the direction of the target with a clockwise rotation of the forearm.
4. Finish the SHUTO-UKE block in MIGI-KOKUTSU-DACHI in HANMI, with the right hand in front of the solar plexus, palm up, and the left hand in the correct blocking position.
5. Return the right foot to its original position and return to position 1.
6. Practice this movement on the other side.

Special Considerations.

1. The two most common mistakes seen in the SHUTO-UKE block are: insufficient elbow flexion in the blocking hand requiring a 90 degree angle, and the wrist of the blocking hand not being held straight enough. In the first example, your hand will hit the attacking hand, probably in the lower part, and in the second - in the upper part. You need to bend your elbow correctly and keep your wrist fairly straight.
2. In the end position of the block, the elbow of the blocking hand sometimes ends the movement and stops outside of the described position. For example, when blocking with the left hand, the elbow may stop at a point too far to the left of the body. This causes a decrease in the blocking force. Tighten the muscles around the armpit, and strain the elbow to the other side.
3. On the continuation of the block route, the muscles of the shoulder are prone to tension, and the shoulder rises. This situation causes tension in the muscles around the armpit and flank, and results in an ineffective block. Relax your shoulder muscles and let your shoulder hang naturally throughout the block.

As mentioned above, the SHUTO-UKE brush edge block has several different variations such as TATE-SHUTOUKE (brush vertical edge block) and KAKE-SHUTO-UKE (brush edge hook block). These two blocks are almost the same. To perform them correctly, bend the wrist of the blocking hand until the palm of the hand is facing forward and the fingers are pointing up. These blocks are applicable against TSUKI strikes directed at your solar plexus. Throw your forearm from the inside out and deflect the opponent's attack to the side.

Important points:

1. In contrast to SHUTO-UKA, in this case, block with the arm extended at the elbow.
2. Keep the wrist tight and strong in its bent position. Your block must be strong, otherwise you will weakly reflect the attack.
3. Start TATE-SHUTO-UKE with the blocking hand close to your opposite ear. Throw the hand forward, straightening the elbow, and block the opponent's forearm from the inside out.

This blocking move is also effective against an enemy attack from the side. For an effective block, throw your wrist in a wide arc from the side of your body opposite the direction of attack, ending with your arm extended outward away from your body.

When the opportunity arises, it is often possible with SHUTO-UK to capture the opponent's arm or sleeve after blocking his attacking arm.

Grab his arm with a dash and throw him off balance when you respond to an attack.

HAISHU-UKE (block with the back of the hand).

HAISHU-UKE is performed using the back of the hand. Direct your blocking hand against the opponent's upper arm, elbow or forearm when he tries to attack you in the solar plexus with a TSUKI punch. Block with an extensor movement of your forearm.

Important points:

1. Turn the side of your body in the direction of the attack and throw out the attacking arm by extending the forearm into a HAISHUUCHI (blow with the back of the hand). Your block will be much more effective if the position of your elbow stays fixed as you hit your opponent's attacking arm.
2. Keep the line formed by the hand and wrist straight and tighten the wrist. When using the back of the hand to block, tighten the entire surface of the back of the hand.

Blocks performed by special parts of the brush.

Blocks are sometimes performed with special parts of the hand or wrist. Although the main purpose of these blocks is to repel the attack of the enemy, they can be performed strongly, delivering a decisive blow.

KAKUTO-UKE (block with bent wrist).

Bend your hand down completely and inward towards your wrist. Block with the part of the wrist above the back of the hand that forms a protrusion when flexed. In KAKUTU-UKA, a blow is struck on the attacking forearm of the opponent from the bottom up with a strong extension (the KEAGE principle). This technique can also be used to deflect an opponent's attacking arm to the side when striking with a side arm.

KEITO-UKE (chicken head block of the wrist).

With the back of the hand facing outward to the side, lower the hand completely and use the base of the left knuckle of the thumb to block. Hit the attacking forearm from the bottom up.

SEIRYUTO-UKE (bull's mouth block of the brush).

With the back of the hand facing outward to the side, lift the hand completely without moving the wrist. Block the attacking leg or forearm of the opponent without movement with the rounded part of the hand or wrist, which is formed when the hand is bent. SEIRYUTO-UKE is used as GEDA-BARAI.

TEISHO-UKE (soft block with the palm).

With the back of the hand facing up, raise the hand completely, as in SEIRYUTO-UKA, and use the palm of the hand to block the forearm or leg of the opponent at the moment of his attack. TEISHO-UKE can serve as an effective block in all directions: bottom-up, top-down, and side-to-side.

Important points:

1. The success of these blocking techniques depends on a strong extensor movement of the wrist and forearm (the KEAGE principle). Release your elbow from tension to maximize its extension.
2. A strong block against the opponent's wrist, elbow or shin with the above techniques can often prevent a further attack.

HAIWAN-NAGASHI-UKE (block by stretching the back of the hand).

The technique is used to block the opponent's TSUKI directed at your face. If you want to block an opponent's attack with your right hand, start by raising your right forearm forward while pushing (retracting) your right hip and leg. Strike your opponent's arm upwards with the bottom of your forearm, and without interrupting your movement, bring your forearm to the right side of your head.

Important points:

1. When you assume the HANMI position, strike the opponent's attacking arm upwards on his forearm. Continue to move your blocking forearm, changing the direction of its movement and returning it to a point near your head, deflecting the opponent's attack past your head.
2. As you bring your forearm back, point its bottom (flat) outward to the side. The return route should look like the outline of a crescent moon.
3. Try to end the block with your elbow pointing straight out to the side; Your fist is slightly above your ear, and the muscles around your armpit are tense.

TE-NAGASHI-UKE (block by stretching the brush).

This block is used to parry an opponent's TSUKI in your face. Straighten your open hand in front of your body, palm facing out. After touching the opponent's forearm, return your hand, drawing his attack past your head.

Important points:

1. Step back with your right foot and take HANMI by extending your right arm forward and bending your wrist until your toes are pointing up. As soon as your left hand touches the opponent's attacking hand, return it to your right ear.
2. No need to put all the power into the block.

Instead, focus on smoothly changing the enemy's attack route.

OSAE-UKE (brush pressure block).

Use this block when your opponent is trying to land a TSUKI on your chest or solar plexus. At the moment when the opponent's blow is moving in your direction, touch his forearm with a brush from above, press and stretch his hand in the direction towards you.

Important points:

1. Step back with your right foot into the HANMI position as the left hand presses on the top of the opponent's attacking forearm and restricts his movement.
2. As your hand presses the top of your opponent's forearm, bend the elbow of your blocking arm and try to keep your forearm parallel to the ground. In this position, extend the opponent's arm along the line of its advance.

TEKUBI-KAKE-UKE (wrist hook block).

This block is used against a TSUKI attack directed at your chest or solar plexus. Step away from the opponent's TSUKI and block it at the same time using an open hand and wrist like a reverse hook. Form a hook by bending your wrist up at the wrist.

Important points:

1. From a position in front of your body, rotate your hand 270 degrees in an upward and outward arc, engaging your opponent's wrist from top to bottom. Consider your elbow as a fixed axis around which your hand and your forearm rotate.
2. Bend your blocking hand all the way up at the wrist and maintain this tension throughout the entire block. Also tighten your muscles around the armpit, thereby preventing a change in the position of the elbow.
3. When you block with your right hand, slide your right foot diagonally forward until your body is in HANMI slightly away from your opponent. A block combined with this movement in position should be more effective.

MAE-UDE-HINERI-UKE (forearm rotation block).

This block is effective against a TSUKI directed at your face or chest. Rotate your hips clockwise and take HANMI. At the same time, straighten your right fist in the direction of your opponent, touch the bottom of his wrist with your forearm, and then return your forearm to your right side by bending it and rotating it counterclockwise.

Important points:

1. Choose the time of your blocking the enemy attack. As soon as you touch his hand, bring your forearm back and rotate it slightly knocking his attack to the side.
2. Return your blocking hand until it is perpendicular to the ground. In the final position of the block, the back of your hand should be facing forward and the part of your wrist below your thumb should act as a blocking plane.

MAEDE-ZAE-OSAE-UKE (forearm pressure block).

When the opponent begins his attack, bend your left elbow at a right angle, step forward with your left foot and strike his arm with your left forearm.

Important points:

1. Proper timing is critical to the success of this technique. You must anticipate the beginning of the enemy's attack, step forward and block it.
2. Avoid having the blocking forearm describe a curve. Instead, push your hips forward and strike with your forearm straight at the target.
3. Simply pressing on the opponent's forearm is ineffective. Strike with your forearm into the crook of his elbow with maximum force.

Blocks with two brushes

A very strong TSUKI or GERI strike can be blocked using a blocking move with two hands at once. The description of these blocks is as follows.

MOROTE-UKE (reinforced forearm block).

1. When an opponent's attack is too strong to block with a single block from the inside out with the top of the wrist, reinforce the block with the other fist.
2. It is essential that the assisting fist or open hand be in close contact with the blocking forearm just below the elbow. After blocking with MOROTE-UKE, you can easily counterattack your opponent with URAKEN-UCHI.
3. This block is usually done when stepping back when the opponent is attacking. However, if you block while stepping towards your opponent, you can generate additional force in this case.

JUI-UKE (X-block).

To perform this technique, cross your hands at the wrists so that a figure similar to the letter "X" is formed. Use forearms folded in such a way that a strong blocking move can be made.

Important points:

1. If an opponent directs a TSUKI at your face, you can easily parry his attack by blocking your crossed forearms up his forearm.
2. JUI-UKE can be done with both open hands and fists. MAE-GERI strikes can also be effectively blocked with this technique. Block the opponent's attacking leg either at the ankle or above the knee with a strong movement of your crossed forearms (at the wrists) towards the target. When blocking, try to throw your hips forward and keep your body perpendicular to the ground. If you take your hips away, the block will be weak and the opponent's GERI punch may reach the target.

SOKUMEN-AVAZE-UKE (combat combined block).

When an opponent is on your side and sends his TSUKI to the side of your head, use this block to parry his attack. Bend both hands upward at the wrists; set the brushes so that their backs touch each other, and the fingers look up. Reflect the attack of the enemy with the palm of one hand, strengthening it with the back of the other hand.

Important points:

1. If the opponent's TSUKI strikes from the left, move your foot into KOKUTSU-DACHI and turn to face the direction of his attack. At the same time, cross your wrists at your right side and bring your hands up to parry the blow. The block must touch the opponent's wrist in front of and above your left elbow.
2. It is possible to block an opponent's attack with just the right hand, but the block will be stronger if it is supported by the left hand. Press firmly on the back of your right hand with the back of your left hand as your hand moves from your hip to your shoulder.

MOROTE-TSUKAMI-UKE (double block with grip).

This technique is an effective block against a TSUKI strike to your chest or solar plexus. When the opponent's right fist moves towards you, step back with your right foot, pushing his forearm to the side, and then grab him with your left hand, and with your right hand, grab his wrist from above. Help the opponent to continue his forward movement by dragging his arm towards your right side.

Important points:

1. The block can weaken if you are overly worried about grabbing the opponent's hand. Focus on changing the route of his attack.
2. In the situation described above, your left hand moves first to push the opponent's attacking forearm to the side, and then captures him. The left hand should receive an immediate movement boost from the right hand, which grabs the opponent's attacking hand from above.
3. When your left hand grabs the opponent's attacking forearm, with your right hand, slide down his forearm and grab the wrist, then sprint to throw the opponent off balance.

KAKIWAKE-UKE (reverse wedge block).

When an opponent tries to choke you or grab your lapels with both hands, the KAKIWAKE-UKE block is effective way way out of this situation. Send both hands up between the opponent's wrists until your wrists are crossed in front of your face. Then, keeping your forearms down and out, spread your opponent's arms out to the sides. This block can be done either with open hands or fists.

Important points:

1. After throwing your hands between your opponent's arms, lower your body down and back, stepping back and lowering your hips. At the same time, point your forearms downward and rotate them outward to both sides.
2. As you lower your forearms down, point your elbows towards your sides and tighten the muscles around your armpits. At the same time, use your hands to apply strong side-to-out pressure, pushing your opponent's forearms apart.

Blocking techniques against kicks

GEDAN-KAKE-UKE (lower block with a hook).

To perform gedan-kake-uke, throw your arm down in a wide arc, hitting and hooking your opponent's kicking leg up under the ankle. This block can be done in two ways. One method is to throw the arm from the outside in, and the other is to throw it from the inside out.

Important points:

1. As the GERI punch moves towards you, step back into the ZENKUTSU-DACHI position with HANMI. If you throw your arm from outside to inside, step back with the opposite foot of your blocking hand. On the other hand, if you are blocking from the inside out, step back with the same side of your body as the blocking hand.
2. When blocking, the part of your wrist above your thumb should touch your opponent's ankle. As you lock from the outside to the inside, rotate your forearm until the back of your fist is facing forward. The inside-out block ends with the back of your fist facing backwards.

SUKUI-UKE (bucket block).

SUKUI-UKE - a technique very similar to GEdan-KAKE-UKE. The main difference is that the opponent's ankle clings with an open brush, and then stretches and rises up. SUKUI-UKE can be performed both from the outside in and from the inside out.

Important points:

1. When blocking with SUKUI-UKE, then, as in GEdan-KAKE-UKE, start this side by stepping back from SHIZEN-TAI to ZENKUTSU-DACHI with HANMI. When blocking from outside to inside, return the leg of the side of the body that is opposite to the blocking arm. In SUKUI-UK from the inside out, step your foot back from the side of the body as the blocking hand. To develop additional blocking strength, coordinate the movement of your arm with the movement-rotation of your hips.
2. Rotate your right forearm clockwise as you hook up from the outside in, and rotate your forearm counterclockwise as you block from the inside out.
3. As your opponent's GERI kick approaches, reach your hand far forward and touch his leg close to the calf. Then, with a sliding motion of your hand, scoop up the opponent's leg at the ankle up.
4. Curl your fingers and palm of your blocking hand slightly to ease the hold.

MOROTE-SUKUI-UKE (double bucket block).

This block is done by performing SUKUI-UKE from outside to inside with one hand and simultaneously pressing on the knee of the opponent with the other hand.

Important points:

1. Clamp the opponent's knee firmly between the thumbs and other fingers and press down on it.
2. Pull the hand, hooking the ankle of the opponent's attacking leg, towards you and push his knee away from you. Return the pulling hand under the elbow of the pushing hand.

TEISHO-AVAZE-UKE (combined block with palms).

Place the palms of the hands together and then throw them strongly forward to block the opponent's blow.

Important points:

1. Since GERIs are usually strong, throw your hips forward hard when you block and meet the kick with your feet planted firmly on the ground.
2. Bend the hands all the way up at the wrists and press the palms of the hands together tightly.
3. The block will be ineffective if you don't stop the opponent's punch before his leg is fully extended. Thus, proper timing is very important.

SOKUTEI-MAWASHI-UKE (circular sole block).

Used against an attack on the solar plexus or abdomen. Throw the foot from the outside in and pull the opponent's forearm out to the side with your sole. Since this block is unexpected, it can be very effective. This technique is especially valuable in situations where the hands do not have the opportunity to block.

Important points:

1. Raise the knee of the blocking leg at the beginning of the block as high as possible and throw the foot in a circle from the outside to the inside.
2. As you begin the circular blocking motion, bend the blocking foot up at the ankle and point the sole of the foot inward. The purpose of the bend is to hit the opponent's forearm with a strong lower part of the foot.
3. As you block, rotate your hips and pivot on your pivot foot. The side of the thigh should be directed towards the opponent at the end of the movement.
4. Finish this blocking move with the knee fully bent. To maintain balance, your foot must be close to your body. This is also necessary to facilitate the counterattack.

SOKUTEI-OSAE-UKE (sole pressure block).

Used to block an opponent's GERY strike before it ends completely. When the opponent's attacking leg starts moving towards you, stop its advance by blocking and pressing on the opponent's ankle with the sole of your foot.

Important points:

1. Raise the blocking foot above the knee of the skating leg and then throw it diagonally downwards in the direction of the advancing kick.
2. Bend your blocking foot completely up at the ankle; rotate the foot until the big toe is facing outward to the side.
3. Throw your hips forward as you block, providing enough power to stop a strong GERI.

SOKUTO-OSAE-UKE (block by pressing with the edge of the foot).

This block is similar to the technique just described. The main difference between them is that SOKUTO-OSAE-UKE is performed with the edge of the foot instead of the sole.

Important points:

1. As the opponent initiates his kick, rotate your hips and pivot 90 degrees on your pivot leg. Simultaneously raise your knee and strike the edge of your foot diagonally downwards towards the ankle of the opponent's attacking leg.
2. Bend the blocking foot fully up at the ankle and point the big toe inward until the edge of the foot is pointing in the direction of the opponent.

ASIBO-KAKE-UKE (foot toe block).

Used to block the opponent's YOKO-GERI-KEKOMI in the stomach. Raise your leg to the side and throw it around in a circle, intending to parry your opponent's kick.

Important points:

1. Raise your knee higher and bend it as you swing your leg around to counter your opponent's kick. Block on the rear of the opponent's ankles with your shin. After blocking, pull your leg close to your body, fully bending your knee.
2. Bend the foot of the blocking leg inward until the edge of the foot points towards the ground. Tighten your foot and ankle.
3. Increase the strength of the block by rotating the hips and turning in the direction taken by the blocking leg.

ASIKUBI-KAKE-UKE (ankle hold block).

The block is intended to block the blow of the opponent MAE-GERI by hooking his leg up and forward. Use the front of the ankle to hook his leg under the calf.

Important points:

1. When your opponent starts his kick attack, throw your foot in the direction of his side. Touch the opponent's kicking leg with the hook of his leg under the calf with the front of your ankle. Raise your foot high and bring it close to your body, pulling your opponent's leg up and forward.
2. To facilitate the hook on the opponent's leg, point your blocking foot inward and bend it upward towards the ankle.
3. As you perform this block, rotate your hips and rotate yourself on the supporting leg. Finish the block by returning the ankle of your blocking leg to the body.

BASIC LOCK WORKOUT

Stand face to face with your partner so close that you can reach him with a straightened fist without leaning forward. Practice the following blocking techniques. Partner "A" and "B" should change roles after the end of each blocking technique.

Practice blocking TSUKI in the torso with the block UCHIUDE-UKE, SOTO-UDE-UKE. Perform complete (whole) series of attacks and blocks slowly at first, gradually increasing speed, strength, as you become more experienced in karate.

APPLICATION OF BASIC TECHNIQUES

DEFENSE AND COUNTERATTACK FOR HIGH ATTACKS (YODAN)

COUNTERATTACK FROM "AGE-UKE" - 1.

01. AGE-UKE - GYAKU-TSUKI - normal distance.

02. AGE-UKE - TATE-EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

03. AGE-UKE - MAE-EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

04. AGE-UKE - MAVASHI-GERI - long distance.

05. AGE-UKE - MAVASHI-EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

06. AGE-UKE - MAE-GERI - long distance.

07. AGE-UKE - MAE-GERI-KEAGE - close distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "AGE-UKE" - 2.

08. AGE-UKE - MAVASHI-TSUKI - regular distance.

09. AGE-UKE - MAVASHI-GERI - long distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "AGE-UKE" - 3.

10. AGE-UKE - URAKEN-UCHI - close distance.

11. AGE-UKE - EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "AGE-UKE" - 4.

12. AGE-UKE - OI-TSUKI - normal distance.

13. AGE-UKE - MAE-EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

14. AGE-UKE - MAE-GERI - a long distance.

15. AGE-UKE - MAVASHI-GERI - a long distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "SHUTO-UKE".

16. SHUTO-UKE - SHUTO-UCHI - regular distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "UDE-UKE" - 1.

17. SOTO-UDE-UKE - YOKO-GERI-KEAGE - a long distance.

18. SOTO-UDE-UKE - MAVASHI-GERI-YODAN - regular distance.

19. SOTO-UDE-UKE - YOKO-EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

20. SOTO-UDE-UKE - TATE-URAKEN-UCHI - close distance.

21. SOTO-UDE-UKE - KAGI-TSUKI - close distance.

22. SOTO-UDE-UKE - GYAKU-TSUKI - regular distance.

23. SOTO-UDE-UKE - KENTSUI-UCHI - close distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "UDE-UKE" - 2.

24. UCHI-UDE-UKE - CHOKU-TSUKI (bl. hands.) - the usual distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "JUI-UKE".

25. JUI-UKE - SHUTO-UCHI - regular distance.

26. JUI-UKE - KENTSUI-UCHI - normal distance.

27. JUI-UKE - MAE-GERI - long distance.

28. JUI-UKE - HAISHU-UCHI - the usual distance.

29. JUI-UKE - SEIRYUTO-UCHI - the usual distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM SOKUMEN-AVAZE-UKE.

30. SOKUMEN-AVAZE-UKE - MAE-GERI-YODAN - the usual distance.

31. SOKUMEN-AVAZE-UKE - MAVASHI-GERI - regular distance.

DEFENSE AND COUNTERATTACK TO ATTACKS IN THE BODY (CHUDAN)

COUNTERATTACK FROM SOTO-UDE-UKE.

32. SOTO-UDE-UKE - CHOKU-TSUKI (bl.ruk.) - the usual distance.

33. SOTO-UDE-UKE - YOKO-EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

34. SOTO-UDE-UKE - URAKEN-UCHI close distance. —

35. SOTO-UDE-UKE - GYAKU-TSUKI - the usual distance.

36. SOTO-UDE-UKE - MAE-EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "UCHI-UDE-UKE".

37. UCHI-UDE-UKE - OI-TSUKI - the usual distance.

38. UCHI-UDE-UKE - GYAKU-TSUKI - the usual distance.

39. UCHI-UDE-UKE - MAVASHI-TSUKI - the usual distance.

40. UCHI-UDE-UKE - URA-TSUKI - close distance.

41. UCHI-UDE-UKE - SOTO-UKE-TSUKI - the usual distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "SHUTO-UKE".

42. SHUTO-UKE - TATE-NUKITE-TSUKI - normal distance.

43. SHUTO-UKE - NUKITE-TSUKI - normal distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM "KAKE-SHUTO-UKE".

44. KAKE-SHUTO-UKE - YOKO-GERI-KEKOMI - a long distance.

45. KAKE-SHUTO-UKE - GYAKU-TSUKI - a long distance.

COUNTERATTACK FROM OTHER BLOCKS.

46. ​​MOROTE-TSUKAMI-UKE - MAE-GERI - regular distance.

47. MOROTE-TSUKAMI-UKE - MAVASHI-GERI - regular distance.

48. KAKEWAKE-UKE - MAE-GERI - regular distance.

49. OTOSHI-UKE - URAKEN-UCHI (bl. hands.) - close distance.

50. OTOSHI-UKE - UCHI-SHUTO-UCHI - close distance.

51. OTOSHI-UKE - GYAKU-TSUKI - normal distance.

52. SOTO-TEISHO-UKE - KAKUTO-UCHI - close distance.

DEFENSE AND COUNTERATTACK TO LOW ATTACKS (GEDAN)

COUNTERATTACKS FROM "GEDAN-BARAI".

53. GEDAN-BARAI - GYAKU-TSUKI - regular distance.

54. GEDAN-BARAI - MAVASHI-GERI - a long distance.

COUNTERATTACKS FROM OTHER BLOCKS.

55. GEDAN-SHUTO-UKE - SOTO-SHUTO-UKE - regular distance.

56. TEISHO-AVAZE-UKE - YOKO-EMPI-UCHI - close distance.

57. MOROTE-SUKUI-UKE - MOROTE-TSUKI - normal distance.

58. UCHI-SUKUI-UKE - MAE-GERI - a long distance.

59. SOTO-SUKUI-UKE - CHOKU-TSUKI - the usual distance.

60. SOKUTEI-MAWASHI-UKE - YOKO-GERI - a long distance.

61. SOKUTO-OSAE-UKE - URAKEN-UCHI - close distance.

62. SOKUTEI-OSAE-UKE - MAVASHI-GERI - close distance.

63. ASIBO-KAKE-UKE - YOKO-GERI-KEKOMI - normal distance.

ACTIONS IN COMBINING BLOCKS WITH DECISIVE COUNTERATTACKS

You must prepare special moves in advance; use a block to attack the enemy and counterattack him. This official method of working off is necessary before more advanced practice. Prepare your response to an opponent's attack in advance, but focus on improving your timing and speed in moving from block to counterattack. Emphasize speed and coordination.

After achieving the above described skill, it is necessary to choose an attack (counterattack) in advance. At the moment of the block, base your choice of counterattack on the stance you have adopted and the position in relation to the opponent. For example, if you have recently blocked, choose a return move that can be performed above average speed. Learn to make instant decisions in this way.

Keep your eyes in the center of the triangle formed by the opponent's shoulders and eyes. If you focus your attention on his feet or hands, you may become confused or confused.

Move your feet lightly and quickly. Glide smoothly over the ground. As you step forward, also try to throw (push) your hips forward.

Avoid showing fear when the enemy is attacking. Perform your tricks with confidence.

Get ready to focus all the power you can whenever you need it. After it has served its purpose, instantly release all your muscle tension. Learn this with hard practice. Practice each move repeatedly, sometimes stepping forward and sometimes stepping back. Your body will gradually become accustomed to the required movements.

1991 Editor: STEPANENKO L.A.
Vladivostok