checking vs lower blocks?

Question

i have recently discovered that lower blocks are really not that good and as a result i have stoped doing traditional karate i am still going to continue with my freestyle because they are more based on muay thai and prefer checking

what do you guys think is better blocking or good footwork comined with checking?

Answer 1

D "All of the above".

In Kenpo we, Block, pin, check, perry and pinning-checks, even checks and pins with your legs...feet and knees.

Answer 2

I would have to say checking with good footwork but mainly because of the aspect of footwork. Also if you are checking you are not backing up so much and taking yourself out of the play-you remain closer and ready to counter more easily.

There are some situations were the down block is better. One in particular would be a self defense situation where you opponent throws a kick at your lower body or groin. By moving in (especially if it is a roundhouse kick) and blocking and then bringing the arm and hand up you can trap the kick between your forearm and bicep, wrapping your hand and wrist over it and dump them or take them down a number of different ways off of that. There are also some double action type blocks that can be employed when you are not sure where the kick is actually going to, many of which rely on the down block to protect the lower region or your body.

Answer 3

Blocking a kick is only good if you step into your opponent at the same time and make contact near the knee, to block while stepping back would mean you're gonna get the full force of the kick on your forearm, which is not a good thing. Footwork with checking is better. Personally, I prefer what this guy I used to spar with did whenever I tried kicking him at waist level, stick an elbow to the shin of the kicking leg. But you have to be careful not to hit his shin with your funny bone or you'll end up with a very jolting pain up you arm.

Answer 4

i do karate and we have leg checks... I agree leg checks are more effective, the only time i would use a low block is if i wanted to disable the persons foot but for that would only work for fron kicks

Alot of traditional karate styles dont fight full contact so they never get a feel for what works so much, its a shame but makes sence, how do you know if a technique will work if you never use it? i train in kyokushin btw

Answer 5

To have a solid defense, you need to know both blocking and have good footwork.

I you are fighting an opponent who is faster than you, then good blocking is essential.

If your opponent has powerful kicks, blocking will hurt, having good footwork to avoid the kicks is very important.

Answer 6

I agree you need to check and don't block. Nearly all of the blocks you have learned in Karate are junk. A good fighter will time your blocks and blast you.

You should never be dropping your hands low to block, especially to your waist or below.

Answer 7

well i wouldn't try to fit it into a category. i would use both depending on what is happening. like if someone threw a low round kick to my thigh it would be more effective to check it then since hes now open, pop him with a counter. now on the other hand if someone throws a low side kick to the shin it would be better to sweep it with a lower block than to try and shield it.

Answer 8

you have to learn what your opponent can do before you fight him. you have to have a few differnet styles you can go to all depending on his strengthes and background

Answer 9

Both, there is a time and place for everything.