UKE-WAZA (Blocking Techniques)

UKE-WAZA (Blocking Techniques)

The Purposes of Blocking

1. To discourage further attack

A powerful block causing intense pain to the opponent's attacking arm or leg can deter him from further attack. In this way, the block itself becomes an attack.

2. To deflect an attack

A well-placed block with only enough force can misdirects the opponent's force. This kind of block does not attempt to stop the blow; in fact, the momentum of the opponent's forward movement is finally changed to your advantage.

3. To unbalance an opponent

A good block is not only changing the direction of the attacking arm/leg but also shifting the opponent's balance until he loses his center of gravity (this can also be done by catching and pulling him after blocking). As the opponent attempts to regain his balance, your counterattack, even though not as powerful as his attack, will be very effective.

4. To block and attack

It is possible to block and counterattack at the same time. Delay will give the opponent a chance to develop another attack.

5. To withdraw

After blocking, one can take a position of safety until there is an opportunity for counterattack. However, this is not the real purpose of karate blocking.

Note—

-Body movement alone (dodging/evasion, weight shifting, hip twisting) without blocking action can avoid the opponent' attack and follow simultaneously by a counterattack.
-A karate attack before the opponent' attack can fully materialize, therefore “beating him to the punch”.

Main Points—

1. Direction of Attacking Force

It is impossible to block without first having accurately assessed the path of the attack. Basically, deflect the attack by blocking: (1) from underneath upward (e.g. Age-Uke), if the attack is to the face, (2) from inside outward (e.g. Uchi-Uke) or from outside inward (e.g. Soto-Uke), if the attack is to the chest, and (3) Sweeping downward and outward (e.g. Gedan-Barai), if the attack is to the abdomen.

2. Forearm Rotation and Timing

Merely hitting the attacking arm is comparatively weak. Rotating the forearm of the blocking arm make the block stronger, and good timing is critical.

3. Hip Rotation

Rotating the hips is as much a part of blocking as it is of punching. Block and finish with the hips, withdrawing the other arm at the same time that the block is made.

4. Position of the Elbow

An effective block depends on concentrating all body power in the forearm at the moment of contact. When the elbow is touching the body, the power is greatest, but this tends reduce the scope of the block. Depending on the situation, the elbow should be neither too close nor too far from the side of the body― in principle, at a distance about equal to the width of the fist.

5. Effects of Overblocking

Overblocking results in loss of balance, loss of tension in the side muscles, reduction of body control and difficulty in executing follow-up techniques. It is necessary to learn the appropriate position for each blocking techniques.

6. Block-Attack

Besides the option of inhibiting further attacks by blocking with great force, there are several techniques that in themselves become finishing blows (e.g. Tsuki-Uke, Fumikomi-Uke...).

Basic Blocking Techniques

There are five basic blocking techniques which the beginners have to learn. They are:

GEDAN-BARAI (Downward Block)
JODAN-AGE-UKE (Upper Rising Block)
CHUDAN-SOTO-UKE (Middle-Area Outside Inward Block)
CHUDAN-UCHI-UKE (Middle-Area Inside Outward Block
CHUDAN-SHUTO-UKE (Middle-Area Sword Hand Block)

Résumé Table: UKE-WAZA (Blocking Techniques)