Blocks
Low Block
The low block (hadan maki) is used to deflect punches and kicks delivered to the middle or low section, using the inner surface of the arm as the blocking surface. Make a fist with the hand of your blocking arm. Bring your blocking arm up to your opposite shoulder, palm facing the ceiling. With a sweeping motion, bring your arm down across your body, turning your wrist so that your palm faces you. Your arm should stop slightly beyond your knee or leg.
The low block is useful for sweeping kicks and punches out of the way, often leaving your opponent unguarded. Take advantage of this by striking with the non-blocking hand or kicking.
High Block
The high block (sangdan maki) protects the head and shoulders, using the inner surface of the arm. Bend the blocking arm so that the fist is under the opposite arm, near the shoulder, palm facing down. Sweep your blocking arm up in front of your body. Keep your blocking arm cocked at a 45-degree angle. Your blocking arm should stop just slightly above the top of your head.
This block is effective against crescent kicks and axe kicks. For better blocking technique while blocking axe kicks or other powerful downward striking kicks, cross both arms over your head in a modified high block called a “cross block”.
Crescent Block
Crescent blocks (jungdan maki) protect the middle section of your body, including your ribs and your solar plexus. They are performed by making a sweeping motion in front of you body. A twisting motion at the end of the block helps deflect strikes.
Like the crescent kick, the crescent block can be performed either inside-outside, or outside-inside. The inside-outside crescent block is very powerful and can move the opponent out of position. The outside-inside crescent block is particularly effective against strikes that come at an angle, such as the roundhouse kick.
Counters
A common counter for a straight punch is executing a crescent inside-outside block, then initiate the counter-attack with a straight punch of your own. Followed by a reverse punch, then a front kick. This counter-attack is popular for gaining needed distance when up against a close-range opponent.
Another common counter-attack would be with a side kick, followed by a reverse kick.
Attacks need not always be block with a conventional blocking technique. Countering a straight punch with an inside-outside crescent kick can be very effective, especially when followed by a roundhouse kick or hooking kick.
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