Taekwondo Blocks

The following Taekwondo blocks are used for defense against kicks and punches. In addition, students will have to know these blocks to excel at their Taekwondo forms.

You should perform these blocks with speed & power because they can “hurt” an opponent (as you counter their attack) and make them less willing to attack you. Watch the videos below in order to view the correct technique for many of these blocks.

Basic Blocks – Knife Hand Blocks and Closed Fist Blocks

• Low block – Bring the outside of your forearm down (with fist closed) below your waist in order to protect against leg & lower body strikes.
• High block – Bring the outside of your forearm over your head to protect against high attacks (i.e. axe kicks).
• Inside block – Bring the outside of your forearm “inside” across your face in order to protect your head from opposite side attacks.
• Outside block – Bring the outside of your forearm level with your shoulders or head in order to protect your head & upper body. More natural than an inside block as you are bringing your arm “outside” to defend against an attack. See the videos below for an example.
• Outside forearm block
• Knife hand block – Rather than a closed fist, you used an “open” hand to block. Useful in order to block and grab an opponent’s leg or a wrist.
• Inside palm block – An almost instinctive block as you try to protect your face, etc. Do an inside block with an open fist (versus a closed fist).
• Downward palm block – Another instinctive block where you try to block a kick with your palm (an open hand). However, if you do this block incorrectly, your fingers might bend “backwards”. Ouch!
• Double outside block – Protect yourself on two sides.
• Double low block – Protect yourself from a kick to the groin. Cross your arms into an “X”.
• Double high block – Stronger protection against high attacks. Cross your arms into an “X”.
• Double knife hand block – Used in many forms.

Blocks Using Kicking Techniques

• Push Kick – Bring your leg up to block an opponent’s forward momentum.
• Cut Kick – Use this kick to block an opponent’s kick. Then quickly turn into a jumping back kick.

Advanced Blocks

• Reinforced outside block
• Scissors block
• Mountain block
• Single mountain block
• Combinations of blocks and punches (i.e. high knife hand block and a knife hand strike)