Defining the Reverse Knife-Hand Side Block
The Reverse Knife-Hand Side Block (Sonkal Dung Yop Makgi) is a defensive maneuver used to intercept attacks directed toward the middle section of the body. This technique utilizes the Reverse Knife-Hand (Sonkal Dung) as the blocking tool. The reverse knife-hand is formed similarly to the standard knife-hand, but the thumb is bent sharply toward the palm. This tool is frequently used for blocking, though it is also used for attacking targets like the neck, point of the chin, temple, philtrum, ribs, and angle of the mandible. A side block, regardless of the tool used, is specifically defined as a block where the body is either half facing or side facing the opponent at the moment of contact.
Execution Principles and Body Posture
For optimal defense, certain principles must be observed during the block. The body must be in a half facing posture toward the opponent at the moment of the block. The blocking tool is always focused toward the center of the defender’s shoulders. Focusing the block too short of the target results in a weak block that can be deflected, while focusing beyond the body creates an exposure. Generally, the arm should be bent between 15 and 45 degrees to intercept the attack obliquely. Additionally, the shoulder of the blocking arm must be lowered slightly at the moment of blocking. Like most blocks, the blocking tool must be withdrawn immediately after contact, with few exceptions.
Stances and Training Applications
The Reverse Knife-Hand Side Block can be performed from any stance. However, it is primarily employed in specific stances for training and practical application, such as the L-stance and the rear foot stance. The L-stance (Niunja Sogi) is particularly common, characterized by the body weight ratio of 70 percent on the rear leg and 30 percent on the front leg. The block is included in advanced training: for example, the L-Stance Reverse Knife-Hand Guarding Block (Niunja So Sonkaldung Daebi Makgi) is taught as a preparatory posture in free sparring, ensuring a half facing posture and protecting the body completely with both hands. It is also practiced in One-Step Sparring (Ilbo Matsogi) against a middle obverse punch.
Focus and Power Generation
Maximum power for the Reverse Knife-Hand Side Block, as with all Taekwon-Do techniques, is achieved through effective use of speed and concentrated mass, adhering to the principle that power is proportional to mass multiplied by velocity squared (P=MV^2). When executing a side block from an L-stance, the hips and abdomen should turn in the same direction as the blocking tool. This mobilization of the hip and abdominal muscles channels force into the small striking area. Proper breathing control is also critical; holding the breath momentarily while blocking helps to stifle pain and augment force at the point of impact. The ability to execute this block instantly must be developed through repetitive practice until the movement becomes a conditioned reflex.
Training Procedures and Incorrect Execution
Training drills emphasize starting the motion with a backward movement to maximize velocity. For instance, a common drill involves executing the block from a walking stance and then immediately following with a low front snap kick. During the starting motion of a block, forearms are typically crossed in front of the chest with both back fists facing upward, maximizing the travel distance for rotational power. A common error in defensive movements is extending the blocking tool beyond the point of focus, which creates an opening for the opponent. Similarly, failing to pull the opposite fist to the hip at the moment of the block reduces reaction force and power.
Context in Advanced Patterns
The Reverse Knife-Hand is vital in many complex patterns. It is used in the Flying High Kick (Twimyo Nopi Chagi) drill when landing to form an X-stance and executing a checking block with an X-knife-hand. The Parallel Block (Narani Makgi) can be performed with a reverse knife-hand, where the back forearms face the front, and the distance between the outer forearms is one shoulder width. Furthermore, the Reverse Knife-Hand is often the tool of choice for low guarding blocks (Najunde Daebi Makgi). In the pattern Eui-Am Tul, the Reverse Knife-Hand performs a circular block (Dollimyo Makgi) while maintaining a walking stance, demonstrating its use in complex, flowing defensive sequences.