Defining the Pushing Block Mechanism
The Pushing Block (Miro Makgi) is recognized as one of the most effective defensive forms available in Taekwon-Do for the purpose of putting an opponent off balance. This technique is chiefly performed using the palm (Sonbadak) as the blocking tool. To properly form the palm tool, the practitioner must bend all the fingers slightly toward the palm to strengthen it. While primarily used in blocking, the palm is occasionally employed for attacking the face. The Palm Pushing Block is primarily used to intercept attacks directed against the low abdomen and points below.
Stance Requirements and Block Direction
The Palm Pushing Block is mainly executed from the sitting stance (Annun Sogi) and X-stance (Kyocha Sogi). It can also occasionally be performed from a parallel, close, or walking stance. When performed from a walking stance, a reverse block is normal. It is important to note that an outward block is not possible with the palm blocking tool.
Application and Transition to Counter-Attack
The pushing block is utilized for defensive movements to destabilize the opponent. When executing the Sitting Stance Palm Pushing Block, the action is often followed by a counter-attack, such as an angle punch or a reverse hooking kick. For example, in the Sitting Stance Palm Pushing Block drill, the block is followed by bringing the foot to the opposite foot to form a close stance while executing an angle punch. In the pattern Hwa-Rang Tul, the first movement involves executing a middle pushing block with the left palm while forming a sitting stance toward the target. A significant error in execution is blocking the opponent's arm instead of the shoulder.
Related Pushing Block Techniques
The pushing block can occasionally be executed using tools other than the palm, including the double forearm, knife-hand, or reverse knife-hand. Notably, the Double Forearm Pushing Block (Doo Palmok Miro Makgi) is used only for a low pushing block. This technique is typically executed from a rear foot, L-stance, or fixed stance. The knife-hand and reverse knife-hand pushing blocks reach the target in a circular motion.