Fortress Block Expanded
The fortress block is the key to all traditional blocks. Every block begins from this position or should. What we call low, middle, and high block are simply the redirection positions after the fortress block.
The fortress block is the stopping portion of all range-two blocks. This position is built to protect the body from high impact. This position is used in nose-to-nose personal combat. Most fights eventually wind up in this range. They start from range-one or long distance, and then move inside. Even when the opponent is jumping in and out of range this block still works where the second part of this technique or low, middle and high is ineffective. You cannot redirect a blow unless the opponent stands against you close enough to counterattack. When you’re in this position, you’re on the tracks and the train is coming.
Shoulder rotation within the block removes the centerline targets. These targets are chin, philtrum, nose, orbital sockets, temples, throat, solar-plexus, collarbones, bladder, and groin. The rotation places the shoulder in the direction of the blow. The upper hand protects the face. This hand can be opened or closed. The chin should also be tucked into the shoulder. In real combat, lower your chin to protect the throat and look under your brow line. When walking up and down the dojo floor, the chin is up showing alertness it also keeps your back straight.
A fortress block has more than the obvious uses. The high fist protects the face obviously, and the lower arm covers most centerline targets. This position can also be used against a knee strike if the lower fist is driven into the opponent’s thigh. The lower fist can be driven into the opponent’s ankle to stop a front kick. A fortress block can be used in conjunction with a shin or knee block. You can even use this position to push the adversary away to get a longer range of combat. Hit the opponent like a run-away cement truck. Jam them and counterattack. A more advanced student can use the redirection portion of the technique to set-up a punch while continuing to fight in close quarters. A less elegant counterattack is to slam into the opponent while in this blocking position. As course as this block may appear when turning yourself into a human battering-ram, it breaks the attacker’s balance backwards and enables a takedown or at minimum moves them out of the circle of personal combat. Another advantage to jamming the opponent is, they cannot hit you with full force. Still if their balance is compromised, take advantage of the situation and take them down to the ground. The impact of hitting the ground can be devastating.
Another use for the fortress block is to defend against a kick that is above the waist. Normally, blocking a kick is done with the leg, knee, or foot, but if the kick is above the belt (obi) the fortress block may be your best response. This block can stop a front kick, round kick, or side kick. You must use this block with footwork to diminish the impact. Don’t just stand in place and take the full force of the blow. This block will also give you an opportunity to trap the adversary’s leg so they can be thrown. When the opponent kicks, they’re on one leg, so their balance is already somewhat compromised. Remember not all kicks can be blocked with your legs.
This block can also be used with simultaneous technique. Simultaneous technique is a very advanced concept. All advanced students must understand it. We see it used with the fortress block in many of our kata. Different systems call it by different names. Some call it a scissor block that follows the fortress position. The fortress block stops a punch or a grasp, but that must be followed by driving down on the attacking hand while driving an uppercut into the opponent’s chin. Normally, the adversary will punch or grab with their free hand. Once the hand slams into the opponent’s chin you must reverse direction and block the second punch with the punching arm and drive the other fist into the adversary’s chin. Simply moving the hands across the centerline targets creates a difficult situation to punch through. It is like trying to punch through a reciprocating fan.
The student must realize the importance of this block or position. It has been understated in most systems. Remnants of the technique still remain, but it is seldom explained in depth. Karate students all over the world march up and down the dojo floor crossing their arms in front of their body as they learn karate’s basic blocks but are never taught the movement’s importance. Tatsuo Shimabuku sensei took it out of his basic blocks when he streamlined the technique. The AOKK has reinstated this motion in its basic blocks. I’ve observed several Isshin-ryu master’s technique, and they instinctively incorporate this crossing technique in their blocks. The cross may be ever so slight, but it is still there.
