Advanced Outside Middle Blocking Concept
Advanced Outside Middle Blocking Technique
Spencer sensei
1/26/24
Most Isshin ryu instructors teach a one arm blocking application. Isshin ryu was forward thinking in its blocking concept by making the block with the two bones of the forearm that is protected by the musculature covering or padding that minimizes damage to those bones. This concept further protects the forearm by spreading the impact over a larger area of the arm. Most styles redirect the blow with the side of the forearm, and this forces the karateka to practice arm pounding training to adequately apply the redirection with force. The problem with the Isshin ryu block is not with the redirection portion of the technique but with the full application of the series of movements. A deeper understanding of this technique tells us that this piece is only a portion and not the total application. What most instructors term as the “Outside Middle Block”, is only the redirection portion of the overall series of movements. The real block is made when the arms cross the body in what the AOKK calls the fortress block or fortress position. A block implies a stop of the punch or kick. This arm crossing and slight rotation of the shoulders can stop the impact. The last piece simply pushes the striking arm into a position setting-up a counterattack. Somehow, the last piece became the block. In this paper we will discuss the basic technique in more detail.
In the middle outside block (Chudan Uchi Uke) the first position is where the arms cross in front of the body. This stops the initial blow. This is the real block. The crossed arms also cover all the vulnerable centerline targets. A slight rotation of the trunk turns the shoulder towards the adversary removing all targets even better. The chin should be tucked behind the upper hand or shoulder. This also protects the throat. This is the blocking portion of the technique. Too many instructors leave this portion out of their teaching, and simply move the arm in a circular motion. Several of the old masters cross their arms while performing this blocking technique but it was not emphasized in their teaching. In the AOKK we believe it is a vital part of this blocking technique.
The next portion of the block is the redirection of the blow. In the Middle outside block the attacker’s punch is pushed to the outside of the body. After the redirection, a counterattack can then be driven into the attacker’s ribs, chin, or centerline targets. The redirection portion of the middle block sweeps across the entire trunk of your body. This motion protects all the centerline targets as it redirects the opponent’s block. To perform this redirection properly, the shoulder should be turned in the direction of the opponent and as the circle is completed the shoulders square. The shoulder is capable of taking a great impact, and coupled with the slight turning position of the shoulder also removes vulnerable centerline targets more than if the block was executed with the shoulders squared.
The angle of the forearm is also important. The greater the angle the larger the blocking or redirecting area. Many students stiff arm this block reducing the blocking area. There is a reason we practice this block using the same positions every time we execute the technique. This is to build the body mind connection, so you automatically know the optimum position of the forearm. The position of the redirection or block is measured with the elbow remaining a fist’s distance from the ribs with the fist shoulder height. The fist position is measured with the fingers spread from thumb to the little finger to measure the proper gap. The greater the angle of the forearm the more likely your going to redirect the blow outside your body. The elbow protects the ribs, and the fist stops just outside your shoulder. Going too far past the shoulder, with the fist, opens you up to an opponent’s counter because it takes longer to move the blocking arm back into position.
Practice in the classical position develops the body mind connection. By practicing this over and over during floor exercise, the body automatically knows where to begin the initial position without thought. Thinking slows your reaction.
When practicing this technique, it is a good idea to rotate the trunk slightly as you make the fortress block and snap the hips around as the redirection of the blow is made. Power is generated from the hip and shoulder rotation. If the hip rotation is not done, your power only comes from the arm. Too many beginning students fail to include this subtle rotation in their technique. This nuance is a black belt level of understanding in the performance of this block. This subtle concept may be too complex for beginning students to grasp. Black belts must remember not to exaggerate the movement too much, or their students will develop strange gyrations as they attempt this technique.
Classical training techniques are precise and equivalent to ballet technique. There are exact positions for each block. This is done to cement the body mind connection, but in real personal combat things never go as planned. The position of the upper arm can vary. In real combat there is no perfect position. The forearm can be higher to protect the head and lower to protect the ribs. A good fighter will get you to raise the upper arm higher if he/she wishes to attack the ribs. They may drive hard hook punches to your ribs to uncover the head. The fortress block or covering is merely the beginning. Once impact is felt, the redirection and counterattack must follow instantaneously. You cannot hide behind the initial portion of the block for very long.
Note: We must also understand that this technique, when observed in kata, can be more than a simple block. The middle outside blocking arm can also represent a lock. Wrapping your forearm around an opponent’s arm and grasping their shoulder can create an elbow lock. Not everything in kata is what it appears to be. Use the techniques before and after to determine if this is a block or a lock.
You may be thinking, does this really work? Too many karate techniques are all flash and no substance. Recently, I sprang an attack on one of my younger students. He immediately pulled into the crossed arm position and successfully stopped my strike. Had he simply tried to single arm block my attack he would have failed. With my size and power, I could have simply pushed past his effort. For too long little secrets like this have been hidden from the casual karate student, but it is time to pay-it-forward. This little bit of knowledge may improve your fighting ability or save your life. These concepts apply to all of your blocking techniques and not just the middle outside block. Please digest what we’ve discussed. If you like it, modify your personal karate. If your instructor tells you to block with the arm only, I suggest you file this away for later use and do as you’re told. After all, sensei is always right….
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.
