properly blocking

[Chris05]

how do u become better at blocking during sparring or fight etc

or basically inprove

[Pacificshore]

how do u become better at blocking during sparring or fight etc

or basically inprove

repetition

[pineapple]

Sparring is the best way to find out where your weak point is. If you are consistantly hit in the same area, you know that this is where you must develop a better defense stategy.

Your basic blocks are improved simply through practice, practice, and more practice.

Remember that offense is your best defense.

I always tell people that there are 3 stages to a martial artist's defense.

1. learn to block, then counter.

2. learn to block and counter at the same time.

3. counter without blocking by moving out of the line of attack and striking him.

[AngelaG]

how do u become better at blocking during sparring or fight etc

or basically inprove

Focus through the opponent, rather than watching their face, or arms etc. If you have a good all round vision you will spot any attacks much quicker. Also attacks are often given away in a different part of the body than the actual weapon. For example a punch may be seen in the shoulders first; or a kick in the hips.

[Steve_K]

Similar to what AngelaG said. I usually look at my opponent's lower chest or upper abdomen which gives me a good overview of the whole body, it also breaks eye contact with your opponent eliminating their ability to predict moves given by your eyes and face, and keeps you from relying on that same skill of watching your opponent's face, because a skilled fighter can restrain facial telegraphing and may even be able to falsly telegraph moves to throw you off.

As for blocking, just like pineapple said, lots of practice to commit those blocks to your muscle memory, as well as block/counters and entire bodily evasion, which requires good balance, upper body agility and good footwork.

[P.A.L]

fighting is one thing and sparring is totally something else , in point sparing the attacker go like one,two , a fake and then the point taker. or one sudden punch like a back fist so if you are fast enough you can catch up and counter. in full contact or a fight there is no way to block all the punches you have to body change , punch are just comming you block the first the second one land right in your face. so keep you wedge and hands up, if you are defending as soon as feel the punch, throw yours and move. just move ,any direction is good just move , and when you move keep your hand up , NEVER drop hands in punching range. in kicking range you can drop one hand , most of the kick you gotta take it by conditioning your shins and legs. keep sparring every time you learn something new specialy if you do full contact with gloves on.

[lgm]

how do u become better at blocking during sparring or fight etc

or basically inprove

Develop fast and strong blocks through endless kihon repetitions. Develop effective blocks through pre-arranged sparring that progresses into free-style sparring. Only through sparring will you be able to judge proper distance, timing and tai sabaki (body motion).

Caveat: If you fighting without thick gloves, develop efficient hand and arm blocks without injury to your fingers and hands by making it a habit to block kicks with closed fist rather than open hand. With punches and hand strikes which are generally faster and less powerful than kicks, an open hand block, parry or sweep may be more effective as the latter is usually delivered faster than a closed fist while injury is less likely.

Finally, blocking with the feet or even the knee requires more advanced training and timing. Don't attempt to block a kick with your feet unless you have mustered enough speed and reliable accuracy to make your block well-timed and thus effective.

Gene

[CagedWarrior]

If you block a punch away from your head, you're doing it wrong.

[younwhagrl]

Work on your repition and speed of your blocks! Don't block slow..that's no good! Block Fast! Also in kicking..some people ask..well why am I always getting hit or..why can't I ever land a kick in?....too slow! When the count comes in kicking kick as fast as you can then get back to fighting stance. Act like that count is an attack.

[AndrewGreen]

Get people to hit you in sparring.

Very quickly you will realise that some blocks are useless and figure out what you need to do to avoid getting hit. Which, truthfully, blocking is not a big part of.

Traditional blocks attack the arm, but by doing so expose yourself. This is fine against a much lower level fighter, but against a skilled fighter it will get you hit with the follow up.