AboutSaleem A. Expertise I can answer questions related to TKD training and excercises to improve physical performance. I can help with questions on TKD Blocks, Kicks and Strikes and how to develop better technique.
I am also able to answer questions related to Tae Kwon Do's traditions and history.
Experience I have achieved the rank of 3rd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and have studied under Kwangjinim Byung Hoon Park(9th Dan) for 9 Years.
Education/Credentials Achieved Year 12 HSC in 2004.
Currently studying Journalism at the University of Western Sydney (UWS).
Question hi im 13 years old and i was wondering if you can answer my question: when i'm sparring my kicking and punching is alright but when it comes to blocking i get very confused on which block to use. so how do i know which one to use?
Answer hi tom, thankyou for the question.
now sparring is my favorite aspect of taekwondo and it is probably the field of taekwondo that i excell at most.
in terms of the traditional blocks, you'll find that you barely use half of them in sparring. To perform a full low-section block in proper forward stance will block a front snap kick but will also leave you open for follow-up kicks.
Instead, the best way to learn how to block during sparring is to perform a simple exercise. Find a partner who's sparring technique is superior to your own and spar them. Throughout the sparring don't throw a single kick, place emphasis on evading the kicks, reading the movements of the oponent and blocking.
To block snap kicks, round-back kicks and side kicks which aim straight for the body and head, i tend to step back and block using my hands or forearm in a downwards motion. To block axe kicks you will need to use a high-section block but place priority on evading the kick by stepping back. Axe kicks, when performed correctly can inflict devastating damage on your head or collarbone. A high-section block should always be your last-priority.
Roundhouse kicks are extremely difficult to block. This is because from a typical fighting stance with both hands up, a roundhouse can land below or above your elbow depending on where your opponent plans on striking. To block a roundhouse simply use your forearm to block along their shin. The hard part is actually reading the movements. If a you misread a roundhouse and go to block your body, you leave your head open and give your opponent a clean shot.
By reading this i hope sparring becomes a little easier for you. I'm finally going to quote something my instructor says to the students of my club - "The best block in the world is to not be there at all". Think about this and learn from it and if you have any further questions feel free to ask - there is no such thing as a stupid question.
