Blocking?

[crazedjustice888]

[Asmo]

I have a lot to learn on the seven star sequence but in my understanding one of the points is what you describe above. The stepping both moves you away from the attack and closer to your opponent for your own attack.

I have yet to figure out a lot though Our waterpunch, thats basically a block with an arm break, sure it is attacking the attack, but in the way it is meant originally? Would be great if you could find out there crazedjustice888! I always have a feeling they are performing the waterpunch (or whatever looks most like it) much more vertically then we do. That makes me wonder whether our long arm techniques where modified in both shape and application. Maybe to fit Hung Kuen better, I don't know.

[TenTigers]

I really don't see blocking per se. I do see attacks,jams, catches, deflections, and covering. Every "block" is an attack to the nerve endings on the arm, leg, etc. To step back and block is unrealistic as far as fighting goes. Sure it works in cooperative one-step sparring drills, but once a person is trying to attack you with multiple strikes(as people who are trying to hurt you do)it is simply a futile effort and will end in disaster.

[I am]

Not to sound esoteric, but I can't think of another way to phrase it:

At one point on the path, you may see blocks. At another point on the path, you may not. They are both correct for where you are. Even if you train without them, if things go horribly wrong you may find yourself blocking.

For what you are asking, I would recommend looking to these (or your applicable variant of them) as your answer:

Hard, Soft, Press Force, Straight, Divide, Set, Inch, Lift, Flow, Sink, Control, Set

[ironpalm]

[laukarfei]

[TenTigers]

all great answers. Great thread.
I have a simple way to look at it, tell me if it works for you.
You have a hand position,(whichever you choose-jiew gang, bong, tan,kwun,whatever you want to call it)
on one level,do the technique with good structure, it is coverage.
on another level, do the same technique but with a bit of power-giving it back,you have a block.
on another level, do the same technique with ging and intent, and you are attacking the attack.
As your skill progresses, (as LauGarFai stated) and depending on urgency, your opponent, etc, the same technique goes from cover, to block to strike.

[crazedjustice888]

Thank you for all the responses guys. I see what you all are saying. I started my Hop Ga training last night and we used a lot of backfist motions that were then followed by a corkscrew punch while torquing the waist to get maximum reach. Its so different than Hung Ga...lol I was told that the back fist motion intercepts the attack and punishes the attack rather than just pushing it away. I guess that is what you all are saying as well right?

[I am]

Hop Gar (from what I know of it, I don't practice it myself) uses these four key concepts: cruelty, evasion, penetration and interception. They focus a bit more on the evasion than do some other Chinese arts from the beginning. This can be seen in how they use the body as well as their footwork.

[crazedjustice888]

The movements I was being taught exemplified JUST that...about minimizing the target area and maximizing your reach while also twisting to avoid...all in ONE movement...man...

[vaulander]

I've always seen blocks as a sort of shield. Just putting something in the way of incoming force, mostly because you are in a iffy position and can't deflect/parry/grab. Works against a person your size or smaller, a bigger person will shake you since you are in essence taking the entire force. More of a stop-gap measure in response to a surprise. Like a boxer stuck in a corner and getting pounded on. Not my favorite place to be.
V.

[Xiaobian]

I have to disagree with Vaulander. I cannot imagine using blocking like a shield unless you are wearing large gloves. Whenever I "block", it is ALWAYS a deflection, a grab, or to open up/ jam the opponent. Fists are smaller than gloves and can easily slip through a guard.

[laukarfei]

i disagree xiaobian, although i doubt many here have spent much time boxing ie..the boxing glove (flat punch) thread lol

mostly because, when you block you should be slipping, or trying to fight off an angle, you could go straight in to depending on who you are and who your fighting. honestly block and counter is one of the most effective ways of ending a fight imo and your opponents window of opportunity is very small this way, wheras with other skills like the long arm punching or other methods you are open quite a bit

and yes im reffering to no gloves scenario. but im not agreeing with vaulander in that blocking as if its a shield thats no what im saying, if you dont get what im saying then never mind

[vaulander]

Perhaps we are using different terminology.
Parry - Changing direction of incoming attack, as a slap or push, Beauty Looks in the mirror for instance.
Deflection - putting your arm up at an angle so the incoming attack (hooks for instance,) is funneled away. Like a V shaped plough pushes snow to the sides.
Hooking- drawing/pulling the attack off angle.
Grab and pull - More solid than just hooking, still working the attack off angle.
Blocking - Putting something directly in the path of the attack, like the Muai thai Legblock, boxers block, wallblock, the panicked crouch and cover in domestic situations, for instance. Not too pleasant, but beats taking it straight to the face or stomach.
Of course I prefer the other ways of defending over blocking, unless I am able to put something really nice in front, like an elbow to a hook, I know Scott didn't like that, hehe.
Cheers!
V.

[Xiaobian]