| Without a doubt, one of the most important and | | | | rotation will help deflect the limb off its target. So, even |
| sometimes overlooked techniques is the outward | | | | if the block does not completely work due to improper |
| forearm block. It is this block that is commonly used as | | | | timing, posture, or simply not seeing the attack in time, a |
| a means of defending against punches and kicks, but | | | | partially deflected blow will not hit a vital point squarely. |
| there is much more to it than simply swinging the | | | | Hence, the damage it can cause could be limited. |
| forearm. There is a great deal of precision required for | | | | In terms of the mechanics of the block, the hand of |
| the block to work properly and paying attention to | | | | the block should be about shoulder height. It should not |
| some of the finer points found in the form will reveal | | | | be too high above the shoulder since this would |
| many of these details | | | | expose the lower body area to counterattack. Also, it |
| First, the context of an 'in to out' forearm block needs | | | | should not be too low since this will leave openings on |
| to be clarified. While many books and magazines | | | | the high line. The block should also not travel too far |
| depict this block as a means of defending against a | | | | beyond the torso region because the further the |
| straight punch, its primary purpose is to deflect attacks | | | | elbow drifts from the body, the weaker the arm |
| that come from the side flank or at a diagonal angle. | | | | becomes. Additionally, if the attack is a fake or feint, |
| Part of the reason for this is that the block can | | | | over committing on the block will leave openings that |
| complements the direction of the attack in order to | | | | can be exploited. |
| move its trajectory away from an intended target. | | | | Under certain circumstances, the block can be |
| This can be seen further in the classical performance | | | | delivered with a great deal of aggressive force. In this |
| of the block. The block is initiated at roughly waist level | | | | manner, the block becomes a strike when it hits the |
| with the palm facing down. As the block rises from the | | | | opponent's limbs and can collapse his arms and break |
| inner middle torso to the side of the body the | | | | his entire body structure. But, in order to achieve this, |
| downward palm will rotate to an inward position. Such | | | | proper body mechanics of the strike must be |
| a movement is very important because as the block | | | | performed. If you practice the movement diligently, |
| makes contact with the incoming attacking limb, the | | | | such skills will prove easy to acquire. |