BLOCKS

Possesing an effective defense is vital if one is to survive any type of assault. If you can't stop your attacker's initial move with a good block  you may never get a second chance. Karate students spend hours perfecting blocking techniques. In Isshinryu karate, the blocks are done with the muscle part of the arm (the forearm) to avoid injuries to the bone. Blocks must be performed as hard as you would throw a punch. Master Angi Uezu once said a story about a man who attacked him as the master was leaving a restaurant. The man threw a punch at the master's face as he stepped back to perform an open hand block. The block was so powerful that the master broke the man's wrist. As the attacker fell to the ground, there was no need to follow with another punch as the block ended the fight. The following are some of the basic blocks in Isshinryu.

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A good Side Block is performed by bringing the arm across the opposite side, and with a circular motion it stops at the shoulder level making a "v" shape with your arm. Your fist should be tight and your stance should be strong as well. You can also open your hand and block the attack by striking your opponent's wrist with the outer edge of your hand. This block is used mainly for punches to the body.

The Down Block is used for blocking kicks to the groin or to the stomach or low attacks. This block is very powerful and just like the side block, you use the forearm when making contact. When doing a down block, you must bring your hand to your opposite shoulder and swing it across your body with great power. You can also block with the outer edge of your hand for an open hand down block.

The Head Block is done by bringing your arm straight up from the hip with great power as it stops just right above your head to avoid a punch to the face. The block should be slightly tilted in case you get attacked with a club or a stick, the weapon will slide right out of your arm. You must block with the forearm to avoid injuries. Turn your hand around for an open hand block but make sure you catch the attack and grab immediately.

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