Sifu Dansac Explains Blocking & Defense

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BLOCK!

That right Laui; there is no such thing as block. Concept of block arise from misunderstanding of first western Laui to learn Martial Arts, particularly Karate. Sifu say again; there is no such thing as block. First Laui to learn Karate were American soldier after WWII; them learn from Japanese PoW Karate Masters, but them not understand Japanese language or fact that masters withhold certain knowledge for to maintain advantage over Western enemy.

Methods of block taught in Japanese and Korean style will not work in fight; you can stand there blocking all day Laui, and sooner or later opponent punch will get through. To use block for purpose you were taught is to engage in contest of speed and skill with opponent; where there is contest, there is chance that you can lose. Many Sensei and teachers in West do not include footwork, dodge or slip in defense training; them only teach and train block. Matter of common sense Laui; when man punch you, get out of the way. If you stand on spot and block, chance much greater you will be hit. In real fight, opponent throw punch from very close, much closer than normal training range and much too close to easily block.

In Kung-Fu, blocking technique always include dodge and strike as well; Sifu have had many Laui argue that there is block, that blocking alone will work and keep him safe. Many Laui very soon after sitting on floor nursing busted lip; blocking alone does not work because purpose of technique is misunderstood.

WHAT BLOCKS ARE FOR:

Purpose of block is to attack; movement described as block is always usable as attack. Rising Block is punch to face and forearm in throat, push opponent back and generate painful friction burn. Same apply with downwards block, which are often combine with low stand to punch opponent in balls or hip. For proof, Karate Laui should examine Ryukyu-Kempo, which say this exact thing and use block to attack nerve points in opponent arm.

IMPORTANCE OF RANGE:

Major issue with Laui blocking ideas is range. Most Laui classes train at medium to long range for effective punch and kick. Real fighting is take place at close range, room only for hook punch and grapple. What is characteristic of most block? Most block is use circular hooking motion like close-range punch. Inside block is very good sly punch to opponent ribs, outside block is hammer-fist or forearm strike to opponent temple, rib or elbow; inside-outside block use by Goju-Ryu and some other Karate style is hook punch to face or shrug beneath opponent arm and punch to chest. Laui who refuse to accept this is deny himself huge arsenal of hooking punches, forearm and elbow strikes already provided by existing style. It not necessary train new blocks here; it only necessary understand new application for technique already known.

Use block to attack opponent arm as you close range; use block when you already too close for straight punch or kick. Some Laui who fight in competition might say this is cheat, but real fight is not competition, Laui; man in bar not use tournament rules, him hit you with ashtray and grab you by throat, him stick cigarette up you nose, him fight real dirty. Real fight take place at close range because most man not trained fighter; him overcome fear and rush straight in, use weight and strength, not technique. Him not good puncher; him can’t hit moving target well, so him grab and hold you still before pile on fists. Range use in most training is to stop opponent grab you, but it don’t stop him try; to maintain range you must retreat always, compromise you own attack and confidence. So do not retreat, but close and use blocks as they were meant; for attack.

DODGING, FOOTWORK AND SLIPPING:

Dodge punch or kick is simple as get out of way; art of footwork make dodge easier, eventually become what boxer call ‘slip’. In Japanese Martial Art, ‘slip’ is call ‘Tai-sabaki’; most Laui with good teacher should have hear this term before, so you can see Sifu is not contradict you, only redirect understanding. Tai-sabaki is long word and hard to spell, so Sifu use boxing term Slip instead; it the same thing. Slip is to use body to deflect attack; allow opponent to hit you, but turn you body minutely so fist or foot glance off without harm. This is most easy practice on punches to chest and body; train with partner and use rotation of torso on axis of spine to deflect attack.

In real fight, slip and dodge are you first line of defense; block comes later, to deflect enemy off him line of attack and to strike incoming punch or kick. Sifu think it pretty obvious really; if opponent punch and you block, then him punch again. If opponent punch and you dodge, get close, position you self to side or behind him with footwork and use block for hurt arm and get wrist lock, then fight over pretty quickly.

ARGUMENTS OF STYLE:

Many Laui tied up with idea of ‘style’; they say, “That not my style,” or “We don’t do that in my school.” All talk like this is bullshit, Laui; no one style is complete defensive system and no fight ever abide by rules of fair. All style change and evolve through time; just so, all student evolve and change through learning. To lose through ignorance is one thing, Laui, but to lose because you reject new understanding is plain stupid. Even if you do not use new technique, understand that others do and then not obey rules of you style. Taekwondo man will kick, boxer will punch and Jujitsu man will wrestle, but the fighter who does all three well has a huge advantage. Likewise, Kendo man very good with sword, one man use staff or nunchuks, but true Kobudo master familiar with many weapons, not just him favorite.