Where has all the blocking gone?

[octopic]

I was wondering what others on this board had observed recently with respect to the quality and quantity of blocking instruction. Recently I had the chance to work out with some different groups, as well as judge at some open tournaments, and I was somewhat surprised by the lack of blocking that was shown. It seems like a lot of people were more focused on striking than blocking instead of finding the proper balance between the two. While it was fun for me to spar some of these people (who doesn't like being able to land almost everything they throw) I'm hoping that what I've been seeing is not a bigger trend and that most people are teaching and placing the proper emphasis on blocking.

[UseoForce]

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!

[octopic]

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.

[ninjanurse]

I have noticed a similar trend. It seems like the only block anyone knows is the old elbow to the top of the foot ! But as you said, definitely a plus for head kickers!!

[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.

[Sabumnim]

I agree that blocking correctly is undervalued, but I prefer avoidance it spends less energy than actively blocking. The art of evasion is even more underappreciated.

You implyed evasion in the question but I believe it to be something totally different, that is my opinnion though.

[GhostlySykanRyu]

Why block when you can stop-hit?

I believe blocking has its place, and it may be underevaluated. But like others here have already said, proper stance makes it fairly easy to protect yourself, and it only takes a slight movement to make a strike useless.

[NinTai]

I've seen that also, more so in the TKD scene.

I saw a tape of a TKD BB test recently, it was disturbing to say the least.

Hands down (not in a low guard but just hanging there) and many times

just turning their back on the opponent so that there wouldn't get "scored"

on.

I'm only using the TKD as an example, I have met TKD people who don't

act this way, but they seem to be the exeption.

[shotochem]

Another pheonmenon I frequently encounter:

That same person who hardly blocks is constantly attacking and attacking with no regard for any type of personal defense. When I spar these people I tend to just sit back and block everything the throw at me then periodically throw a punch or kick a mm short of their face to try and get them to defend. They just have to start every sparring match with the ol suicidal charging roundhouse to the head. Very predictable, very readable, very dangerous.....

[Sam]

NinTai - probably WTF style - the hands down thing is just developed for sparring and not meant ot be used in actualy defense.....but i agree it in essense seems like a bad idea.