Defining the Twin Knife-Hand Block
The Twin Knife-Hand Block (Sang Sonkal Makgi) is a specialized defensive technique that uses both knife-hands to block attacks. The core purpose of this block is to intercept a simultaneous attack from both the front and the side. When the block is executed, the side block is considered the primary defense, meaning the movement's primary objective is to address the lateral threat. The method and defensive purpose of the Twin Knife-Hand Block are exactly the same as those of the Twin Forearm Block (Sang Palmok Makgi). Both techniques utilize dual arms for defense, although the Twin Forearm Block primarily uses the inner forearm.
Stance and Positioning for Execution
The Twin Knife-Hand Block is performed using nearly all stances. However, it is chiefly executed from the L-stance or rear foot stance. It is also commonly seen in the vertical stance. When executing the block from a left L-stance, the procedure involves bringing the right knife-hand inside of the left knife-hand. In training drills, such as the forward stepping block, the practitioner moves one foot forward to form an L-stance while blocking. The block is performed in the L-Stance Twin Knife-Hand Block drill. It is important to note that the block must be correctly executed to avoid issues such as exposing the armpit. Incorrect starting positions, like placing both fists too far from the hip, also compromise the block’s power and accuracy.
Focusing the Block and Side Defense
Since this is a side block, the body must be half or side facing the opponent at the moment of contact. The blocking tool is always focused toward the center of the defender’s shoulders. If the block is focused too far beyond the defender’s body, it creates a vulnerability. If the block is stopped too short of the target, it results in a weak defense that an opponent could easily deflect. The side blocking forearm typically executes a middle block. Furthermore, when blocking, the practitioner should ensure that the wrists are crossed at the start of the motion. This technique, like others in Taekwon-Do, requires the execution of movements with speed and rhythm to produce maximum power.
Coordination and Avoiding Execution Errors
Proper force generation requires coordinating the body's movements, including the hip and abdomen, to channel power into the block. The technique should leverage the principle of reaction force, where the simultaneous retraction of the opposite hand contributes to the block’s power. A crucial error is failing to make the blocks effectively; for example, if the right knife-hand reaches the target in an upward motion instead of a side motion, while the left knife-hand moves in a side motion instead of an upward motion, the block is severely compromised. Another common mistake is the exposure of the armpit to the opponent at the start of blocking. Additionally, blocks performed without revolving the blocking tools lack the necessary force, further weakening the defense.
Integration into Advanced Pattern Work
The Twin Knife-Hand Block is integral to several complex patterns. For example, in Choong-Moo Tul (30 movements), the block is the very first movement, executed from a right L-stance. In the Kwang-Gae Tul pattern (39 movements), the block is performed from a walking stance and is followed by a high punch. Furthermore, in the Ul-Ji Tul pattern, a high side block with the left knife-hand and a low side block with the right knife-hand are executed simultaneously while maintaining a right one-leg stance. This technique is associated with higher grade levels, generally the 5th grade, when paired with the walking stance. Consistent practice in these patterns ensures the movements are developed into a conditioned reflex, optimizing speed and accuracy.
Relationship to Other Dual-Arm Blocks
The Twin Knife-Hand Block is often compared to other blocks utilizing two arms. As noted, it shares methodology and purpose with the Twin Forearm Block. It is also related to the Double Forearm Block (Doo Palmok Makgi), which is used for blocking primarily from a walking or X-stance. The Double Forearm Block is considered one of the strongest forms of blocking, specifically advantageous for quickly shifting one forearm into another block while maintaining defense with the other. Unlike the Double Forearm Block which exclusively uses the inner forearm, the Twin Knife-Hand Block employs the sharp outer edge of the hand. The Twin Knife-Hand Block is distinct from the Twin Palm Downward Block (Sang Sonbadak Naeryo Makgi), which focuses on attacks below the solar plexus.