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Taekwondo Hand Skills
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Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art that has been developed over 20 centuries. It has been evolved into a new Olympic sport. And yet the fundamental skills have changed very little. This article includes descriptions the fundamental traditional taekwondo blocks and some tips for performing them.

Single Arm, Closed Fist Blocks

Blocks are the most fundamental defensive skills in Taekwondo. Basic blocking zones are low, middle, and high section of the front of your body.

From ready stance, squat slightly to secure your leverage for the most optimal balance. Fix your eye sight to the front and relax your shoulders. Keep your elbow relaxed and close to your body. Each time you block, flex your knees slightly and twist your lower stomach so that you can create coiling force of the upper body.

When you bring your arm up or down to prepare for the execution of a particular technique, breathe in. Breathe out with the execution. Hold your breath abruptly at the moment of the impact.

Tips for Performing Single Arm Blocks

For low block, bring your arm up to your shoulder and block downward to the front of your leg, bending your elbow slightly.

For middle block, move your arm in a circular motion and stop your fist in front of your shoulder with your palm facing you and the elbows in 90-120 degree. Do not let your arms go out of the body line exposing the center line of your body.

For the outward middle block, make the middle block keeping the palm facing outward.
For high block, Bring the blocking arm under the elbow of the other arm and raise it across the body to the 2 to 3 inches above your forehead.