Traditional Karate Blocks (Non-Isshin-ryu)
Non-Isshin-ryu Traditional Low Block Gedan-uke:
This block traditionally was used to stop kicks and utilizes the outside edge of the forearm. In the traditional low block, the side of the fist can also be used to attack the kicking leg. This block starts above the shoulder and arcs across your torso. The block stops just outside your hip line.
It too can be used to remove a wrist grab. Pull the trapped hand back to the obi and strike down on the wrist joint with a hammer fist.
Note: the traditional block is made with one bone. Isshin-ryu blocks are made by spreading the impact across two bones. The padding of the forearm creates additional cushioning. This is quicker and minimizes damage to the forearm.
A high ranking Shorin-ryu instructor, that trained in Okinawa, once told me that all the traditional blocks were made with the two bone approach at one time, but in the instructor do and student see there was a disconnect. Once the block is made by the forearm it was rotated to cut the muscle or pressure point being struck. Eventually the block was made via one bone, and that is how it is bone in most traditional schools.
Non-Isshin-ryu Traditional Okinawan Middle Outside Block [Uchi-uki]:
This block is made with the inner edge of the forearm. The middle forearm block starts at the hip as if you were drawing a sword and arcs across the upper torso. The fist is even with the top of the shoulder and the elbow is a fist and a thumbs distance from the ribs when it stops. Do not go past the side of your body. The elbows are tight to protect the ribs. The side of the forearm can be used to activate pressure points.
One use for this block is to remove an attacker’s grasp of your wrist. Merely pull the trapped wrist to the hip while the blocking arm scrapes the adversary’s hand away. Once the hand is removed quickly punch to the attacker’s solar plexus with your chambered hand.
The circular motion of this block can be used to deflect any attack between the waist and the forehead. This block can also be made with the padding of the forearm and rotation of the forearm upon contact using the bones of the forearm to cut into the attacker’s limb
Traditional Non-Isshin-ryu Middle Inside Block [Soto-uke]:
This block is made with the outer edge of the forearm. It has a slight rotation before it locks and stops. This is to cut muscle or activate Kyushu pressure points.
Most beginners are taught that this is a block designed to stop a middle punch. This block starts level with the shoulder and arcs forward and stops in front of the solar plexus. The fist stops even with the chin and the elbow are measured a fist and a thumb away from your ribs.
Unfortunately, if this technique were used as a block, this would direct the punch to the center of the body, so it must have another purpose. Let’s examine the jujitsu aspects. It is most effective against a lapel grab. Once the attacker has grasp of the lapel this block would either remove the grasp or hyperextend the elbow of the attacker if he/she did not let go.
Let’s explore this block as an offensive technique. Grab the attacker’s wrist with your chambered hand and pull his/her arm to your waist exposing the attacker’s elbow. Forearm or hammer fist strike above the attacker’s elbow. This should cut the muscle and cause pain or could hyper extend the joint.
Lastly, using the premise that not being there is the best block, if the attacker punches with his right to your middle, intercept his fist with your right hand and turn ninety degrees pivoting into a back stance. Pull the trapped fist to your hip and rotate the wrist to expose the elbow joint. With your free arm, strike using the forearm, just above the attacker’s elbow joint. This block can also be done from a front stance if your first move is outside the attacker’s linear movement. The punch is still trapped but being out of the attacker’s path you will not be hit. By turning 90˚ to the attackers’ linear path the inside of the forearm can be used to strike just above the adversary’s elbow. The hit rotation from turning 90˚ generates the power needed to dislocate the elbow.
I know what your question is. If this technique is executed by turning 90˚ to the side why do we practice it walking straight ahead? The answer is simple. It is easier to train large groups by moving forward in straight rows. Imagine if everybody turned ninety degrees and executed this block as they moved down the floor it would be chaos. This technique should be practiced using one steps or ippon kumite to fully grasp the concept
Traditional High Block (Jodan Age-uke):
The high forearm block starts at the waist and stops above the forehead. Beginners are taught that its’ purpose is to defend against an overhead strike mainly from a weapon. The forearm is on a tilt, so the blow will be deflected away from the body. The bone of the forearm is what takes the majority of the impact.
Again, there is a tremendous exposure to the under side of the forearm. This is the area of greatest concern when facing a bladed or sharp weapon. To make this a viable block the karateka must condition their forearms and build calcium deposits on the Ulna bone.
Some Okinawan systems strike with the padding of the forearm and rotate or twist the forearm to cut the pressure points of the attacking limbs utilizing the bones of the forearm. It appears they’re blocking with the bones of the forearm, but they are not. This forearm block is highly specialized. Shimabuku sensei, as you have already read simply blocked with the padded portion of the forearm.
This like any high block is a good defense if the attacker is larger than you. To deploy this block your centerline must be lowered. As your centerline drops the block goes up. Once the attacking arm is pushed up over your head the ribs, kidneys, armpit, or solar plexus is exposed. Americans dismiss this technique because they seldom fight men larger than themselves, but in Okinawa all instructors were shorter than their American students, so this became a very viable technique.
This block is also a great striking technique. Driving the forearm to an opponent’s throat or point of the chin can impede his/her attack. Driving this block under an attacker’s armpit can break their balance. Again, to do this, you must drop your centerline and raise the block simultaneously. Once the block is in place, you must use your legs to drive the technique upward and forward to break the opponent’s balance. The most important part of any block is to move the attacker’s target first. Yes… you are the target.
.Note: For a more detailed description of the purpose of this block see the Isshinryu high forearm block
