How to Block In and Out in Kung Fu

Kung Fu is a martial art form that gave way to many other variations since its inception. It's versatility grew with its popularity. As the number of practitioners grew, styles and variations began to appear. Regardless, they are all still based upon the original Kung Fu. Build on the tradition of forceful application, grappling and blocking, Kung Fu has grown to include a wide range of defense techniques. Contained in this article is a guide on how to perform the two basic styles of blocking an opponent's incoming attack. Known as "hard" blocks, these techniques teach practitioners to strike against an incoming attack with a force strong enough to harm him.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You
• An Attacker

The Inside Block

1. Stand with your knees bent and your fists up and at your side.

2. When your attacker raises his right arm to strike you, step forward with your right foot.

3. Swing your entire upper body from your waist.

4. With fist pointing upward, bring your right arm sharply to the mid-line of your body. The opponent's strike should rebound off of the inside of your forearm. If done correctly, your block should knock your opponent's arm far to the side. This will leave the right side of his body open to attack. If your opponent strikes with a punch from the left arm, apply these directions in reverse.

Outside Block

5. Let's assume your opponent throws a punch with his right arm. Bring your arms slightly to the side and just below your chest.

6. Bring your right fist down to your left hip, as if grasping the hilt of a weapon at your belt.

7. Twist your waist to your right side.

8. Bring your forearm up, forward, and out; as if drawing that weapon on your belt from its sheath. Your opponent's punch should be blocked by the outside of your forearm. The block also gives you the added benefit of trapping your opponent's strike against his own body while bringing his right arm up and folding it across his entire body. If in a real fight that is unavoidable, this would be the time to strike out with your left fist to the ribs of his right side.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice these techniques alone before attempting to use them in a mock fight.
• Because these are "hard" blocks, the more force you can put into the block the better.
• Unless you've practiced these techniques, do not try them in a violent situation. The impact of your opponent's fist puts a great deal of stress on the bones of the forearm and they can be broken if not properly hardened by months, if not years, of practice and martial arts training.
• Don't attempt this should your opponent be using a weapon. You may end up with a shattered arm. In that sort of situation there's no shame in running.

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Resources

• A guide on a similar block method