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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.

Tips for Double Arm Blocks

These techniques are more advanced and complicated than the previous techniques. Double arm blocks require good coordination of your left and right sides. Through the practice of these techniques, you can develop the ability to integrate physical and physiological processes into an efficient pattern of movement.

Before you do the techniques, think about each segment of a movement separately, and practice it slowly until you can do it comfortably well. Then perform it as a unit rather than separate pieces. Through repetition, every technique can be mastered. Because, by repeating a skill, you signal the brain to create a programmed response to the demand for that skill.

For the augmented double arm middle block, bring both arms to the side and move them toward the other side of the body line. The front arm positions at the same spot like the middle block and the other arm stops at the solar plexus.

The diamond block is usually done in back stance. Bring both hands to your side making the hinge block, then bring them up forward. The front arm makes an outward middle block and the rear arm makes side high block over your head. You can also change the front arm into a regular middle block by simply twisting the fist 180 degree.

Cross arm low block is done by putting your forearms together at 90 degrees. Bring the arms to your shoulder and block downward with the entire body being synchronized.

For the cross arm high block, bring the crossed forearm to your waist level, and push them upward above your head in about 60 degree angular way.

Open low block is done first by crossing your forearm in front of your chest. Then open them downward in 45 degree angle. Put the impact at the end of the blocking.

For open middle block, cross both forearms inward in front of your chest, then pop them outward toward the target area. It is like doing two middle blocks in front of you.

Open high block is to protect your face and neck. Cross your forearms in front of your chest and pop them upward to the front of your face.