I’ve read what the late Gen.Choi said in his encyclopedia, which gives me a sort of enlightenment in this wonderful art.
He said that although the hand is used to punch and strike, it’s main role is to block incoming attack. Although the feet can be used to block, it’s main use is for striking(kicking). That’s is what taekwon-do is all about.
In the blocking domain, I believe that a lot of us around the world does not have the adequate focus on the blocking department.
I mean that the hand is is not seasoned enough to block and in the sparring, we rarely see students use blocking techniques during sparring.
Of course, if the instructor believe that the student hand is not ready to block, he should make the wise judgement of not forcing the student to block.
I recommend that blocking in sparring is emphasized more but the students must control his kicking power properly to avoid potential hand injury during training.
Safety first.
Sabum Arif Syafiq (6th Dan)
Technical and Coaching.
Disclaimer :
What I write is based on my humble understanding, and should there be any mistakes, it is my own mistake.
Thank you very much for this observation I have been in the martial arts for years now starting at 8 years of age and now 73 years of age.
Over the course of time I have studied many different styles making Taekwondo the primary style.
And honestly have always taught that blocking and block are the major technique used in any of the styles. And especially in Taekwondo. So many people regardless of rank or style always emphasize kicking as the most important technique.
I certainly don’t agree with that. Block ing should be the primary tool taught at all levels. In teaching my personal opinion is that a very powerful block is and can be both your offense as well as your defense. How?? Imagine being in a tournament. Your opponent is a very good person for kicking and many are.
However, your block done properly and with extreme force. Also becomes a block as well as a mental block in the opponents eyes.
How??? Regardless of blocking against a kick or punch.
Hyperteically you throw a punch and I block with power and might. Causing extreme pain will automatically put you in such physical pain.
That mentally it makes the attacker think about how much pain has been inflicted with a very simple block. And only the block.
It truly leaves the attacker vulnerable and thinking I am in such pain just from the block.
How much more will it hurt with any additional attacks.
Therefore leaving the attackers in a mental state of defeat.
Always leaving in the attacker mentally and physically defeated.
Again I have using this concept for many years in competition during my younger years and especially now in my senior years.
Honestly if done properly the opponent will not want to take a second attempt.
Great observation, I believe that we must get back to some of the old conditioning methods of Harding the inner/outer forearms, so that the individuals cannot only block, but can block and be in position to counter attack afterwards to enable the opponent/attacker.