I'm a third black in a non affiliated school that teaches the ITF style. The hard blocks work very well, when done correctly. It took me many years to get them right and to toughen up my arms, so I inflict damage, not sustain it. Eventually, you get to a point where these moves become reflex responses. At this juncture, they are very fast and very effective. After that, you just keep working to improve technique, giving you improved speed and power. For example, in tournaments, I often do a break using a side backhand, hitting the boards with the flat back of my open hand. I do 5 or 6 pcs. of 1x12 #2 pine. It makes quite a crack when it breaks. Although this is a strike, not a block, the principal is the same.
They're not entirely defensive blocks.
I don't like blocks. I feel they're very much a way of sporting contests. Blocks tend to be more of a form of bracing, a partial solution instead of a full solution. Sometimes they are too hard and wastes energy compared to more effective parries or deflection to get it offline.
ITF blocks are not blocks. Each individual blocking technique may contain more than block away the attack, they may contain a counter move which is interpreted as defensive when it's offensive and only works if the defensive mechanism, e.g. a small unnoticeable parry before that external 'hard' block, is executed to break down the attack.
Plus some blocks may be attacks entirely. Thus I agree with Boogie and Korkoro. a block could be an escape from a grip as an application. It could be a way of seizing and manipulating an opponent. If you don't learn these applications, practice in context, you may have to move school.
Understand that the principle techniques (blocks included) in TKD are not much different than in other systems. They are as effective as they are taught and learned. If they are taught poorly and/or learned poorly then their effectiveness will be lessened. Strong instruction and focused learning are key to being effective in the use of any technique through precise practice.
The key to effective street application of any technique is to be able to separate practical application from form structure. In other words, you should not try to fight from form stances and katas. Utilize the technique necessary at the time it is necessary regardless of where it is positioned in your form training. If you need to adapt and alter your pattern then do it, don't get stuck in form pattern when your safety is at stake. Form is for class, controlled application is for sparring, practical application is for defense.
the simple answer is yes they do.
the more correct answer is there is no blocks in tkd, or karate. the words in both are actually translated wrong, neither word means block, the japanese word means to receive.
all the techniques are part of your grappling, they are traps, locks, throws, chokes, etc.
does it really make sense to utilize two of your weapons to block one of your opponents weapons?
no it doesn't because that is not the purpose of it. the purpose of it was for grappling. most instructors only teach how to use the end points of the techniques, when this is not correct. the technique happens between the start and end, and not when you stop moving.
at about 23 seconds is one of the proper applications and the reason why you use to arms to block one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pla...
this is only one application of the hundreds that can be applied from this single techqniue
@el, obviously you are clueless, do you even train in martial arts or do you just pull bs answer from your a$$.
you should try taking a martial art before you answer. since obviously you dont. either that or you are self taught.
1st degree decided black belt speaking: If you are attacked, it is best not to use a 'hard' block but instead to push their hand out of the way, and to then strike back while there is an open spot.
you said for street fighting, hai buddy in real fighting anything could be possible, there not guarantee for everyone coul be win there although he has learned MA so long, but hard work made you ready for any situation.
like high block, mid block and low, of course. you have to use them right. but i would avoid punches and kicks, if they teach you grappling you should use that, i find throws more painful then a kick to the face
Maybe against someone with the speed of a turtle. Against a good striker if you have a literal interpretation of how to apply kata you'll soon be unconscious. 99.99% of TMA need to be translated because thy are over exaggerated movements.
If you want to see someone putting this in action check out some Lyoto Machida fights.
If you try and apply that technique Kokoro posted literally with a good fighter you'll get your *** whooped.
Ok I'm a white belt in tkd itf about to get yellow strip in a week . And I want to know if the traditional blocks are useful for a street fight or a fight ? And do they work well
