UseoForce

Octopic Said: There are many different types of blocking. I didn't mean to imply that all I was talking about were hard, karate style, blocks. Redirections, evaisions, traps, soft blocks are all effective. What I've been seeing is even a lack of protecting one's vital areas (especially the head). A lot of it may come from people who spar where they aren't allowed to make significant head contact (likely for insurance reasons). If you don't learn that getting hit in the head hurts, you don't learn to protect it. Yes, totally agree with you here.

In my humble opion, training methodology matters FAR more than style. Example: Boxing only has 4 techniques (basically) but is extremely effective because they constantly train full contact. The hapkido school would be great IF they train full contact A LOT! Otherwise, BJJ/JKD for sure. Shy away from the karate, you need to know some grappling.

I know many of you hate BB Magezine, so lets not argue about this. Just wanted to say in the most recent issue there is an excellent article dealing with this very issue.

Many "combative" self-defense arts don't advocate hard blocking. Most of the protective element comes from having a strong stance. For example, I prefer a kickboxer stance. It's difficult to hit any of my vitals even when I don't actively "block." Obviously, sometimes I do have to block, but normally I prefer a deflection rather than a hard block. I try to keep my blocks tight (can't think of a better word), like a boxer. Or, I may use some very basic trapping and move into a lock or throw. Anyway, I don't really plan my blocking, since in a real fight, I'll move instinctively and fight on from there. Whatever keeps you from being hit!