As I mentioned before, kicks are powerful weapons that can do a lot of damage. This is because the legs are larger, stronger, muscularly thicker, and more bone dense than your arms. As a result, kicks are so powerful that if you were to block them with your hands, they and your fingers could easily be broken by the kick. For this reason, we will block kicks by other means.
This week we are covering the shoulder defense against kicks.
Blocking with your shoulder is a good way to block kicks to your upper body. The shoulder defense is used to block mid-range horizontal kicks like round house kicks, and hooking kicks to your torso.
When standing in neutral or fighting stance, you’ll notice that your shoulders are already covering your sides. Simply tighten your arms and meet the kick with the shoulder that is closest to them. For additional support, you can easily combine this defense with the Forearm Defense (see last weeks self defense technique of the week). Step in towards the opponent (if possible), to lessen the impact and potentially knock them off balance.
How to perform:
To block a kick to the body:
Twist your torso in the direction of the assailants kicking leg, so your same-side shoulder is facing the direction of the kick.
Clench your shoulder, forearm, and fist of that side to absorb the oncoming kick..
Keep your shoulder close to your body, perpendicular to the kick if possible.
Step in towards the assailant if possible.
To block a high kick to the head:
Raise your arm so that your bicep is resting alongside your ear.
Clench your shoulder, forearm, and fist of that side to absorb the oncoming kick.
Twist your torso in the direction of the assailants kicking leg, so your same-side shoulder is facing the direction of the kick.
Step in towards the assailant if possible.
Below is a quick tutorial of how to block high kicks with your shoulders.
Until next time, Stay Safe!
Lawrence Castanon
Shoulder Defense Against High Kick