One Man Blocking Form

The first blocking set.

Correctly performed, teaches the practitioner basic blocking techniques.

Some movements are “larger than life” and should be considered as being so for exercise or aesthetic reasons.

However, there are additional gains from this pattern.

For example, the horse riding stance should be set correctly. Remaining in this stance throughout practice, not only strengthens the legs, but also the mind, developing tenacity and stability.

The pattern should be performed with strength and focus on ‘living within the form.” i.e. performing the movements as if they were actually required to react to a real opponent. (All patterns should be performed in this way)

In general, breathing should be in when gathering energy and out when issuing force.

The start position is a square horse riding stance which should be set as demonstrated. (The hands are held in fists, inverted, approximately level with the bottom of the ribs. Elbows pointing straight back.)

The first block should be performed as if a face punch is being received.

This right hand block starts from the right side ribs, moves diagonally upwards with the palm facing inwards until it’s just below the face. It then begins to rotate causing the forearm to accelerate upwards to achieve the block.

The finish position is where the wrist is just above the forehead, hand pointing upwards (as shown) which facilitates a tactile awareness of the punching arm and the ability to follow/grab the arm as part of the response. The eyes should follow the blocks as they develop. The left hand repeats this block as the right hand returns to the ribs.

The third block in the pattern is called “Beauty looking in the mirror.” This block starts from a palm up position, level with the ribs as before. The hand moves forward, across the body before turning outwards to block a chest/solar-plexus attack as shown.

The fourth block is the same.

The fifth (Stomach block) is the largest curve that can be achieved immediately following the fourth block. Wrist fully held back. The block finishes just outside the body. This block is repeated with the right hand. (The movements should be “intertwined” so that they follow each other without stopping and re-starting)

Next, the arms are pulled back to hold the upturned palms at lower rib height. The hands move forward to block a double punch/push using two beauty looking in the mirror blocks as shown.

Now the wrists rotate and drive quickly down on the attacking arms.

A right hand palm block then travels directly across the chest.

The left hand repeats the same chest block as the right hand returns to the ribs.

Next, the arms are pulled back to hold the upturned palms at lower rib height. The hands move forward to block a double punch/push using two beauty looking in the mirror blocks as shown.

Both hands move downwards to block a groin kick. The palms remain open and are held right outside left so that both palms block the kick in front of, and away from the groin area as shown.

The concluding movement is that both hands make fists and are returned to the lower rib position, palms up, as the left foot is drawn in alongside the right into a standing position.