subject: Defend Yourself - The Problem With Blocking In A Real-world Self Defense Attack! [print this page] Are you looking for proven self defense techniques and skills? The question, more to the point is, do you want to think and feel like you can defend yourself, or do you want to really be able to do it?
This article discusses the problem with the concept of blocking in a real-world, street self defense attack. After reading it, you'll have a better idea about how, when, and why you might block, and - more importantly - when not to do it at all!
In the world of martial arts and self defense training, there is almost an infinite number of ideas and "styles" taught for blocking a punch, kick, or intended grab from an attacker. The problem is that most of these work better in karate class than they will ever work against the guy on the street who wants to beat, break, or kill you!
And, the reason for this is that most blocks are designed to deal with situations where:
* You and your attacker are the same size, strength, and build, or...
* The attacker is throwing a stylized attack that the block is specifically designed to deal with that attack
You can never forget that a real attack on the street is not like the training punch that your partner is throwing at you in your self defense class. And, your training partner is the easiest "opponent" you're ever going to have to deal with!
Is blocking a viable skill? Sure.
But, it should not be the mainstay or seen as some kind of reliable self defense technique. And the reason for that is based on the fact that, contrary to the rules in a sport karate match, or sparring session in class...
...your attacker on the street is going to be bigger, faster, and stronger than you are. And, he might even be armed with a club or a knife - things that you don't want to be throwing your arm out there to try and stop!
What this means, even if we stay focused on the unarmed attacker, is this:
You will have to rely on speed and strength to effectively block a real attack from a bigger attacker. And, evenif your arm is strong enough to not collapse on impact, you can still be knocked over or, at the very least, unbalanced by a punch from a bigger, stronger assailant.
So, when would blocking be a good choice?
Two situations come to mind, and the reasons that I teach my new students how to block (but they graduate away from blocking as soon as they learn how to use effective footwork and body movement to evade or otherwise avoid incoming attacks!).
These two situations where blocking may be your only choice are situations where:
* The attack is a complete surprise and you don't have time to move, or...
* You are in a corner or otherwise positioned so that you can't move to avoid the incoming blow.
That's it.
Any other use of blocking, as it is conventionally done in countless martial arts and self defense classes, only serves to:
* slow you down
* tie up a limb that could be used for inflicting damage, or...
* trap you in the all-too-human - one-two - block-punch rhythm that is easily beaten by another human being!
