cfr

I posted a similar question a while back. However now Ive got some new info (to me anyways) and wanted some insight. I watched my first MT class tonite and Im considering signing up. Very impressive. The school link:

http://krurex.tripod.com/

Anyways Im confused as to the blocking that they use. They dont do any parrying/ redirecting at all. They simply keep their hands up touching their foreheads to block jabs/ crosses. And (for lack of better words) touch their ears to block hooks. My question is how does this work without gloves? Not that Im dying to find out. But my goal is self defense. Not fighting with gloves. So would this be effective blocking without gloves? Has anyone out there put it to the test? Im not a huge beleiver in the traditional hard style karate blocks (not trying to offend, just not for me) but I do have a liking for parrying/ redirecting. My experience is minimal so perhaps I need to just acquire a new mind-set? It just seems like it would be hard to see with my own hands in my face. Im especially curious to hear from people who have learned all the mentioned styles of blocking and their thoughts on the pros/ cons of this way of doing it. Also, they didnt slip/ weave/ duck as much as I was expecting the way boxers do. Again though, maybe its me having misperceptions of MT. Thanks to all.


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JIMI

all the training that i have recieved that has been passed down by Ajarn Chai has included everything that you spoke of. In fact i have always noticed the strong Jeet Kune Do aspects with regards to parrying. Most people teach to parry then hit, but with Chai's style its practically both at the same time. Also chai has incorporated western boxing skills into his style of MT and trust me, there is way more head and body movement going on in there! lots of footwork too. i hope that helps a little

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Hit first, Hit last, Always answer back....

dave_UK_MT

We are taught to parry any incoming jabs but only using very small movements, just enough to deflect the punch so it doesn't hit its target or it still hits you but without as much force.

Hooks are blocked by bringing the glove up to the ear and absorbing the inpact using your arm/hand.

We are also told not to duck/weave, like in boxing, as this can leave you open to knee/kicks to the head.

It takes a lot of skill/practice to use these techniques effectively though, its very hard at first as the natural reaction to a punch is to duck weave out the way.

cfr

In other styles thats what Ive been taught as well. But the MT school that I might go to doesnt teach that at all. Its purely hand up in front of the face. It was quite a shock when I first saw it but the more I think about it the more sense it makes. BTW you said you parry incoming jabs. What about crosses?

dave_UK_MT

Same thing really, in reality though just covering up boxing style is what usually happens (does with me anyway).

I reckon its more important to get used to doing something that both works and feels comfortable to you. The main thing is to try and avoid ducking down or bobbing/weaving.
If you duck down you'll invariable leave a bloody great hole for a well placed knee to come crashing through and bang, lights out.

Weaving from side to side make your head drop down, which is much easier to roundhouse kick.

ryanhall

cfr,
in my experience, parrying works very well. triangle blocking is a boxing style move to stop a hook punch. it's not suitable for real combat for a couple of reasons:
1) you don't know if the other guy is punching you or stabbing you. try that triangle block on someone using a knife, and you'll have a blade go through your ear and out the other side. the most common thing that cops say when they are stabbed is: "i thought it was an fu#king punch." always assume the other guy is armed or has buddies around.
2) it exposes your side to other punches/strikes. this is extremely dangerous if you are dealing with multiples or a weapon.
3) the timing and location of your triangle block has to be precise. if you misjudge the distance of the punch, you may end up taking that hook/haymaker on the nose.
4) a block is simpler, more natural, and works very well if timed properly. it's not a typical karate style block (bone to bone=pain=injury). turn your hand outwards as if you are trying to touch their shoulder. if you hit forearm to forearm, you will stop the blow.

that's why i don't use the triangle block. this is what works for me. find what works for you and stick with it.

couldn't be more true. bobbing and weaving is for the boxing ring. shouldn't try if outside of that arena.

hope i helped,

ryan