how to block side kick?

[some0ne]

If you see the kick coming you can rush forward with a downward x block. I used this block many times for my Nidan test years ago against someone else who had a good side kick. The problem with doing this, obviously would be leaving your face/head open to hand strikes.

A smart person would do an outside or inside parry while shifting the body out of the way of the block, easier said than done in real time, though.

[baronbvp]

Yep, that's the thing. To go from natural fighting stance or two chambered fists to a down X-block, in order to block a kick, would be awkward to me even if it is a good choice for someone else. I prefer to block kicks using a down block with one hand on the leg or foot, sort of a quick flick slap down and to the side. I also wouldn't naturally choose an upward X-block to prevent an axe kick or hammer blow coming down on top of my head. I would instinctively use one hand and a sidestep instead. It would be uncomfortable to commit both hands to cross, blocking with my forearms, and leaving both shoulders exposed. It might be a great move, but I would have to practice it and premeditate such a block.

Now that I think about it, I can't recall anyone ever using an X-block against me while sparring.

[cross]

Yep, that's the thing. To go from natural fighting stance or two chambered fists to a down X-block, in order to block a kick, would be awkward to me even if it is a good choice for someone else. I prefer to block kicks using a down block with one hand on the leg or foot, sort of a quick flick slap down and to the side. I also wouldn't naturally choose an upward X-block to prevent an axe kick or hammer blow coming down on top of my head. I would instinctively use one hand and a sidestep instead. It would be uncomfortable to commit both hands to cross, blocking with my forearms, and leaving both shoulders exposed. It might be a great move, but I would have to practice it and premeditate such a block.

Now that I think about it, I can't recall anyone ever using an X-block against me while sparring.

Not to mention x blocking any kind of kick is a great way to get some broken arms.

[baronbvp]

Yep, and I'm going to need those two matchsticks for awhile. Also, trying to block an ax kick or hammer blow from above could potentially dislocate both your shoulders.

[some0ne]

I literally knock people down on the ground when I x block a side kick. I only x block for the side kick. I've done this in Kyokushin tournaments as well. I see the kick coming and close the gap and jam down hard. It's an offensive "jam"/block. I have never x blocked any high kicks...I do a modified age uke for an axe or a hook, if I need to.

When I competed in the USANKF scene a lot in the 90s I saw many shito, goju, wado, shotokan, etc. that would x block a side kick. I also didn't see to many yuko geri thrown in competition.

I switched over to Muay thai and knockdown karate competition so a lot of my tactics have changed but I'll still do a downward xblock against a side kick that I see coming to knock my opponent down.

[baronbvp]

Impressive. How do you get the leverage if the kick is anywhere but low? And how do you keep from bruising your forearms?

[some0ne]

I still may got some bruises on my forearms but I'm "used to it" somewhat to from years of conditioning them. I don't mean I go on a makiwara or a bag and start banging my forearms but by one step striking/blocking