Topic: Sabaki and block

[Huw]

From what I understand Sensei consistently complains that people sabaki in kihon ippon kumite but without offering any effective block.

I tried a fairly 'pure kihon' approach against Moley tonight - and almost played a high price. Moley came in with Mae Geri, I sabakied, he followed the target (don't deny this Moley!!) and I copped his (pulled) kick straight in my wrist. If it wasn't for the fact that Moley had pulled his kick AND that my wrist was in a straight line with my forearm (in taking the impact) then I guess we'd probably both be stuck in casualty.

Question: How do we do Sensei's bidding in blocking kicks - but without having a row of ambulances outside the dojo?

[Lloydie]

If you block the end point of the kick, ie the lower shin/foot you are trying to block a heavier and denser limb (leg) with a lighter less dense limb (arm - and usually the wrist area).  Result if you mis-time it is that you get to go to hospital. This is just physics, keep trying to block this way and eventually you will get caught.  So.....you have to find a different way.

Ask: 

1 - What is the purpose of sabaki? (in jyu ippon)  ie What does it enable you to do?

2 - What is the purpose of the block and how should it be executed given the opening statement?

Lloydie

[Tryfan]

Sounds to me like you are moving first then blocking, or just moving too soon.  Start doing both at exactly the same time, but also move at the very last moment.  Move too soon and you will get followed.  Also, block the side of the leg, not the front of the shin!

[JimmyTheHoover]

Sounds to me like you are moving first then blocking, or just moving too soon.  Start doing both at exactly the same time, but also move at the very last moment.  Move too soon and you will get followed.  Also, block the side of the leg, not the front of the shin!

Start as late as you posibly can (painfull learning process) but finish the Sabaki and Block and STANCE at the SAME time and block the atacking limb as near the end as you personally can while still being able to deliver an effective counter attack - but note that if the counter involves a sweep or scooping block this may involve adjusting your distance......