AOKK Isshin-ryu Traditional: Inside Outside Middle Block (Chudan Uchi Uke)
AOKK Isshin-ryu Traditional: Inside Outside Middle Block (Chudan Uchi Uke)
This is one of the basic blocks taught to beginners. In the early days of karate training a student would be taught one block and they would practice this block against all types of attacks until they could deflect any blow. Later, as they became more skilled, they would be expected to move and deflect attacks using this block.
In most systems there are two types of middle blocks. The first is the middle outside block (Chudan Uchi Uke) and the middle inside block (Chudan Soto Uke). Traditionally, Isshin-ryu does not teach the Chudan Soto-Uke block, but this technique is still in our kata. The Isshin-ryu instructor calls these techniques “Hammer-fists” when it is represented in our forms. Okinawan instructors outside the Isshin-ryu schools easily recognize this block when it is seen in our kata. They also know the bunkai behind the movement.
Every system has a middle block made with the forearm. Tatsuo Shimabuku sensei changed the methodology of how to deliver the block. Most systems strike with the side of the arm (Ulna bone). Tatsuo changed the block, so that the impact is made to Flexor muscles and the Ulna and Radius bones. This spreads the impact across two bones and the musculature of the forearm. This block sweeps across the core of the karateka and stops just outside the shoulder line. This motion protects all centerline targets. The elbow remains a fist and a thumbs distance from the side of the body while the fist stops shoulder height. The elbow position protects the ribcage. Other systems stop this block higher mainly because the founder of the system was of a shorter stature, so the forearm needed to be higher to make a successful deflection. American karateka learned this technique by watching their instructor demonstrate it while the student mimicked the movement. One high ranking Okinawan instructor told me that all the blocks should be made like the Isshin-ryu version, but after initial contact the forearm is rotated to cut with the Ulna to increase damage to the limb being blocked. Tatsuo sensei simply removed the twist to make the block less complicated. The American instructors repeated the block, as they began teaching, because it looked to them like the block was made with the side of the arm. On Okinawa this nuance has been lost and striking with the Ulna bone is now the norm. Blocking using the Isshin-ryu version does less damage to the student’s forearm.
The fist of the hand delivering the middle outside block starts at the hip. The block then sweeps across the body covering all centerline targets. This gives the karateka the ability to redirect any blow or blows to these targets. The rear hand is positioned across the centerline targets on an angle to begin this technique. This gives the student added protection to cover the face. As the middle block sweeps across the body, the hand protecting the face is pulled to the obi (belt). As the block begins the hips are also turned slightly as an added cover to the centerline targets. Hips and shoulders rotate into position while weight is transferred to the front leg from the back leg and all movement stops at the same time for maximum generation of power. The fist of the blocking hand stops outside the shoulder line.
The most important part of this block is the fortress block or covering technique. It’s the first position you pull your arms when executing the block. This is where the blocking hand is pulled to the hip and the chambering hand covers the head or face. This is the real block. This position covers vital areas that can be attacked. The actual middle forearm block is only the redirection of the attacker’s blow. The adversary’s arm can be pushed up, down, or sideways with your blocking arm. In this example (Middle Block) it is pushed sideways and outside the core. Most karate schools teach this covering before making the block, but they do not understand why they perform this move while executing the technique. Beginners are taught to close both hands into fists. This prevents broken fingers or having them accidentally being dislocated. It also prevents the student from sticking their finger in places where they do not belong like their training partner’s eyes. With a higher understanding of the technique, both hands or a single hand can be opened in the fortress position. The open hand enables parry blocking and trapping of the opponent. Remember the block happens when the arms are crossed and not when the forearm and fist are pushed into position.
The fortress block covers all centerline targets at the first positioning of the arms. Even as the arms are rotated into position these centerline targets continue to be protected. This scissor motion covers the targets. The Middle block simply moves the opponent’s arm away from the target. It is the entire block that covers the core as it is being executed.
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This same technique can be used to remove an attacker’s grasp. Not every block in a kata is blocking a strike. The first step is performed like all blocks with the arms cross covering all centerline targets. The difference is the hand near the face is open. In a real defense the shoulders can also be turned slightly to protect the centerline targets. The traditional teaching of this technique is with hands closed and shoulders square. Open hands can expose the student’s fingers to being jammed or dislocated. Many students believe techniques, like the middle block, can only be applied to a punch, kick, or some other kind of strike. In reality this technique can be used to remove a grasp or set up a locking technique. As an example, let’s look at a simple lapel grasp. Parry the attacker’s hand from your lapel with the hand near the face. The lower hand protects the lower targets like the groin. Push the attacker’s arm to the side with your forearm. Reverse punch to the attacker’s liver with the hand that parried the opponent’s grasp from the lapel. This example shows that the blocking technique does not only apply to strikes.
Beginners are taught that this is only a blocking technique. The truth is that it can represent more than a simple block of punch. The circular motion in reality, is too slow to block a punch. There are two uses for this movement. The first, as already mentioned, is a redirection of a blow after being stopped by the fortress block portion of this technique, and the second is this motion can be an elbow or shoulder lock depending upon the direction of the circular motion. This lock can be used to set-up a throw. Regardless, you must strike the opponent moments after the lock is made either to break the adversary’s balance or to knock the opponent down. When you see this movement in kata look at the techniques that surround it to determine its purpose.
