Defining the Low Guarding Block
The Guarding Block (Daebi Makgi) is frequently used as a ready posture in free sparring. It is performed using both hands to protect the body completely while positioning the defender in a half facing posture. The Knife-hand Low Guarding Block (Sonkal Najunde Daebi Makgi) uses the knife-hand (Sonkal) as the blocking tool. The knife-hand is a very powerful attacking tool, especially against a side target, and is also frequently used for blocking. When the knife-hand is utilized for blocking, it is primarily employed for middle and low blocks. The low block (Najunde Makgi) aims to intercept an opponent’s attacking foot or hand directed against the low abdomen or points below.
Stance and Posture Requirements
The Knife-hand Low Guarding Block is associated with low-level defense. It is performed from specific stances to ensure optimal stability and posture, with the L-stance (Niunja Sogi) and rear foot stance (Dwitbal Sogi) being the most widely used, though it can also be used with all other stances. When executing this block, the body must be half facing the target at the moment of blocking. The knife-hands generally form a parallel line. The forearm of the blocking arm must become parallel to the thigh. The blocking arm’s elbow should be bent about 15 degrees outward. This block is taught as a component of the training schedule for the 3rd grade level (Blue Belt).
Hand Positioning and Defensive Focus
In the L-Stance Knife-Hand Low Guarding Block, the distance between the opposite knife-hand and the lower abdomen is specified as about 3 centimeters. The knife-hand is formed by pressing four fingers together, bending the middle and ring fingers slightly inward, leaving some space between the forefinger and thumb. This action concentrates most of the strength on the striking/blocking part. Failure to make a proper knife-hand, such as pressing the thumb against the forefinger, will weaken both the knife-hand and the fingertips. The knife-hand low guarding block is specifically included in drills related to the L-stance.
Training Drills and Application
Training drills for the L-Stance Knife-Hand Low Guarding Block involve both forward and backward stepping movements. For example, in a forward stepping block drill, the left foot moves to form a right L-stance toward the target while executing the middle guarding block with a knife-hand, and vice versa. The knife-hand guarding block is also integrated into complex sequences, such as one-step sparring, where the defender performs the L-stance knife-hand guarding block before delivering a high punch with a long fist. The low guarding block with a reverse knife-hand is primarily employed for low blocks.
Guard Block Principles and Counter-Attack
The hands used in a guarding block must be flexible enough to protect the whole body against an attack. The rule for a guarding block is to keep the blocking tool half facing the target. The block can reach the target in either a straight line or a circular motion. A straight line block aims to cause extreme pain, while a circular motion is more of a push. The L-stance Knife-Hand Guarding Block is often immediately followed by a high punch. The Knife-hand Low Reverse Inward Block is often used in combination with a counter-attack such as a crescent punch or a reverse hooking kick.