Extended Outward Block

[Morg Man]

Tuesday evening I was going over sword of destruction with a friend that I have been training with. All was going well and we we're picking up the speed and intensity when I realized, my training partner isn't actually stopping my punch. His extended outward block looked fine and was making contact but it was me that was actually stopping the punch short. So I told him about it and said that I want him to stop the punch. We decided from that point that the attacker wouldn't pull the punch short and it's up to the defender to use fully functional technique. (keep in mind that both of us hold black belts in other systems and were going maintain good control) I was the attacker on the next run through the technique. I threw the looping left at about three quarters speed, my partner threw a beautiful outward block that hit that sweet spot on my radial nerve and promplty made me take trip to the mat. It was outstanding! Not only did the technique work but it worked so well that all that needed done was a well executed block and the attacker was down, in pain. I was fine in short order. And we ran through the technique for quite a while longer. I continue to be impressed with Kenpo, and I'm enjoying every second of training in it.

David

[warrior-scholar]

Yes, the harder you throw the more it hurts!

Just goes to show that a dynamic block is much more effective than a mostly positional one. Of course, you have to have the right position, but simply placing it there can get your arm collapsed or broken in the case of a kick. Dynamic blocking serves the dual purpose of block/strike and if you minimize time of contact the energy transfer stinks for the opponent. Placing emphasis on the structure and timing of the stance as the foundation of your block will also yield better results.

"Don't go breaking my arm, I wouldn't if I could..." sorry, was watching Grease earlier :(