Defining the Twin Palm Upward Block
The Twin Palm Upward Block (Sang Sonbadak Ollyo Makgi) is a specialized defensive technique. It utilizes the twin palm (Sang Sonbadak) as the blocking tool. The primary purpose of any upward block (Ollyo Makgi) is to 'spring up' an opponent's hand, foot, dagger, or stick that is directed against the defender’s solar plexus and the area above it. The palm is formed by bending all fingers slightly toward the palm to strengthen the hand. The Twin Palm Upward Block is considered ideal when used against a pick-shape or downward kick.
Stances and Execution
The Twin Palm Upward Block is mainly executed from walking, sitting, and X-stances. Occasionally, a close or parallel stance is also employed. When executing an upward block, the blocking tool should reach its point of focus at the defender’s solar plexus. Practitioners must ensure that the elbow is bent about 35 degrees outward at the moment of the block. However, the block can only be performed as a reverse block in the case of a rear foot or L-stance.
Strategic Advantage (Holding)
A significant tactical advantage of the Twin Palm Upward Block is that it allows the defender to hold the attacking foot for further purposes. This makes it an excellent preparatory technique for advanced throwing or locking maneuvers. The ability to hold the attacking foot is a key distinction of the twin palm tool. Other upward blocking tools include the single palm, reverse knife-hand, twin reverse knife-hand, thumb ridge, and bow wrist.
Pattern and Training Integration
The Twin Palm Upward Block is incorporated into Taekwon-Do patterns and drills. It is listed as one of the techniques performed by a 1st grade holder. Specifically, the block is executed in the Choong-Moo Tul pattern (Movement 28) while shifting into a walking stance. In training, the Forward Stepping Block drill for this technique involves moving the foot forward to form a walking stance while blocking with the twin palm. Furthermore, the Twin Palm Upward Block is part of advanced drills, such as the Flying Two Direction Kick sequence, where the defender lands in a diagonal stance while executing a rising block with a twin palm.
Relationship to Other Twin Palm Blocks
The twin palm tool is also used for other defensive techniques, such as the Twin Palm Downward Block (Sang Sonbadak Naeryo Makgi). Like the upward block, the downward block is mostly performed from walking, sitting, and X-stances. The twin palm is also used for the Parallel Palm (Narani Sonbadak), which protects the face or throat, and the Twin Palm Horizontal Block (Sang Sonbadak Soopyong Makgi), which protects the chest area against a coordinated attack. The Twin Palm is also used for holding (Bachigi) to protect the solar plexus and above, with the advantage of grabbing the attacking foot or hand for twisting or breaking.