Defining the Upward Palm Block
The Palm Upward Block (Sonbadak Ollyo Makgi) is a specific defensive technique aimed at intercepting an incoming attack directed at the defender’s solar plexus and the area above it. The primary purpose of this movement is to ‘spring up’ an opponent’s attack, which may involve a hand, foot, dagger, or stick. The palm (Sonbadak) is the designated blocking tool for this technique. To properly form the blocking tool, the practitioner must bend all the fingers slightly toward the palm to strengthen the hand. This technique falls under the category of an upward block (Ollyo Makgi), a defensive action designed to protect the upper sections of the body.
Movement and Focusing Principles
Correct execution dictates that the blocking tool must reach its point of focus following a circular motion. The circular path is critical, distinguishing it from other upward blocks like the one performed with a reverse knife-hand, which should reach the target in a straight line. The block must be focused so that the blocking tool reaches the defender's solar plexus. At the moment the block is delivered, the elbow must be bent approximately 35 degrees outward. Failure to follow these principles, particularly extending the blocking tool beyond the point of focus, creates an exposure in the defense. The principles governing this block adhere to the overall goal of maximizing kinetic energy, where power is proportional to mass multiplied by velocity squared (P=MV^2).
Stances and Variations
The Palm Upward Block is most commonly performed from a rear foot stance (Dwitbal Sogi) or an L-stance (Niunja Sogi). While these are the preferred stances, the block can also be executed occasionally from a walking stance (Gunnun Sogi). When performed from a walking stance, both the obverse block and the reverse block are possible. This block is one of several tools utilized for upward defense, which also includes the twin palm, twin reverse knife-hand, thumb ridge, and bow wrist. The reverse knife-hand upward block, for instance, requires a 45-degree elbow bend and a straight-line trajectory to the point of focus.
Contextual Training and Sequence
The Palm Upward Block is typically introduced in the training schedule around the 4th grade level (Red Stripe). Training involves procedural drills, such as the Forward Stepping Block, where the left foot moves forward to form a right rear foot stance while simultaneously blocking with the left palm. This defensive movement is often immediately followed by an offensive counter-attack, frequently demonstrated as a turning kick with the instep. This rapid transition from defense to offense emphasizes the block's utility in self-defense. For example, the Twin Palm Upward Block (Sang Sonbadak Ollyo Makgi) is executed in the Moon-Moo Tul pattern (Movement 28) while shifting into a walking stance.
Related Upward Defense Techniques
The Palm Upward Block is distinct from other upward defensive methods. The Twin Palm Upward Block is executed mainly from walking, sitting, and X-stances and is advantageous for potentially holding the attacking foot for further action. The Bow Wrist Upward Block (Sonmok Dung Ollyo Makgi), often used from a rear foot or L-stance, requires the blocking tool to reach the target in a straight line, demanding careful attention to prevent breaking the wrist if bent too severely. In all upward blocks, developing the movement into a conditioned reflex is paramount to ensure the required speed and accuracy are achieved in response to an unexpected attack.