Basics of Shaolin Kung Fu Part 2: Blocks

Shaolin kung fu has its own set of blocks to use. They are one of the cornerstones - after all, the goal is not to really injure an attacker, but rather to stop them from hurting you. There are two types of blocks in Shaolin kung fu: hard and soft, yang and yin. Hard blocks rely on force and are used sometimes as an attack in and of themselves. Hard blocks can stun or injure an opponent, leaving him or her open a counterattack. They are done primarily at right angles or otherwise straight lines of movement. Soft blocks, meanwhile, are more circular. Like in aikido or ju-jitsu, soft blocks stress using the opponent's energy to your advantage. Therefore they take less energy.

Outside Block

As the name implies, the Shaolin kung fu outside block is done by bringing your blocking arm from the outside of your body to the centre line, blocking your opponent's attack with the underside of the forearm. This block is usually done from a longer range, and best performed by twisting the hips along with the motion of the arm. After the block is executed, you can move to the side of an opponent and counter them before they have the opportunity to recover. An important part of Shaolin kung fu is to defend and attack in quick succession.

Inside Block

In Shaolin kung fu, an inside block is performed more often in-close. The bone of the forearm is the primary blocking surface, which makes more of an impact on the attacker. Draw the blocking hand across to the opposite hip whilst holding the free hand in front. Then, drawing the free hand to its hip, bring the blocking forearm back across, as though drawing a sword. This knocks the attacker's arm or leg aside - likely arm, as this block would rarely be used against a kick.

Foot Check and Press Block

These two blocks are special to Shaolin kung fu. The foot check and he press block are used against low or mid-range kicks during the chambering stage. A foot check is a snapping kick to the ankle or shin and can easily break the bone. A press block is a softer palm strike aimed at the knee, and is more defense-oriented.

Mantis Hook

The mantis hook of Shaolin kung fu is used by hooking the hand and wrist around an attacker's forearm to trap their fist. It can be done from across the body or in line with the body. From this position, you can continue the motion into an arm lock.