Top 25 Effective Blocking Techniques in Martial Arts

VIDEO: Watch this awesome instructor teach basic judo counters and blocking techniques!

Muay Thai Shin block

This block is most commonly known as a Muay Thai shin block. This technique uses your leg or shin to block an opponent’s roundhouse kick to your leg or body. The shin block is often combined with a head-level arm block (so your head, body and legs are protected).

Basic Blocks – Many of these basic blocks can be done with an open hand or a closed fist.

High Block
Inside Block
Knife Hand Block – This is an open hand blocking technique.
Low Block
Outside Block
Palm Block – This is an open hand blocking technique.
Leg Blocks

Muay Thai Shin Block – Muay Thai Shin or Leg Block
Taekwondo Kicking Block
Advanced Arm & Hand Blocks

X Block -This technique is also known as a Cross Block, etc.
Double High Block
Double Low Block
Taekwondo Sparring Clinch – This is a close-in double low block used in Taekwondo sparring.
Double Outside Block
Mountain Block – This blocking technique is used in many Taekwondo forms & patterns.
Reinforced Block -This technique is also known as an Assisted Block, Supporting Block, Augmented Block, etc.
Scissors Block
Trapping

Mantis Claw – This is a Praying Mantis Kung Fu blocking & trapping technique.
Blocking Techniques for Sparring

Block & Punch Combination
How To Block A High Roundhouse Kick – Differs from a traditional high block.
How To Block A Spinning Hook Kick
Micro Blocking
Martial Arts Blocks by Martial Arts Style

American Kenpo Blocking Set 1
American Kenpo Blocking Set 2
Karate Blocks
Taekwondo Blocks

With a high block, martial arts students bring the outside of their forearm above their head. This block is used to protect against high attacks (i.e. axe kick to the head, a person swinging a club, etc.). In the real world of combat, this can be used for a push, attempted grab, or as a stike to throat area.

Traditionally the high block is over the head and should just barely be in view when straining the eyes up at the block. It should never be at the forehead because that leaves the top of the head open.
Arm should be turned and oriented so that the palm is facing up, this allows the user to block with the brachioradialis and the flexors as these make up the meaty part of the bottom of the arm. The ulna is the main bone that supports this block.

How To Block A High Roundhouse Kick (Face Block) – Taekwondo Sparring

In Taekwondo sparring, you will often face an opponent who tries to score by using a high roundhouse kick to your head. You can either avoid this kick by stepping out of range, move under the kick or block it by using for your arm. If you block with your arm, this technique is known as a face block.

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