How to make Karate blocks work

A look into the effectiveness of traditional Shotokan karate blocking and how to make it more applicable to a real world or self defence scenario, also a look at applying blocks in free sparring / kumite
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#karate #shotokan #martialarts #karatetechniques #tips #training #selfdefense

[@mizukarate]

There is an old saying "Blocks can be Strikes and Strikes can be Blocks" . Also blocks can deflect,trap, and/or directly control an attack. This being said you're showing good examples of what blocks can do and be. Too many people only understand the surface level uses for blocks. Keep up the good work on your videos.👍🥋😎

[@WadeSmith-oe5xd]

Correct. Technically there are no "Dedicated Blocks" in Isshinryu Karate. By the time you are brown or black belt, you have heard "blocks can be strikes and strikes can be blocks" hundreds of times in the Dojo.

[@mizukarate]

@@WadeSmith-oe5xd As I bet you know sometimes a block can be a grappling move too. Blocks are very versatile.

[@WadeSmith-oe5xd]

@@mizukarate Yes. Of course. One of my favorite maneuvers is to open hand block my opponents hook punch and then grapple them and pull them down into my own punch, kick, or knee strike. It roughly doubles the force of the strike.

[@brewsmith]

Thanks for taking on directly this frequently misunderstood aspect of karate training. Keep up the great content!

[@JN-hg5wn]

Yeah these guys are just awesome. So happy we have people like them for sure 👑

[@lancecahill5486]

It’s very interesting that one of my Sensei, who was trained on several different disciplines of martial arts including karate, teaches blocking exactly the same way you do, with an open hand, while the other, who is a traditional karate-ka, teaches blocking with a closed fist.

[@jepokacor]

Well, that totally makes sense. That's why before making a block, we always have a preparing hand (to do what you did or grab the opponent's arm or leg) and then the block follows. I also learned that every block is also an attack, so I agree with what you say in this video. Osu!

[@wesbrown3831]

Nicely done, I've studied for over 40 years and not enough teachers instruct on that point... 🤙🏼

[@jeeankarlos9123]

I like your videos. I started practicing karate again after 10 years. Channels like yours help me a lot. Thank you from Brazil!

[@classified-rv7pp]

A block is a lock as a blow is a throw. With creativity we can make anything work for something 🥋

[@tinotrivino]

jesse Kamp :)

[@jkgardiner]

Of course, they can be interpreted many different ways, and I also teach them in different ways at different times

[@mirekcerny2081]

Have you ever thought of learning a martial art that works out of the box, without having to daydream 'creative' stupid shit to patch it and make it at least somehow work? And are you not afraid that this 'creative' stuff you create can make you or somebody else suffer injury or death in real situation, because, let us face it, you pulled it out of your ass?

[@classified-rv7pp]

​@@jkgardiner not to mention the shoulder workout that comes with drilling blocks for hours 💪🏼

[@jkgardiner]

@@classified-rv7pp definitely, there is certainly a benefit to drilling loads of reps of kihon 👍🏼

[@rodctenis]

These videos are so useful. Here there is a complete different perspective of what blocks are all about! I would say a modern vision.

[@mauricenash]

Excellent brief explanation of some of the blocks, please please create a few more of these videos as there are so many Karate blocks which are misunderstood how they really work. Thank you, Sensei Gardiner🙏🙇

[@c.a.p.5388]

thank you for keeping karate legit

[@yannkefeleck1974]

Thanks to John and nate for sharing this "masterpriece" of knowledge...The "interception in the middle", the different angles ...thanks a lot...I teach similar elements to my students here.

[@thetrexus6988]

I think what i found very interesting was Ramsey Dewey, an ex pro mma fighter and now coach, showed karate blocks working to strip a collar tie, which was pretty effective for wrestling.

[@dubroof]

As usual, clear demos from Sensei Gardiner. Lot to apply in dojo with partners. Thanks for sharing the passion both

[@markfisher2683]

Excellent, concise breakdown of "receiving techniques". Thank you for sharing such important distinctions, such as these in your video, so that, at the very least, potential (or even current) students of Karate can see the true applications of various techniques throughout the curriculum. Well done, Sir.

[@mwanamwalyekakoma9627]

Very realistic approach. most people don't have their karate work because of a very unrealistic approach. As for this one, I give it a 100% .. well explained sensei, ossu 🥋🤝🙏

[@transformwithcoachneal5585]

What you've shared in this video reminds me of what my sensei taught in regards to using "small circle" movements.... movements better adapted for quick, close quarter engagement. Great video 👍🏾

[@richardbartlett8038]

Right on with this so often misunderstood because full range blocks are done in basics they seem to think that it applies to all combat situations,Well explained.

[@ollieewilliams9656]

Thanks this is really useful, I’ve always considered why certain techniques weren’t effective in a practical sense, but rather it being the finished product of a move doing the block, the movement in between is actually where the action is taking place. I’m going to be using this in my own classes!

[@cheryl5218]

That was helpful. Thank you. Very clear moves.

[@djones1662]

Great insights! Thanks for sharing!!

[@Tomek_DC]

Very thoroughly and clearly explained - great video. Thank you.

[@garymiller1875]

Excellent application demonstration; Thanks!

[@luccadribeiro]

Terrific insights! Thanks a lot for sharing!!

[@warhawksmemories3071]

Best explanation yet and very useful

[@SimoneMorse-by4yr]

As usual an excellent video..Very useful for my own training. Thank you

[@koden24]

Nice techniques John Sensei! Thank you Sir🤜🏽

[@janarbet2334]

yes! very good, very important. absolutely true! thanks

[@mrcadoia]

after over 4 decades of shotokan I can highly recommend both Sensei John here and others ready for it to study next level karate by Rick Hotton sensei. There is so much here to unpack.

[@jkgardiner]

Rick Hotton Sensei is exceptional, I trained with him over zoom for a period of time around the lockdowns

[@kadolphin5131]

Thank you so much!!! Keep it up ❤

[@thenovicenoisemaker]

Love this

[@glottis47111]

very good explanation of how "blocks" do really work. Unfortunately its often neglected in so called classical 3K Karate training. The standard forms like go-hon kumite or kihon ippon kumite and so on...all train this "demonstration" version and mentality of blocks. It took me a long time to actually really change my muscle memory to actively use both hands and use mawashi block and counter everywhere. I recommend studying things like Kakie and Renzoku waza to get used to close distances. And do sparring with/like MMA guys ;) The funny thing is, as soon as you add "contact" to sparring, two things will happen: 1. everything happens right in your face and much closer and 2. zukis/punches are loosing the "snapiness" known from Kumite, since now they are meant to hit, not just to score points. And suddenly all these block and grab things you described, start to work very effectively. For me it was an eye opener...thanks for sharing.

[@JN-hg5wn]

Fantastic explanation and Why regular Karate works 🙂🙏 Everyone needs to show those naysayers that Dont know shit about Karate but praices MT/ Boxing etc! Im doing Kyokushin but we pretty much doing Boxing techniqs and blocks, as Mas was a boxer from the beginning and loved that style of strike/ block! Of course we also do Kata. It's the essence of Karate - something we should all respect and be Proud of! Karate is special in every way vs say Boxing / MT as it gives one so much more, in every plain IMHO. Nothing like Karate 🙌 🥋 Respect to you guys and keep up the Good Work! OSS!!

[@souravdas5400]

My Respects forwarded 🙏

[@talaniel]

I think it was in Nakayama's Dynamic Karate book, that full range of motion in blocks is primarily used for training purposes and that in reality, there might not be enough time to execute full-range block.

[@axtro1]

Hello. I'm from Spain. I don't speak English well. Congratulations on the magnificent work you do. I would like to ask you to make some videos about defenses in low attacks and in defenses against kicks... A cordial greeting

[@juanc.lucena4062]

From my understanding ofbShotkan Karate practice for a few years now I feel like most "blocks" are actually counter attacks in someway and that most of them are actually used to grab, twist, pull and break the attacking arm, etc... or deflect the force of said attacks away from you as to gain an opening for your blows. I tend to mostly counter and strike in onen single motion and not rely solely on the blocking itself since the more you block the more chances you are sort of giving the opponent to get a hit in you. I always strive to keep in mind that Shotokan Karate is a martial art nit meant for a bunch of fance attacks but rather to end the fight in a single strike if possible or as quickly as possible. TY for your insight and knowledge as usual great video.

[@GMANLOVE]

Very good, been thinking about this in my style too - Uiechi ryu

[@ike804]

One thing Ill say us that the more you watch boxing the more you see them, especially in the older boxing eras. They simply arent as exaggerated as you see in Kata and are mainly used to take angles and reposition.

[@tadeasstavek2927]

I found out that one of the most important things in martial arts is to be open minded

[@jkgardiner]

A closed mind prevents development. There are many ideas out there and not all will suit everyone one, but it’s worth hearing different ideas whether they work for you or not

[@JN-hg5wn]

Did an update on my first Post. Forgot my thoughts on Kata. Everyone should respect and be Proud of it - the essence of Karate IMHO ❤

[@jkgardiner]

Kata is karate 👍🏼

[@JN-hg5wn]

@@jkgardiner Truly is and im proud to get to be a part of it :) Karate For Life! OSS!

[@mikhdham]

thanks, from indonesia

[@sirmeon1231]

Great video, That is a great way to think about those techniques! Maybe you have similar thoughts about the application of attacks and wanna do another video about that too? 😊

[@stanclark3992]

hI jOHN Gardiner. Your karate is good! 😃😃CHEERS.

[@artursuchodolski7164]

I train shorin ryu and in this style it is obvious that we cross our arms when blocking.

[@subrataroy4133]

❤❤wonderful ❤❤🎉🎉

[@rowanheywood5661]

Yes! Marriage hands! You are a real martial artist

[@kavithakavitha8322]

Can you please upload a video for effective blocks for kick and punches which work in kumite??

[@scentedgamer8676]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ABNikalje]

All those who will use this one day......owes you a life❤❤❤

[@johnnyworzel3741]

Great Krav Maga video, enjoyed it.

[@tinotrivino]

a block is sometimes also an attack! for example uchi uke its not a silly block its also a armlever, etc

[@jkgardiner]

Yes I also teach this, these videos can never cover every angle of a technique so there will always be elements not covered, the subject is vast

[@user-ku2rp5yx9u]

I very much agree with your approach here John. This is another reason why I think the 1-step and 5-step sparring we do in shotokan should be done away with. Being attacked from long range with oi tsuki is not realistic, and it gives beginners the wrong understanding of how to use uke techniques. God forbid anyone should attempt to defend themselves in a real self-defense situation expecting to use "blocks" as they are often taught.

[@doctorv7669]

Jesse Enkamp gave is version of the meanings of karate’s blocks : kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3fChIOqqN5rgqcsi=sFCMS2H-Ky-zcveA

[@tombrand236]

Love his videos

[@robertmcguire7559]

Great video. This is how I was taught. We started at lower belts working "checkpoints" with our hands to be linear and look crisp in kata. At brown belt we started to apply the same technique you showed of using the lead hand to parry and the "blocking" hand to make the second contact as a strike. The blocks at that level became more circular with the lead hand and less linear. We used the Kyoku katas (Shudokan karate) to train that method of blocking. At black belt we started to transition to using the blocking hand for joint locks or throws.

[@MrVlasek88]

👍

[@tombrand236]

Good video. I practice shotokan and always wonder how effective it would be in the real world. What dan are you now sensei?

[@jkgardiner]

I am 4th Dan

[@alexanderren1097]

Yes, Geidan Barai and all the “Uke” techniques aren’t “blocks” and we need to stop calling them that. They’re combination techniques that may START with a block/parry OR a grab: the initial open hand reaching out at the beginning of the combo. But the rest of the combo is one or more strikes, joint locks, or takedowns

[@cad3nce]

Do you have any videos or plan to do any that look at the bunkai of various katas? For example, looking at some of the heian/pinan katas.

[@jkgardiner]

I have a couple of short videos on here covering it but I’m planning on more detailed videos like this soon.

[@TheRenegadeMonk]

Good work, but instead of using the block element as control, use it to counter hit. Also consider applying the blocks from clinch. Standing grappling is half the art. Great work.

[@jkgardiner]

Yes these are just a few ideas, these videos don’t really have the scope to cover every angle of the technique but I just hope to get people thinking a little bit differently about their approach to it

[@malachydevlin7809]

I kind of consider most karate movements as blows! Except the withdrawing hand which I believe has always something in it! ie opponents clothing, hair, back neck, beard etc… And upward rising block smashed under someone’s chin would certainly make them think. I suppose as long as the job gets done.. who cares how.. “It doesn’t matter what colour the cat is, as long as it gets the mouse” - Lee Morrison

[@jkgardiner]

Yes I also teach them as strikes at different times. I like to teach a range of ideas for different techniques.

[@Docinaplane]

I respect your dedication to traditional karate having practiced it for a lifetime. However, imo rather than trying to make karate blocks work, I trained some boxing and even Wing Chun, two systems that specialize in close quarter fighting. In addition, you need to train against circular attacks mixed with karate's straight attacks because that's what happens on the street. Thank you! PS: If someone grabs a lapel, with their left hand, they will pull you forward and immediately strike with the right.

[@jkgardiner]

This is just a small idea from my karate, of course I work with circular attacks as well. The lapel grab needs to be caught before the grab as i demonstrated here and it’s also why I moved to the outside. The scope of these videos is never enough to give every detail, I just give a few things for people to consider in their own karate.

[@Docinaplane]

@@jkgardiner Appreciate your kind reply, Sir.

[@jkgardiner]

@@Docinaplane thank you, I appreciate your input, it’s important to question and be questioned 👍🏼

[@leosidharta6723]

In my opinion, the best way to block upper punch is using Te Nagashi Uke or Parry...

[@jkgardiner]

Yes that is what I’m doing here, the middle part of the age uke is the parry

[@entertainmentzone8928]

I am practicing wing chun and improoved blocks you show is already exist in wing chun

[@jkgardiner]

The arts have more similarities than differences

[@krytycznyskaut3450]

Oss

[@vb8647]

Hi John. Is it Tokaido Yakudo on you?

[@raymondvia3786]

I kinda gave up on traditional karate blocking. Just ask Loren Christensen a former cop and black belt in karate. Hes been in more actual fights than the average dojo ballerina. Hes had to use more violent techniques while as an MP in Vietnam and Portland Oregon PD. If I had to learn semi traditional karate, Id learn itvfrom Loren

[@Boki-]

How big are you? and what size is your Gi? thank you

[@WadeSmith-oe5xd]

Yes. We know from real military use and self defense use that the blocks in Isshinryu Karate not only work, but when done full force they can break the Radius of the attacker's arm. This is especially true of the "double chop block" found in Isshinryu and Kenpo karate's "Five Swords" self defense form. We know from real self defense cases that even a WOMAN can break an adult male attacker's arm in one place using a Chop Block, and a man can break the attacker's arm in two places by using a double chop block. If I fought in the UFC when I was 20 years old, I would get BANNED because I would seriously injure their 185 pound fighters. I'd break their arms or legs with scientifically proven blocks, before we even got to what would happen if I punched or kicked somebody full power.

[@johnnymism]

The problem with karate blocks is the distance you work at and the fact you are linear. Any closer, you have to parry and slip like boxers do. it's what works and karate needs to evolve, Kudo did.

[@jkgardiner]

I don’t know if you’ve understood this video, the parrying and slipping is part of the karate block, the block isn’t the end part but the part in the middle of the movement.

[@Turbulent2000]

I can block straight punches with age uke, no matter how fast they are. It depends on the starting point of the block, I'm holding my both arms in jodan kamae which is very similar to a boxing stance. From this position I can block every punch or kick very fast. A chudan kamae isn't effective for blocking due to its long way to the target. And your chin is open. An upward block similar to age uke exists even in Muay Thai. It's just a matter of habit.

[@jkgardiner]

Yes and in your example you are doing what I’m explaining, making the connection in the middle of the block as your hands are already there in the kamae position. I actually demonstrated it in the video in the kumite part. How about uchi uke then?

[@Turbulent2000]

@@jkgardiner I'm using it as a short rotation of the forearm, it's enough to refirect a punch. Sometimes I simultaneously combine it with my kagi zuki/mawashi zuki of the rear hand (using gyaku hanmi), it lands in most cases.

[@Bryan-mt8ht]

Pak sau and lop ta.

[@raymeester7883]

Is Nat an introvert?

[@talaniel]

Nat? I'd say he is not :-) I'd even say he is more of an extrovert than John :-) But it is just a guesswork based on their videos :-)

[@JRey-re9rl]

One shouldn’t have to make Karate blocks work. Everything one learns in Karate should translate to the streets. At this point, combat systems, like boxing, wrestling, Judo, and different forms of kickboxing, remain the most practical and worthwhile arts to pursue. Oh, and Kyokushin is definitely a worthwhile pursuit.

[@jkgardiner]

It’s not making them work, this is how they are intended to work, but a lot of karate is “watered down” and the effectiveness is lost. What is worthwhile depends completely on what you want out of it. If someone enjoys something, let them enjoy it.

[@JRey-re9rl]

@@jkgardiner Enjoyment is something entirely different. You were covering self-defense application. You can’t argue for the practicalities of a technique, get challenged on your perspectives, and then switch to a different argument and point. If you’re arguing that Karate blocks can be adapted to self-defense for enjoyment, that is a bizarre argument. But, if you’re arguing that you have change a block, so that it works in the real world, then I say that someone should pursue something that is practical from beginning to end, like boxing.

[@jkgardiner]

@@JRey-re9rl you only read the second part of my comment. I’m not changing anything in the block, this is how it has been used for years, I’m not inventing anything new. How long have you practiced karate and which style? If you are “challenging” my views as you say, what is it you disagree with in this video? Other than the fact that you mistakenly thought I invented this idea. You also said those other arts are a “worthwhile pursuit”, i said worthwhile depends on what people want.

[@JRey-re9rl]

@@jkgardiner I never said that you invented anything. What I will say is, I have never seen a high or middle block turned into parries. A parry, if taught, is taught as a parry, and a block is a block. That you have to adapt and, basically, throw away Karate blocks as they are taught, speaks to the fact that many Karate techniques are not practical. There shouldn’t be a process of “figuring” out how to apply techniques, because they are not practical for the street. That is why I am a big advocate of practical Martial Arts, like boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and Judo. To answer your question, I have studied Shindo-ryu Karate and Gosoku-ryu Karate. I loved both; however, my background in boxing is what has helped me the most. I’ve also studied Dutch kickboxing, Judo, and Aikido.

[@jkgardiner]

@@JRey-re9rl I agree they shouldn’t need to be figured out, that is a problem that I think has come from this information not being passed down. It’s been simplified to appeal to more people. A limitation of karate is that the barrier to entry for teaching is very low so you get just anyone opening classes and as a result this basic stuff is left out in favour of easier shapes. I have also done judo and have trained with people from other arts and believe strongly in taking ideas from these other arts (Muay Thai, boxing etc).

[@joaodelgado6118]

Yep our karate matches! You accept external students`?

[@jkgardiner]

Students are welcome at my dojo, otherwise for online coaching I have Patreon

[@TenkaichiDude24]

Kyokushin karate can break any block And any Martial arts can't block kyokushin brutal strikes.

[@sassuki]

The Hikité is often forgotten with these techniques, as it clearly shows that you are pulling the hand of the opponent at the same time (written black on white in Funakoshi's first book; I don't know why this is basically forgotten knowledge nowadays); which makes all blocks actually destroying techniques towards vital points around the elbow or around the neck (pull with Hikité, strike with the other hand) Obviously not ment for competition, as these techniques are too dangerous, and thus you kinda see those shortcuts you show in the video when doing competition as an "explanation". For me just hacks of the original techniques. Karaté was never ment for competition. Karaté is deadly.

[@jkgardiner]

I’ve done videos on hikite before, this is not for competition, only the part that covers kumite mentions competition. This style of blocking is very common in Okinawan styles, passing the one hand to the other.

[@sassuki]

@@jkgardiner sorry for the confusion, I use the terms Kumité and competition interchangeably, as I don't think anyone today uses it with its original meaning in mind (Kata Bunkai).

[@jkgardiner]

@@sassuki in this situation I used it because people have commented before saying how comes we don’t use traditional blocks in kumite, so it was in response to that. I also like to use the term kumite for kata bunkai.

[@bjornf8518]

An ageuke to the windpipe is not very pleasant.

[@jkgardiner]

Especially when the other hand is pulling by them into it

[@aardvarkhendricks6555]

If the blocks are supposed to be done in the manner the presenter demonstrates, why don't the founders emphasize this in their books and early videos we see of them from many years ago? I think this is a repurposing of techniques to make them valid in the current age which would lead one to believe that the kumite aspect of karate was very limited at its inception and reiterations.. This is not to say this new way to practice the blocks is invalid but we should all be honest with ourselves about its novelty.

[@jkgardiner]

This is how the movements were taught especially in the older Okinawan styles. This is nothing new. It’s the simplification of teaching that causes people to lose this kind of detail. It’s easier to just teach age uke in the way it’s commonly done in big classes than it is like this. Why would we have the arms crossing in the centre if there is no purpose for it? However if we don’t move on and adapt/develop from those times the art will become outdated and become irrelevant.

[@aardvarkhendricks6555]

@@jkgardiner The reason why you find movements in a kata with no purpose is because there is an artistic/component to kata. There is no denying it. Kata have techniques embedded in it that may or may not help in a self defense situation. There is no rythym or reason as to why someone steps 3 times in one version of a kata and 4 in another save for some obscure reason that an instructor has in his head. Chambering a hand to the side of your hip could be interpreted as a back elbow to an opponent's solar plexus, as a supinated unilateral row without weight OR it just looks really nice. Martial arts that developed in the last 150 years were not well thought through except when seen from a holistic approach. It is neither efficient in combat nor lacking in physical exercise.

[@jkgardiner]

@@aardvarkhendricks6555 which is what I addressed in my last comment. If we don’t develop them they will become irrelevant. Everything else progresses with time, but a lot of people seem to think karate should be done the same as it was 100 years ago.

[@MUHAMMADSALEEM-ed7il]

why ur black belt is white

[@jkgardiner]

Because i have had it since 2004… it’s worn out

[@MUHAMMADSALEEM-ed7il]

@@jkgardiner do karate has any relation with judo

[@talaniel]

@@MUHAMMADSALEEM-ed7il heh, the relation is that "modern" karate lost some its techniques which were available in judo so that karate is not a competitor to judo :-) And it has taken dogi and belt system from judo I believe :-)

[@jkgardiner]

@@MUHAMMADSALEEM-ed7il judo throws and techniques are found in the kata of karate

[@MichaelT83310]

Seems like a stretch..

[@jkgardiner]

How? You cross your arms in the middle of every block.

[@MichaelT83310]

@@jkgardiner because it’s clearly not what they were designed for. They were created based on a false theory that you could block an incoming punch in the air..I think blocking is just an aspect of karate that’s not applicable in real fighting unfortunately. We don’t live in the karate kid lol.

[@MichaelT83310]

@@jkgardiner they look aesthetically pleasing in demonstrations / one steps / moving basics.. but I don’t think they’re an aspect of martial arts that are effective in combat.

[@jkgardiner]

@@MichaelT83310 did you watch the whole video? Because you are saying what I said in the video

[@SlickTim9905]

Just keep the beard. Take an aikido class.

[@YousifSaif]

With all respect, this might work against a sport karate only, but against boxer, muaythai, or kickboxing, there is no way it will work. Osu

[@jkgardiner]

What a parry? Did you actually watch the video and listen to it? Boxers use this type of defence already. There is no sport karate in this video

[@YousifSaif]

@jkgardiner yes sir I did watch, and I know it's inspired by boxing blocks, but applying the block itself is different when u practice it in full contact martial arts such as boxing or Muaythai or Kickboxing. But overall , salute you for applying a technique that is 1000 times better and more practical than other classical martial arts teachers that try to convince their students that kata or pomse works in reality. This is why practising practical martial arts such as Muaythai is a million times better and more effective. One more time, I'll say it. I don't mean to disrespect you, sir. I just shared my opinion from a combat sports practicinar for the past 20 years. Osu 🙏🏻

[@huyvu-se1xz]

karate block and form never work, look at Karate Combat, just boxing and kicking (without low kick). No one can do single decent block, just dodge, dash, cover

[@jkgardiner]

You didn’t watch the video did you

[@johndevine6687]

Not really

[@jkgardiner]

Not really what?

[@1979jon]

Blocks do work, especially if you have strong forearms.