Where has all the blocking gone?

[cross]

I think the problem is not so much a lack of blocking. I see people 'trying' to block, but their hands are not high enough to begin with, so they cant execute the defensive techniques effectively.

For more on this take a look at:

http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=16517&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[UseoForce]

Having these issues with blocking and such is a consequence of sportifying a martial art. At the Olympic level, people institute all kinds of unecessary rules in attempt to keep the sport the way they want it. Whether you like those changes or not, they move the art far away from its original intention (The ironic thing is that they are meant to preserve the art. Awarding more points for high kicks encourages high kicking, for example). Once people are given a set of rules, they will do anything they can within those rules to win. If the rules are loose, like NHB type, there is little degeneration of style but less of a loyalty to a particular style. People use whatever works. If they are tight, like olympic sports, the art is bent and warped as athletes try to figure ways around the rules, and the rules become more important than anything else. So, if for sparring people want to hold their hands like this and kick like this, that's fine, but if you want self defense, look elsewhere. It's sad really. TKD as its founders intended was probably a solid self-defense system. But, it has been sportified to the extreme and that's the reason you get so many people "bashing" it.

[Belasko]

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.

I also have noticed this in some TKD schools, primarily the ATA style (it's the only other one in this town other than the classes I'm in). Their rules don't allow attacks to the back or head (at least w/ hands), so why should they protect them? Plus they where lots of padding so why should they worry about being hit? Like was said, in some styles the martial arts have been sprotified and d/t this things do change

[battousai16]

well, just because sport oriented TKD have rendered blocking semi-impractical dosen't mean there's a huge anti-blocking movement sweeping the world. most all places i've ever seen (including sport TKD) have put, IMO, a proper emphasis on blocking. i've also seen that when people aren't focusing on blocking, it's because their focus is on foot work and intercepting, and they're usually at the intermediate level, so you can't very well expect perfection. they generally learn.

quite frankly, i don't care if people spar with their hands down and turn their back to me. it makes me look better

[y2_sub]

And don't forget that having a strong body is another way of good blocking , of course that is only true when the hits are directed to the body not the head , and not to a vital point like the groin , neck , etc .......

[Muaythaiboxer]

i feel very sorry for the people who dont keep there hands up in sparing, particularly the people who cant even punch to the head.

[Martial_Artist]

Out the window...

[Sam]

I think when you forget to use half of all your limbs youj have a serious problem!