Blocks

I have been reflecting all week on the sparring class we had on Monday. Even though we practice blocks with the intent of using our arm as the contact point, many of us block with our hands instead while sparring.

I thought about it, do I do this as well? I have to honestly say that I probably do, perhaps not all the time, but it definitely happens. Lack of mindfulness is most likely the cause of this. When sparring, when not mentally prepared, all the training goes out the window, so does technique. Shoulders tighten, big, swinging movements start and way more energy is used than necessary.

I have been practicing with the bags, using only my arms to "block" incoming strikes to reinforce the proper arm placement when colliding with another object. When I practice blocks in the air, the intent is always the use of the arm, so I just need to encourage that intent more during application.