It Is Striking How Blocking Systems Often Slip Pass Each Generation
In the Gunji Taiho Jutsu (GTJ), we have in our curriculum different types of blocking techniques and strategies. This has been a hot topic during the '70s throughout the '80s. Today the discussion has made its way back into different Martial Arts communities as the newest generation brings up the question of If Blocking Works? I will expand on this in this article.
GTJ looks at blocking in different points of view. The guiding strategy is to use PCS 1-3 distances that are unique to our system of taiho jutsu arresting technique. Distance management is the key to success in many aspects of the application for both grappling and striking based Martial Arts & Combatives systems. Managing distance equals managing the damage. You will hear this in different circles of training. I would like to add to this catchphrase by stating that managing distance can also influence the magic of timing. This is done of working on creating better angles of attack, defense, setup, counter-balance, and balance.
In our system of taiho jutsu, in the first week and second week, students learn about distance management, dead arm blocks, and military combatives hand positioning for blocking technique. Explored are slips, parrying, body/head movement, cover blocking, etc. As the student continues training in GTJ, there is the study of PCS 2 energy drills where a person learns to use his weight distribution, feel for pressure, and again, the management of new distances mixed with new objectives.
So where does this, what I call generational-criticism, come into play that blocking doesn't work? When you listen to someone's argument that traditional blocks do not work in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), you will start to view in your mind that traditional extending blocks are not commonly seen. Techniques such as an extended inward block or an extended outward block as practiced in styles of kung fu, karate, tae kwon do are not part of the everyday skillsets of the top 10 MMA fighters. Simply put, you do not see extending blocking by many fighters in the cage. However, there are many types of blocking applications that are seen in MMA and are learned in these systems above. It is at this point that I need to sit down with these generational critics and say, "So we are just talking about extended blocking systems?"
In many systems of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), Kenpo Karate systems, Jujutsu systems, and others, extended blocking is really a striking technique. You will hear a Kenpoist say, "This is a strike not a block." This is a good point to explore and even better to put into practice. Extended dead arm blocks hurt. Extended arm-distractions (FMA based guntings) hurt. There is a type of conditioning that occurs when you practices extended blocking as a strike and there is a feeling that your training partner remembers when first experiencing such a shock. The pain in the arm is felt for the next few days.
With these points expressed above, have I presented a counterpoint to the generational criticism that extended blocking doesn't work? Well, I hope that I have helped analyze that the question should be more refined to highlight the effectiveness of extending blocking. If the critics will only focus on the boxing technique for blocking defense or MMA cage fighting for the example of effectiveness in blocking, they will continue to argue hand positioning, footwork, head movement, parrying, slipping and etc.
To me (and others), I will just smile and say many martial arts practice all these techniques. What has to be further explored, however, are the training methods of these techniques. After that happens, we will all finally arrived to look closer at extended movements with your arms. This will be a study of distance and at the right timing, the magic of an attacking blocking technique will be something this generation will value. This is not up to me.
Each generation needs to study and question the hows and whys of blocking...and attacking...hopefully the same. Focus more on similarities in the different Martial Arts and Combative systems in a more positive point of view. It is to easy to see the differences. And it should be pointed out that you will find a difference as a goal in your continued study, and this is called your variation of expression. To discover your expression, however, you will need to hit and be hit, sweat and bleed, and help your training partners to take you everywhere you think you know so you find moments of discovery. In these sessions, you will hear the words of the masters from the past as they echo and come from a place of principle. Try not to block yourself from these special moments.
- Prof. "little" Tony Pacenski
