Blocking does NOT work … as well as most martial artists think it does!

In this video I cover why blocking and countering is largely ineffective in a self-defence context, and the core reasons why most martial artists mistakenly think it does work. It’s a ubiquitous problem that sees most martial artist claiming to teach self-defence doing so in a “when he does that, you do this” format. The truth of the matter is that criminal violence is so close, fast and unrelenting that expecting a reaction to be faster than an action is almost certain to fail.
Essentially, this confusion arises from martial artists failing to understand the very different dynamics between consensual violence (when two martial artists chose to fight each other) and non-consensual violence (a criminal seeking to cause harm). This problem is deepened by sometimes justifiable and understandable training protocols which are then mistaken for an accurate simulation of how criminal violence unfolds. Namely:
1) Slow attacks being mistaken for real world speed
2) Working from known or predictable attacks
3) Too few attacks being made in training
4) Too large a distance in training
I address the above points and explain why they seem to lead many martial artists astray. I also briefly discuss the various kinds of combative initiative (sen), the misunderstandings around karate ni sente nashi (there is no first attack in karate), what the past masters had to say about karate ni sente nashi and pre-emption, and what is more likely to work.
To be clear, long-term martial artists should still practise blocking so they can stop an attack should they see it coming (as well as of its use in consensual violence) BUT it should never be seen as the primary method to deal with criminal violence.
This is one of those issues where people have strong opinions. However, the reality of the issue is indisputable. I hope to illuminate the understandable, but incorrect, reasons behind why many martial artists wrongly think blocking and then countering is effective, and in most cases even present is as the default option for self-protection.
All the best,
Iain
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“When faced with someone who disrupts the peace or who will do one harm … it only stands to reason that one should seize the initiative and pre-empt the enemy’s use of violence.” - Kenwa Mabuni
“When one does fight, taking control of the enemy is vital, and one must take that control with the very first move. Therefore, in a fight one must attack first. It is very important to remember this.” - Choki Motobu
"[In self-defence situations] do not show any intention of attacking, but first let the attacker become careless. At that time attack him concentrating one's whole strength in one blow to a vital point and in the moment of surprise, escape and seek shelter and help." - Gichin Funakoshi

[@practicalkatabunkai]

Always fun to play a game of “who has watched the video before commenting”! It’s a simple game: 1) Watch the video. 2) Read the comments. 3) Pick “watched the video” or “just read the thumbnail”. It’s fun! Some play “don’t watch the video but assume that those commenting have watched the video”, but there’s no way to win that one and it will give you a completely false impression about the points made :-)

[@tinotrivino]

Keep up the good work friend. I learn a lot from you too. Hugs from Spain (3rd Dan (Goju and Shito Ryu))

[@OccamsRazor76]

I am an active karateka who has trained since 1993. I started my training in part because of being on the wrong end of criminal violence on multiple occasions. I have also spent the last 21 years working in prisons so have witnessed lord knows how many acts of criminal violence (stabbings, one on one fights, multiple attackers against a single opponent, riots, etc). My personal and professional experience aligns 100% with what Iain consistently talks about in his videos. This type of violence is ungodly fast, explosive, at extremely close range, and over quickly. Whether it's punches or stabs, the number of attacks is blinding. The other person cannot block them all, and neither can we. They can shell up and absorb the onslaught as best they can, protecting their vital points, or they can crash in and limit the ability for the person to throw effective blows. The katas (I have been exposed to 40+ through my earlier training in Uechi-Ryu but mostly as a long time Shito-Ryu student) are designed for this type of encounter. The footwork in them is designed to get off the center line of attack, create subtle distance in multiple angles, absorb the attack, close the distance to control the opponent, and land one or two blows to a vital point to then allow escape. If someone decides to attack you criminally you will get hit. You just need to minimize the damage, disrupt the attack, inflict your own damage, and get out of there. Or do what I have been able to do the last 2 decades and be aware of your surroundings, avoid scenarios that are more likely to put you in danger, and keep training correctly on the off chance all else fails. I haven't been struck outside of the dojo since 1999 trying to do these things, even with a few close calls at work 😊.

[@anttikivikero3755]

"Being on the _wrong end_ of criminal violence"... ummm... is there really a right end on that stick? ;) (no offence intended, sorry if any is taken)

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

Well said Iain, I have a long history in Karate, over 30 years, judo about the same, boxing, ju-jitsu and MMA 10 years. I taught aggression management in the NHS and worked in 80’s on club and pub doors. Fighting on the street is nothing like what most expect it’s wild and chaotic, there’s obstacles such as furniture in pubs wet pavements concrete etc. not to mention weapons and someone else sucker punching you. For most that sudden violence is overwhelming, being hit is a shock and all this leads to disorientation along with the huge adrenaline rush. The best way is to learn to recognise that dangerous situation and get as far away from it as possible.

[@bobg5362]

#DontBeThere

[@AwesomeHairo]

Misuse of commas.

[@MasterPoucksBestMan]

Given that the purpose of language translation is to convey the intended meaning behind the words spoken or written, the phrase should never be translated as "there is no first *attack* in karate" now that we know what the masters meant by saying it. It should always be translated with the intended meaning, such as "there is no first aggression/threat in karate" or even better "Do not be the first to show aggression or threatening behavior in karate".

[@tinotrivino]

Karatekas need to learn that the Defences arent only ment to be blocks! Often also Attacks. THanks for the video.

[@Snipersounds]

Iain is 200% right! Being attacked without warning, outside/ in public is the most humbling and educational experience for anyone.

[@1mataleo1]

It happened to me once. And that’s all it took for me to learn. Thank god for my fast reaction speed and instinctive reaction of tucking my chin Thanks to my training as a competitive boxer, I was able to withstand the onslaught, get my wits about me, and finish the fight. Ever since then, the second an aggressor gets close enough to me that he can touch me without taking a step, I preemptively strike. It’s a scary experience to be suddenly attacked like that, so it’s best to learn situational awareness and preemptive striking. Don’t wait to learn the hard way like me, because a hard punch when you don’t expect it can knock you out cold.

[@garyturner8076]

Totally understand what you are saying, and agree with you. Given what you have explained so well, I'd be interested to hear a part 2 video to this topic covering "How CAN blocking work?" I'd love to hear your insights into how as martial artists we can use our training and our blocks in a more effective way. I wonder how different modern day karate might look if we changed our approach to our training to suit a more real world situation...

[@practicalkatabunkai]

YOU WROTE: “I'd be interested to hear a part 2 video to this topic covering "How CAN blocking work?" I'd love to hear your insights into how as martial artists we can use our training and our blocks in a more effective way.” The point of the video is that it can’t and won’t work in a self-protection context. It works well in consensual violence (space and time to react, etc), but it’s a perennial non-starter for self-protection / non-consensual violence. In the video, I discuss faulty, but understandable, training methods that lead martial artists to think blocking and countering is effective. However, if people address these training issues it will confirm that blocking and countering is unlikely to work. It’s won’t lead to them being able to apply blocking and countering effectively. Therefore, there could not be a part 2 on making blocking and countering effective for self-defence. I do train and teach blocking and countering, but only for the context of consensual violence. For non-consensual violence, we use other methodologies (as discussed in the video). I hope that helps clarify.

[@HwaRang1970]

Thank you, Sensei! Another well thought out and helpful video! 🙏🙏🙏

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

This might be a hot take, but I still think a lot of this thinking originates in the movies. More specifically, many, if not most, martial artists are originally influenced to practice after seeing movies. And those movies present unrealistic (as well as inaccurate) portrayals of martial arts. These same people often *want* their fighting to appear like the movies, and certain practices in the dojo appear to support this style of fighting. Then, as you mentioned in the video, they never experience more realistic violence, and never face anyone in sparring outside of some very specific parameters

[@HwaRang1970]

I was thinking along these lines as well.

[@KeithYates]

I appreciate the emphasis on what to do BEFORE you actually have to use physical violence. In self-defense training I like to teach "PRE-fight" or "prevention, recognition, escape". Then you can learn the elbow, knees, head-buts, etc.

[@ybu22z]

Again another well articulated discussion and explanation. And, again, well referenced and researched drawing upon the history of karate and its early important proponents. Keeping the old/origins/foundations relevant, and showing how the principles still apply. Thanks.

[@YoukaiSlayer12]

Glad to see another great informative video 👍🏽.

[@jamesdoan9613]

Great video. When we restart in the new year, I will be taking some of your ideas and incorporating them into my brown and black belt classes.

[@renaldofountain1724]

Thank you! Appreciate your knowledge and content!

[@bashlivingstonstampededojo882]

That's why I like to go over preemptive striking or preemptive takedowns or clinches if I know I'm in danger I'm attacking first action beats reaction most of the time Counter-Striking can work too but that's a whole different skill set that takes more time to learn

[@Shaolinkempotc]

Great video. This is why I emphasize reaction drills and speak in terms of Don’t get hit-hit. Instead of block strike. This is why I remind myself and students that there are no blocks in the forms / katas. This is why I emphasize contact needs to disruption the structure and balance of the attacker immediately. Contact is control, connection and communication. And, if you cannot extricate then violence mist flow until the threat is over. Really good stuff. Thank you for all you share!

[@MrLozp123]

Really good video, Ive spent many years studying karate and then trained at a kickboxing club and got used to lots of fast and close range attacks which really opened my eyes and really underscores this video. The kick-boxing training for the inside fighting, using crashing, really complemented my self defence skills. Thanks very much for a very thought provoking video.

[@darylt3466]

I agree 100% with everything that was said but with a caveat. I've been in several street fights where I've been able to keep my distance and block punches and even kicks. I do think you can use blocks for this type of incident. Now, not all of them ended up in this fashion. At some point the aggressor will just try to overpower you with punches or try to take you down. In these cases, no, you can't just stand there and block punches. We teach using a shield or covering your face in order to get ahold of the subject to apply your offense. I see these types of cases similar to what you refer to as a criminal element. This is where I 100% agree with you on regular blocking techniques do not work

[@johndeehan8078]

First time I have listened to one of your podcasts Iain. Even though this year is 50 years since I started Karate, you are bang on the money. I found this out in my younger years when I spent four years on the door in London. I have often wished we were able to get a bunch of guys from the local pub, football club wherever. Bring them down the Dojo and stick some gloves on them and see how everyone fares. I have always thought that most martial arts only deal with someone from their own discipline, throw something else in with intense aggression and then what?

[@asherspragmatickarate]

Awesome explanation Iain. I’m stealing this haha!

[@wubear260]

Finally someone has finally said what I have been thinking out loud. Blocking does not work its more like attacking/deflecting/parrying the attack to chain up the next flow of attack until you can disengage with the aggressor and run away. Thank you for your wisdom and knowledge you show here on your channel. Keep going.

[@MrByaeger]

My last instructor used a great teaching scenario that I pass onto my students . He had me kneel in front of another student close enough to touch each other then I am to just block as the other guy uses either hand to touch me as fast and often as he wants with feints as well. We start the drill and the guy is just piecing me up for a minute straight. I stopped a few but the next ones would get in . He finally stops the drill and asks me "What did you do wrong?" I came up with a long list of theories . He said "No, all of those are wrong. Where you screwed up is you knelt in front of somebody , in striking distance, and tried to block everything . You had already lost at that point." Obviously it's not that cut and dried but it got the point across.

[@tacticaltemplar875]

That's actually a brilliant way to make the point. 😮

[@williamkrevey1098]

I have aways liked the idea that karate blocks where different from other styles because ours are meant to be performed as a pain inficted distraction that would cause our adversary a momentarily distraction allowing us that all important opening. If the block is performed preemptively and your not really waiting to react. lt creates opportunity, and that reminds me of wingchun entries. So like wingchun then, my conclusion is that what we practice in the dojo is a sensitivity drill, a timing drill or whatever drill you like. But its just that- a drill not to be taken as a complete technique. Just like so many drills used by other styles of martial arts where those instructors have to repeatedly explain to students not to take the training to literally.

[@alexanderren1097]

Your previous videos had already convinced me that one-step and three-step sparring are useless. But this video is even more convincing

[@ShusekiShihan]

I totally agree with what you are saying, great information!

[@user-hb1ld7wr1d]

Great video again, I love the connection you make with karate (but honestly traditional martial arts in general) and actual self-defense. I am wondering, though, if the same applies on head movement such as bobbing and weaving used in boxing. I know karate is your expertise, but I'm hoping you can share your experiences on this topic as well.

[@juliocesarsalazargarcia6872]

Good question.

[@practicalkatabunkai]

Anything reactive is unlikely to work for the reasons given. However, keeping the head mobile proactively will make you are more difficult target. Best thing of all to do though is take the initiative, overwhelm the enemy, and then effectively escape at the first practical opportunity. Stading off with a guard up, while moving your feet and head, is not sound tactically or legally (will make you look like the aggressor / happily engaged in a consensual “street fight” to any witnesses and therefore not someone legitimately acting in self-defence).

[@PewterPicsandThePewterPen]

All very true and it's important to remind those who may have never experienced non consensual violence that the experience is far removed from what happens during consensual violence and supervised sparring matches. Thank you. As a martial artist, I am a believer that awareness of your surroundings is the first step of any self defense and it has been part of my training. But as a woman martial artist - if I feel threatened, I will act - usually that means removing myself from the situation/location. If that choice to leave is taken from me - I will not be polite.

[@TomOKelly-he5js]

Love the comment "they are just going to wail on you" very descriptive and a key difference. Nice video, as always thought provoking, Resonates with a couple of experiences several decades ago.

[@dermotrooney9584]

Another beauty. Cheers. 🌟

[@blackmetalassasin1]

Love your comentary. I think you do a great job explaining both techniques and concepts. When it comes to blocking, I think most martial artists misunderstand the purpose of blocking and associate the techniques as more of a 1then 2 block, then strike type of application. It isn't that blocking is ineffective, It is that like other techniques, In higher level application, you can use the block to attack the attack or to re direct the other person. On top of that, The block has to be trained as a automated response so your body acts whether you're paying attention or not. It's kind of like when your grocery shopping and you knock something off a shelf but you somehow catch it before it hits the ground. You may not be looking, but you just react. This is where the concept of Mushin comes into play, If you train properly and have this state of mind, you're constantly aware of what is going on around you whether you're focused on anything in specific or not, It is just going on and you're a part of it. when you try to defend and then react you're likely to get nailed by the second and third strikes, but when you defend and attack all at once, possibly using the block to strike a weak point or unbalance them and attack all at once, you may end up putting them on the ground before they know what hit them. Keep up the great videos, It is great for all styles to constantly keep learning because we all have something to learn and teach. From a long term Uechi-ryu student, to a highly respected Karate-ka.

[@vitormaltez]

The truth. As simple as that. I wish someone told me that when I was young and always questioning myself if what I was training would work in real life situations.

[@baf303]

Grate video thank you

[@pixelblaze8284]

So I'm a Data Scientist as well as a fledgling philosopher and I spent a while searching for any data that could be useful for self defense research but there really just isn't good data because of many different factors. So a lot of it is working through what makes logical sense using what I've learned in philosophy and applying that to my martial arts. I feel like so many people rely, like he is saying, on their own personal experiences in and out of their studios but that just won't work. Its such a limited perspective and as far as real self defense data goes, its a miniscule amount. But this small amount of biased and experiential data is what most people base self defense off of instead of what Ian is talking about here and it leads to really bad outcomes. So I just really love his methodology and appreciate his way of communicating these ideas to people.

[@practicalkatabunkai]

I can see where you are coming from. This is why we need to move beyond personal or anecdotal “data” and look at the wider trends. Consistent points made by those with lots of real-life experience is that the dynamic is very different to consensual combat and that reactive methods are likely to fail. That collective experience should carry far greater weight than what individuals have found to work in other contexts (consensual violence) and then wrongly carry across to a self-protection context (non-consensual violence) as a flawed “belief”.

[@_Sandra]

Your video popped into my feed as I was looking for self-defense topics. I am 49 years old and have no martial arts experience. 2 months ago, I was attacked on my balcony on the 8th floor. There is a partition between my space and my neighbour's that has a metal frame and glass. As I walked out and sat in my chair next to the partition, the guy quickly moved toward the partition and started climbing over to grab me. All I saw was someone's hands above me and heard a lot of noise from chairs being pushed around. I instinctively jumped forward and grabbed the mop. This all happened within 2-3 seconds from my exit to the balcony. I was overwhelmed with adrenalin and was ready to strike. I yelled and kicked stuff around to make noise, called my daughter but she didn't hear me. Then I yelled at the guy to move back or I would call the police. So the word "police" worked and he started retrieving. I then ran inside. The balcony door is next to the partition so he was blocking the entry with his arms - that kept me outside. I then called the building security and they called the police. I could have swept him off of the balcony as he was climbing using the fence and ended up in jail because I didn't know what to do. After the incident, I was researching martial arts places and found a BJJ academy near me. I emailed them asking about self-defense classes and they said they could help. During my first class, they showed 2 techniques that were too complex for me and partnered me with another woman to spar. She basically smashed me a few times and when I came home, I noticed bruises on my arms. I don't see how a blue belt partner will help me learn self-defense by smashing me. I was quite disappointed. Then I discovered another BJJ program that teaches standing techniques, kicks, punches, etc and they have a structured program for beginners. I have to admit that stepping on the mat for the first time in my life was magical. I literally fell in love with the atmosphere :) Your video helped me lower my expectations and simply enjoy doing martial arts for the health benefits. Cheers from Toronto, Canada! 🙌🥋

[@deanmuhammad]

So what is the remedy for this in our training?

[@practicalkatabunkai]

Training self-protection properly which will address things like criminal behaviour, dialogue, pre-emption, the need to be proactive, escape skills, more effective defensive options (as discussed in the video), etc so we can keep the blocking and countering for the realm of consensual violence where it can be useful.

[@AlCloutier]

I 100% agree with you.

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Wise words indeed! :)

[@jeromebrown20]

I have done boxing and muay Thai. I have still always believed even with the advantage I know it means little in a real life situation

[@jamespoellintz7549]

Love this comment! I've done BOXING, MUAY THAI & karate as well & I believe in real life situations it's like having a gun... it's a 50/50 chance of survival.

[@dirgniflesuoh7950]

Thank You! Now I feel even more sad. Where I used to train, once upin a time ... we did a lot of randori, and "bunkai", it went along with learning the kata, mostly. Now where I teain, we have less time, less space, there is almost no randori, and the bunkai is a lot more strictly as in the kata, kumite is one night a week and more or less competition training for the young ones, not really for stiff, aging, weazing ladies. My brother , who has gotten himself a black belt in jutsu, asked us if we do any randori, and honestly I had to say "no" ... and confirming his prejudices about karate - there are a lot of those swimming around, in all directions. I like learning kata, and I like kumite/randori , with changing "rules", not just acc to obe federation rule set. I am not into competition, I am interested in "what works when" and what is just fun.

[@finhas8865]

In most traditional martial arts, blocking rarely used to simply block attacks, it's usually used to intuitively sense your position relative to the opponent for dodging or counter attack, also making way for clean attack. It's never block and then counter, it's always went together almost simultaneously where the block is simply a safeguard that you wont get attacked from that direction while attacking. If you're proficient enough, you can simply bypass it.

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

I could not agree more. The disparity in reaction time won’t allow it unless one is somehow incredibly faster than the attacker.

[@MaddogKernan]

Ive known for years that blocking doesn't work as the saying goes offense is the best defence. As Bunkai shows blocking could be used as a different technique on there own such as for example a low section block could actually be used as a low section hammer fist to the groin or stomach

[@vonclap]

As one of my teachers said, " do unto others as they would do to you, but, do it bloody fast"

[@TimRHillard]

Sensei Iain, do you know the Spear Technique taught by Tony Blauer, or the Shielding Wedge taught by Sammy Franco? I find both techniques to be similar in response to street violence you are speaking about here. These are ways proposed to deal with the berserker or going postal attacks. I wonder what your thoughts would be about how well they work?

[@practicalkatabunkai]

I’m not familiar with the mythologies of the individuals you mentioned. However, as per the video, default covers and crashes - done as a means to regain the initiative - are much more effective than blocking and countering. They definitely have an important role for self-protection. However, pre-emption and being proactive are better yet, so covering and crashing needs to have the right place in the hierarchy. Of course, avoidance is even better still. I hope that helps.

[@TimRHillard]

Taks👍👍@@practicalkatabunkai

[@emulare1110]

Comments are good for the KZbin algorithm.

[@MrFabiomassid]

I Agree that blocking (trying to stop a punch or kick on the same line) doesn't work. However, it's also true that ukeru does not mean "to block" but to receive and barai (like in gedan barai) means "parry".

[@practicalkatabunkai]

I think any reactive method is likely to fail for the reasons discussed. Parries are also reactive and any reaction is likely to be beaten by the criminal’s actions for the reason discussed in the video (too fast, too close, too many, too unpredictable, etc). It’s also worth noting that the names we commonly use for the various motions comes from the 1930s and hence the karate of the universities / budo era. Prior to that, there wasn’t a common terminology for the motions (different instructors using different names). When it comes to the applications of the movements, the names should be disregarded as they are not descriptive of the original function.

[@joaopedrosilva6931]

Hello Sensei. I've watched your video and I agree with you in all that you said, however when I started to think about the methoods of training and some videos of physical aggression on streets that I've seen on internet, a question about the Katas and theier applications appeard. I would like to know, beeing truly realistic, if all the techniques, that are in all the Katas of all karate styles, and their applications can work in a realistc scenario of non-consensual violence. I'm asking this because I'm not yet a black-belt and when I was a white belt I was involved in a situation of non-consensual violence at the school. Since then I started to think about it and how can I train effectively all the techniques that I've learned in karate and if they are realy effective in a self-defence situation. Greetings from Brazil. Thanks in advance Best Regards! João Pedro de Melo Silva

[@practicalkatabunkai]

Yes, because that’s what the kata were made for. The potential problem is that the kata are often not as well understood as they should be and are sometimes reinterpreted as dubious methods against very formal karate “attacks”. However, when correctly understood, and the methods are practised within the right framework - i.e. not just doing the solo kata, but also drilling the applications and principles in compliant, semi-live and live drills - they provide a lot of solid information for dealing with non-consensual violence.

[@daniel-san836]

after leaving the formal dojo setting 10yrs ago (having trained for 7) and training primarily on my own ever since for the sake of ensuring confidence in bar/security contexts, then having several real world situations with true aggressors, let me tell u, firstly; the training is most certainly adaptable, practice with each other with a gradual buildup in speed to realistic levels, train it a lot!, secondly; cut your angle, we're trained for this.. do it with purpose and speed, be utterly brutal, knee to the ribs, armbar to the ground, dislocate arm if necessary to get back up to your feet and face more assailants.

[@daniel-san836]

thirdly; we practice maintaining distance. it's not impossible to maintain this teaching in real life. it's valuable

[@daniel-san836]

fourth; blocks do and have worked for me, purely, without any need for counter, just the clear readiness for it ..multiple times in real life. blocks in karate are as much a strike, this is sometimes all that's needed

[@practicalkatabunkai]

@@daniel-san836 YOU WROTE: “we practice maintaining distance” I am all for creating distance, but not for maintaining the distance at which criminal violence starts (within arm’s length). In consensual violence, we do typically start at a distance that permits effective blocking (as covered in the video). It’s not in the criminal’s interest to start from the same distance through … which is why they don’t do it. They start their explosive and violent onslaught from close-range and seek to end it there. Blocking is highly unlikely to work.

[@daniel-san836]

@@practicalkatabunkai appreciate your words, but i just don't feel it's always the case that you can't create the necessary distance. i've created effective range in almost every aggressive real life confrontation. secondly, as i said, my blocks have been enough several times in real life, followed by verbal command. i've been attacked with a weapon, blocked the arm, weapon dropped, guy became apologetic, blocked a kick, guy backed up and sat down, highlighted a crazed maniac with my high power LED torch in a loaded fighting stance and had him whimper down. many more instances. that being said, i live in australia.. people are a different kinda crazy here. we have this convict mentality which means we're all sort of like siblings, we generally want the best for the other person and that's portrayed at some point in most altercations, if not, at least the next day when an apology is given.

[@practicalkatabunkai]

@@daniel-san836 YOU WROTE: “i just don't feel it's always the case that you can't create the necessary distance.” Criminal violence starts close, and blocking is highly ineffective at that distance. If we use some of the more effective methods (pre-emption; being proactive; cover, crash, control, impact, escape; etc) to create distance, we should keep creating it. Why would be create some distance, stop creating distance, and then seek maintain the distance we have so that blocking stands a better chance of working? Why not get so far away that they can’t hit you? Damage them so they can’t effectively give chase (take away their ability) and then seek safety, witnesses, draw attention to what’s happening, etc (take away their motivation). As per the video, blocking and countering is effective in consensual violence (which would include “street fights”, which are not self-defence). As more rounded martial artists, we should practise it. However, blocking really does not work in non-consensual criminal violence. It just doesn’t. If we genuinely want people to give people the best chance of keeping themselves safe, then we need to get away from the “he does this, so you do that” approach to self-defence. It's a matter of using the right tool for the right job. It’s not a value judgement. Blocking and countering has a valuable place in martial arts and all forms of consensual violence. It’s a very bad idea for non-consensual criminal violence. All the best, Iain

[@adamcaswell1924]

It’s crazy to me that the idea of blocking is still around.

[@kanalmeister8476]

Is it best to strike first when you notice someone approaching with criminal intent?

[@practicalkatabunkai]

It depends. That’s certainly one option, but depending on circumstances, immediate escape, de-escalation, seeking assistance, etc could be better options. No two situations are the same and hence any, “one size fits all” approach is sure to be suboptimal. It’s why true self-protection training need to include all these options and not just default to a physical response.

[@johntay3831]

blocking should be used together with footwork,strikes, sweeps. Unless you got hands of steel.

[@toadoftheshoe]

I think most karate people have this idea of blocking because there are "blocks" in karate, when 'uke' literally just means "to receive". In the case of blocks in kata being interpreted as literal blocks, the crazy part is that most people who teach karate know that you can't really block an attack like that, even in a match or sparring. That's why they don't ask or teach to block like that in kumite, but they still teach bunkai where you're blocking a strike in the most unrealistic and impractical way. If you look at the team kata bunkai at kata competitions, you can see that people who really think that's the application of the kata either have no understanding of reality or thinks that karate doesn't really work. But the people who teach these bunkai doesn't teach to do that in kumite. It's really the 3K approach to karate, where karate practitioners and teachers see kihon, kata, kumite as three entirely different things like you said. It's a foul to stomp while stepping in kata but kumite competitors stomp and make use of the sound to look more powerful

[@carlosbelo9304]

You know it's funny, i'm a taekwondo black belt, but in my dojang when sparring generally everything was at close range. The so call "sports martial arts" are ruining every single martial art and creating this situation were people think they know how to react, when in fact they become more vunerable them before they started "learing" the martial art.

[@3Pillers]

👍

[@glens2019]

I do take issue with people saying just because people in the street are unpredictable, therefore they're effective. You have to take into account that the untrained have bad habits martial artists learn to avoid like telegraphing, footwork and spacing.

[@practicalkatabunkai]

Untrained does not automatically mean unskilled. Just because a criminal is not a skilled martial artist (i.e. “untrained” in martial arts) does not mean they are not a skilled and effective criminal. They have a ton of experience there. It’s also a mistake to think that they are “playing the martial arts game”. As per the video, they will use deception, dialogue, surprise, etc and, to those unversed in the nature of criminal violence, that is a much more effective way to hide the coming onslaught than worrying about any minor physical “tell”. Criminal violence starts close and is fast and frantic. Blocking and countering works great when martial artists fight each other. It’s very bad idea for criminal violence. Not a value judgement, just using the right tool for the job. Blocking and countering doesn’t work well in self-defence.

[@grayalun]

I always thought most blocks were mostly better utilized breaking grips and so forth.

[@barryhudson4238]

One of the things I find people forget is that street attackers don’t have rules. You need to drill ‘cheating’, kick the groin, blind the eyes, smash the windpipe etc

[@CJ-uf6xl]

I've always considered Karate "blocks" as attacks themselves. I think the language that we use needs to change, I think that would sort out a lot of nonsense in traditional martial arts.

[@TheStupidcomment]

There are videos right here on the KZbin with trained fighters being overwhelmed by someone windmilling at them, generally the trained fighter will win eventually but it ain't pretty and they get got a lot.

[@KaptainCanuck]

People who blitz in sparring (AKA just throw haphazard strikes) are better to practice against than those who throw crisp, clear techniques. Also, watch how the average person responds to that kind of sparring method: they cover up and take the "hits like a deer in the headlights.

[@simonseymour3099]

When all is said a blocks a strike as well as a strike can be a block

[@romeowatches5665]

I feel the title of this video is misleading. Your criticism is mostly on training methods which could be applied to other areas of martial arts combat and or sport. I totally agree to strike first and that you will have the upper hand as opposed to waiting for an attack to happen to you. But in the case of random attacks or unsuspected confrontation, you don’t have that choice. I agree with you, but blocking isn’t the only technic that could be mentioned here.

[@practicalkatabunkai]

I think you have misunderstood what is being said in the video and it may need a rewatch. YOU WROTE: “I feel the title of this video is misleading. Your criticism is mostly on training methods …” No, it’s not. Blocking and countering is highly unlikely to work. I discuss faulty, but understandable, training methods that lead martial artists to think blocking and countering is effective. However, if people address these training issues it will confirm that blocking and countering is unlikely to work. It’s won’t lead to them being able to apply blocking and countering effectively. I would therefore say the title of the video is accurate i.e. “Blocking does NOT work … as well as most martial artists think it does!” YOU WROTE: “I totally agree to strike first and that you will have the upper hand as opposed to waiting for an attack to happen to you. But in the case of random attacks or unsuspected confrontation, you don’t have that choice.” You do have a choice. If pre-emption has not been possible and shots are coming, then you can use the other methods discussed in the video (i.e. covering and crashing, impact and escape). There are much better options when the initiative has been lost than simply seeking to block and counter. It’s not the only option you are left with. We would be better training and practising the options more likely to work. This is discussed in the video. In light of the above points, I would suggest you have misunderstood what is being said in the video. If you rewatch, it will confirm the above and I hope this clarification is also of help. All the best, Iain

[@ImperialFist-ou6dy]

Actually there are no blocks in kata. Oss!

[@seamusnaughton8217]

In most karate classes your showed jodan head block inner outer block downdward knifehand block which they teach in all karate classes and lhave done karate 20 so can see why you wiil get there backs up because basley what they learning is waste of time and money like one step 3 step sparring me lam open minded lhave learned the fence let no knock fence more than once use word to engage brain then srike so like aparacute lhave back up the fence put lt does make wonder lf most blackblets 2 dans did not have the fence to fall back on where that going to leave them so yes lam old school japan karate put lam not closed minded so lhave the fence let one get inside the fence or take fence down geoff thomson said lf you teach one thing lts fence so ltook advice and train fence each day with my blocks wing chun is very good at close range

[@bobg5362]

Sir, it is very irresponsible of you to proclaim blocking doesn't work well when every single John Wick, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Mighty Morphin Power Ranger, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Matrix and Kill Bill movie I've ever seen proves otherwise.😜

[@practicalkatabunkai]

Thanks for the correction. I will concede it is as effective as backflips when your leg is caught, bullet proof jackets, punching your way out of six foot of earth, and the cognitive and physical enhancement that results from radioactive ooze :-)

[@theaikidoka]

@@practicalkatabunkai Radioactive ooze! Dammit, I was using standard ooze. No wonder it didn't work...

[@bobg5362]

🤣🤣🤣@@practicalkatabunkai

[@TokyoTransit]

if you hit the attacker first intending to prevent the attack doesn’t that make you an attacker for the court? if it is fine to attack in prevention then any criminal has legal right to attack anyone and justify his attack in court as a preventive attack?

[@practicalkatabunkai]

No. All self-defence instructors need a good understanding of the law where they live, and here in the UK pre-emption is legal if you have an honestly held belief an attack is imminent; even if that honestly held belief is mistaken (the exception being a belief based on “voluntary intoxication). www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/4/section/76 The case law on this is very well established: “A man about to be attacked does not have to wait for his assailant to strike the first blow or fire the first shot; circumstances may justify a pre-emptive strike.” - R v Beckford (1988) 1 AC 13. If you live elsewhere in the world, you will need to be aware of the law in your locality, but this seems to be pretty standard for the most of Europe in my experience. It is for the prosecution to demonstrate a belief was not honestly held, and that’s obvious hard to do in circumstances where the person doing the pre-emptive strike used it to facilitate escape and did so in the face of escalating aggression, threats, criminal demands, etc. It’s a lot easier to do when the person who threw the first shot did it to instigate criminal assault and the other person showed no intention of causing harm. It’s therefore a difficult “justification” for a criminal to use in court, but a strong, very well established one, for a person to relay on when faced with the imminent prospect of criminal assault

[@TokyoTransit]

@@practicalkatabunkai yes, laws are different in different countries. i wonder how it works in Japan. Of course, first option is to avoid violence as much as possible and to use violence only when threat is imminent. but still there is such nuance as excessive violence when you bring more damage to attacker than it is allowed by the law. such a thin line. there were some cases when an attacker was suing attacked person for damage sustained during the fight.

[@practicalkatabunkai]

@@TokyoTransit YOU WROTE: “i wonder how it works in Japan” As per the video, pre-emption was the go-to tactic of the karate masters of the past … but the law may well have changed from their time. Definitely something I would look into if I lived in Japan. The law is a very important part of self-defence and is often overlooked. YOU WROTE: “Of course, first option is to avoid violence as much as possible and to use violence only when threat is imminent.” Absolutely. It’s only when an attack is believed to imminent that pre-emption is the go to option tactically and legally. It’s also why things like criminal behaviour, crime statistics, de-escalation, escape skills, etc need to be taught, but often aren’t. YOU WROTE: “but still there is such nuance as excessive violence when you bring more damage to attacker than it is allowed by the law. such a thin line.” Again, under UK law, this is less of a concern if one is legitimately acting in self-defence. As the link to the law in the above post shows, “honest and instinctive action” is taken as strong evidence all force used was reasonable. The law is also clear we are not expected to judge the level of force used to a “nicety”. It’s not in the court’s or society’s interests to send good people to jail when they have been protecting themselves or others from criminal actions … which is why it never really happens. Some people get into fights over their egos, and then try to claim “self-defence” - and you can definitely get into legal trouble there - but that’s a world away from real self-defence. In my experience, most people who unduly worry that the law will be against them if they act in self-defence don’t understand the law in theory or practise. Learning about it reassures people and helps remove hesitancy. Here, if you honestly believe you are about to be attacked, and act honestly and instinctively when protecting yourself, then you have nothing to worry about. Even if a blow results in way more damage than hoped, the force is still reasonable because it was honest and instinctive and we aren’t expected to get things perfect. UK law acknowledges the reality of these situations. The only cases I am aware of when the amount of force used has been deemed to be unreasonable is when people have gone way over the top (i.e. doused a burglar with petrol and then set them on fire, shot an intruder with an illegally owned shotgun and then left them to die without calling for the police or an ambulance after the fact, etc). If it is of concern to you, I would definitely look up the law in Japan. The good news is Japan is one of the least violent places on earth, so the chances of needing to use physical self-defence are a lot lower than other parts of the world. All the best, Iain

[@richardrr4220]

Next thing you're going to be telling us Iain is that manji uke does not work as a technique for blocking an attack from two people who attack you from different sides with a front kick and a stepping in punch 🤣 - you've already spoilt things with telling us that one step, three step and five step sparring does not assist us with anything other than learning how to do one step, three step and five step sparring well - I can see many that will not be able to accept this ........

[@patmat7984]

Sorry but not all criminals fight the same neither have the same abilities. Also there is a difference between criminals and then someone you have had or got into a confrontation with. Not everyone has the same speed or abilities eitger which includes martial artists.

[@practicalkatabunkai]

I think you may have missed the point. How would you know what abilities the criminal has ahead of time? Why think, “I think this guy is likely to be massively incompetent, so I will take the risk of using a largely ineffective methodology”? Surely, it’s better to use what is more likely to work in all instances i.e. don’t rely on blocking and countering and favour the methods much more likely work. YOU WROTE: “Also there is a difference between criminals and then someone you have had or got into a confrontation with.” If a person is going to use force against you then, by definition, they are committing a criminal act and are therefore a criminal. As discussed towards the end of the video, we do need education and training in de-escalation so conflict can be avoided in those instances where de-escalation is relevant, but if that person escalates to assault, then they are committing a crime. The force you apply in order to protect yourself from their criminal act is then legal. Blocking and countering is highly unlikely to work in self-defence.

[@user-uk2ok8yo7g]

my personal conclusions from this video are: 1.maybe boxing is good for criminal violance because of the intensive training of striking,footwork,etc 2.but it doesn't contradict the fact that karate as I heard was created against regular untrained people,not against very trained people.

[@practicalkatabunkai]

Fair conclusions, but I think some addition nuance would help: 1) Boxing is good for physical self-protection because the exclusive focus on punches makes them very good at punching. Most situations start at conversation range, where punches are ideal, so skill at punching can help end it quick. HOWEVER, the sport of boxing does not cover criminal behaviour, awareness, law, escape skills, conflict-based communication, etc, so if people are specifically looking to deal with criminal violence, they should train specifically for that as opposed to training in mutually consented to punching duels for the limited cross over. If they have the skills for criminal violence, and also boxing skills, and they know how to contextualise those boxing skills for that context, then that’s an impressive skills set. Bottom-line through, we should be specific in training. 2) We need to be careful with the word “untrained” as it does not mean “unskilled” or “inexperienced”. It simply means, “not trained in the same martial arts as you.” Criminals are the experts in criminal violence. They are skilled and very experienced in that regard, despite not being formally trained in any give martial art or combat sports. Karate was originally designed for that kind of violence, but many modern practitioners now focus on out-fighting other karateka. A very skilled boxer will lose to a very skilled judoka in a judo bout, and vice-versa. It’s what we are skilled and at what the context is that matter. A skilled criminal may never win any form of competitive combat sport, but despite being “untrained” they can still be the most competent at the use of criminal violence.

[@user-uk2ok8yo7g]

@@practicalkatabunkai I want to relate to only one thing that you repeat all the time and that is that criminals can produce brute force.I think maybe some of them but somebody who trains regularly is much more dangerous and bigger and has more reflexs than a "criminal" .of course cthere are criminals who train and keep in shape.but the average person in the street ...is harmless

[@practicalkatabunkai]

@@user-uk2ok8yo7g I think the key thing, which we need to be sure not to overlook, is that criminal violence is very different in nature to consensual violence. As one of my instructors put it, “When two martial artists fight it is like two chess masters sitting down to play chess. However, in self-defence, the martial artist ‘sits down to play chess’ and is surprised when the criminal throws the pieces at them and tries to smash their head in with the board. The martial artist remains the better ‘chess player’ but the mistake they made was thinking that the criminal wanted to play chess.” It's very different and you can’t expect a methodology designed for one type of violence to be a perfect fit for another type of violence. Martial artists have a very bad, and consistent habit, of seeing themselves as “apex-predators” because they are trained in their specific art when the criminal lacks such training. They forget that the criminal is often the “expert” in criminal violence though and that’s the kind of violence in play. As above, “untrained” does not mean “unskilled” or “inexperienced”. I take your point about physical condition playing a part, but that’s no substitute for specific skills and “knowing your enemy”. If dealing with criminal violence is the goal, then we need to train specifically for that. Going to the gym or training for consensual violence for the limited crossover / by-product, isn’t sufficient. It will help to a limited degree, but it’s far from being enough. I also agree that the “average person in the street” generally doesn’t have much capacity for any form of violence, but violent criminals are not your average person in the street. All important points that I feel need clarified for anyone reading. All the best, Iain

[@user-uk2ok8yo7g]

@@practicalkatabunkai isn't the real traditional shotokan good for the street?(one blow one kill)

[@practicalkatabunkai]

@@user-uk2ok8yo7g It depends really on “what Shotokan” and what you mean by “the street”. Shotokan that includes the close-range practises encapsulated in the traditional kata will be better placed than a sporting or 3K approach when it comes to the physical side of things. However, if we are talking about true self-protection, we need to also cover legalities, crime statistics, criminal behaviour, de-escalation, escape skills, personal security, etc and they are rarely covered in most martial arts classes. Martial artists often reduce self-protection to “street fighting”, but they are not the same thing. For a start, we have a legal right to protect ourselves, but no legal right to fight in the street. Very different things.