what do you guys think of blocking entirely with "slaps" from the leading hand or do traditional blocks have a place in karate?

Quick, lead-hand blocks are definitely the easiest in sport karate, but if you can learn how to effectively use the basics and one-steps in sparring, you'll be a much better off in the long run. It will make you a better technical fighter, which can make up for lack of speed or power. Besides, proper technique is where speed and power come from.

In sport or in fight, I don't think its very feasible to do full chambered blocking motions. They take too long, and make you too slow. Instead, being able to use your arm to really stop something coming in hard is going to have to be a shorter motion, but still a solid motion.

Parrying blocks have their place as well, and can be very effective blocking tools.

I think it depends on whether we're talking about really long circular blocking, or much faster double coverage blocks, in which the first block is in essence a parry, followed by the "blocking" hand, which can be a strike.

I do think that shortened versions of blocks can be used in sparring situations. One of my favorite combinations on a straight punch is a side-step, inner-middle block followed by a round kick or reverse punch.

I think effective blocking is something we tend to ignore a lot after we learn it.

If you are referring to "open hand" type of blocks, this is actually a very common and effective method of blocking. But, they are more in the form of a "sweeping block" where you are catching the arm in a relaxed state and deflecting the punch before kime is achieved. Doing this allows you the ability to grab the attacker for a take down or other defensive actions.

I don't know what level you are, but at basic levels I would not suggest the use of sweeping blocks, but at higher levels of sparring/defense, Most Certainly....

- Killer -

killer its about sport blocking not application so no grabs are in sport

I think it depends on whether we're talking about really long circular blocking, or much faster double coverage blocks, in which the first block is in essence a parry, followed by the "blocking" hand, which can be a strike.

I do think that shortened versions of blocks can be used in sparring situations. One of my favorite combinations on a straight punch is a side-step, inner-middle block followed by a round kick or reverse punch.

I think effective blocking is something we tend to ignore a lot after we learn it.

I agree with you here. Its the chamber that you don't have time to do in fighting or competition, so it must get shortened up some.

killer its about sport blocking not application so no grabs are in sport

Even if grabs are not allowed (and in some competitions, they are...I belived Shotokan allows for a grab-and-sweep), the open-handed sweeping types of blocks can still be applied effectively, especially in redirection and working angles for counter attack.

what do you guys think of blocking entirely with "slaps" from the leading hand or do traditional blocks have a place in karate?

Who is to say that a lead hand parry is not a traditional block? Every time I do a circular block there is a parry block that precedes it, but I can only speak for Uechi-ryu. Though I would think in every system of fighting even if you don't physically show a parry block, every time you post it would imply the ability to parry. So I would say a parry is not only a traditional block but also a fundamental block.

Being a traditional Karate-ka, then I guess I don't understand the term you guys are referring to then. I also hear the term "Perry" which is a term that was never used in traditional karate. Can someone explain specifically what this technique would be?

- Killer -

killer its about sport blocking not application so no grabs are in sport

I am interpreting the block as a palm heel or wrist block.