Before getting into some of the common misuse of blocking techniques in Karate, please do not see this article as reducing Karate to only strikes and blocks, as you might know, Karate also has many answers for all sorts of grapple, pushes, etc, and some people are also more into sport Karate, which would be a completely different conversation. This article will only be focusing on blocking strikes in a self defense context.
First, I would like to emphasize how important it is for any Karate-ka, whenever possible, to understand the Japanese translation of name given to each block, punch, or technic being done during practice, so to better understand its concept– Simply using the common English or other language translated name can be the source of misunderstanding that can have negative long term consequences on your Karate. As an example: Jodan age uke, Yoko uke / Uchi uke, Harai uke / Gedan barai, are often respectively called in English: High block, Middle inside block, and low block. It’s Ok to use English, but one needs to know that the notion of “Uke” in the context of a block, is actually closer to “absorbing” or “deflecting” in a different direction, rather than “blocking”. This can have a direct impact on how you do these techniques.
Since Karate is self-defence oriented, it makes sense that Blocks be highly emphasized in training, as it is often the first line of defense, when unfortunately forced to defend oneself in a real-life situation. Any first punch you will receive is 80% likely to be a hook, followed by a combination of straight and circular punches / strikes. Yet, It seems that in many Dojos, most blocks are used for any type of strike, just as long as the block is at the same level as the strike. This has contributed to the mix of all the blocks and resulted in gaps in many Karate-ka’s blocking practice. The most important principle of blocking techniques that boost maximum efficiency, is related to responding with a block appropriate with the type of strike. For circular type of strikes (Hook punches, Mawashi geri..), you should be evading / moving in a linear way while blocking with a certain set of blocks, and for a linear type of strike (straight punch, Mae Geri..), evading in a circular way while blocking with a different set of blocks.
Katas have multitudes of block types, some more common and used in basic katas, while others are only used in more advanced katas. Having access to relatively advanced kata techniques, and having the opportunity to practice Bunkai on these techniques will provide better ability to grasp the big picture of blocks in Karate. it’s only then that some questions can arise, like: Are certain blocks dedicated and most efficient against a specific type of strike? Is this block meant to be used only blocking on the outside of the opponent? What is the most efficient block against a mawashi tsuki Jodan (Hook punch to the face)? Is a Jodan age Uke able to deal with a Jodan straight punch to the face?
Answering these questions and finding out the original intended optimal usage for each block can drastically change how one Karate-ka sees blocks and practices them. Again, I am suggesting to classify and practice blocks in 2 main groups: Defense against straight motion strikes, and defense against circular motion strikes, Some blocks, but not all, being efficient against both circular and straight type of strikes. This principle can be applied to all the different blocks, including the more complex Mawashi uke and all its variations…etc.
If you are not familiar with this principle and I sparked your curiosity, it's up to you to do the work and go through all the blocks you know.
Karate has answers for all kinds of strikes, push, and grapples. But the problem with blocks is that, it is often taught all mixed up, left to the student to figure out, or simply not understood.
Watch Sensei Inoue Yoshimi explain how certain blocks could be used against straight strikes in a practical and dynamic way.
Toronto, Sensei Alpha - KarateBoost blog
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