Defining the X-Knife-Hand Checking Block
The Checking Block (Momchau Makgi) is a defensive technique primarily employed to block reverse turning kick and turning kick. It is also used, though rarely, against a hand technique aimed at the solar plexus and areas above. The X-Knife-Hand (Kyocha Sonkal) is one of the designated tools for this block, alongside the X-fist, straight forearm, or straight knife-hand. The X-Knife-Hand is formed by crossing both knife-hands.
Methodology and Tactical Advantage
The method and purpose of the X-Knife-Hand Checking Block are essentially the same as those of the X-Fist Checking Block. However, the X-knife-hand offers a distinct added advantage of being in a better position to grab the leg or hand immediately after executing a block. Grabbing (Butjaba Makgi) is often executed immediately after a hooking block, intended to put the opponent off balance or throw them by twisting and pulling the attacking hand or foot. The X-Knife-Hand is also used for middle and low blocks.
Execution and Stances
The X-Knife-Hand Checking Block is executed from various stances. For this technique, the wrists must be crossed in the center of the forehead at the moment of the block. Although the X-Fist Checking Block mainly uses the sitting, rear foot, and L-stances, it is occasionally performed from an X-stance. Similarly, the X-Knife-Hand Checking Block can be performed from any stance. It is integrated into training drills such as the Forward Stepping Block, where a defender (Y) may execute a low twisting kick before lowering the foot to an L-stance and executing a checking block with an X-knife-hand. The Flying Side Front Kick drill lands in an X-stance while executing a checking block with an X-knife-hand. The Flying High Kick drill involves landing in a fixed stance while executing a checking block with an X-knife-hand.
Preventing Execution Errors
A crucial error in performing the X-knife-hand (and X-fist) rising block is crossing the wrists in front of the bridge of the nose instead of the forehead, which exposes a vital spot. Furthermore, the block is ineffective if the crossed point forms a horizontal line with the elbows. The checking block is also one of the defensive techniques used to protect the face from a downward strike or kick.
Integration into Sparring and Patterns
The X-Knife-Hand Checking Block is employed in advanced sparring scenarios. In two-step sparring, the defender (Y) may counter a low twisting kick by lowering the foot to an L-stance while executing a checking block with an X-knife-hand. This block is also a key component of complex pattern work, such as Ul-Ji Tul, where Movement 3 involves executing a rising block with an X-knife-hand in a continuous motion with an X-fist pressing block while maintaining a left walking stance.