Cross Block
Hello, everyone! This is former Study NewTuber Ji Yeonwoo again! Today, I’m going to show everyone two powerful double-handed blocks. They’re called Juji Uke, or X Blocks, Cross Blocks.
In Karate, blocks should be understood as not only receiving but also defending oneself. Blocks shouldn’t be strong and rigid. They should be like a flowing river—the absorption of the enemy’s power and turn it into ours.
The first step is defense. The second step is counter-attack to end the fight.
“Every block should be transformed into some sort of offensive weapon. With this in mind, you can understand the importance of thoroughly mastering the basic defense techniques.” - Mas Oyama
Sosai Oyama described two hand positions for the cross block. Today, for simplicity’s sake, I will only demonstrate the first position.
Seiken, which means you do the block with two closed fists. 🤜🏻 🤛🏻
Tegatana, which means you do the block with two open palms. ✋🏻🤚🏻
In my opinion, Juji Uke is safe and easy for beginners, who struggle to perform complex movements. The arms go straight up, or straight down, crossing at the wrists.
Seiken Jodan Juji Uke - 正拳上段十字受け
This is the Upper Body Cross Block. By upper body, I mean it’s the block to protect the head from below. There are various attacks to the head. For example, the upper body thrust, the hammer fist strike, and the axe kick.
There are two steps demonstrated below.
Seiken Gedan Juji Uke - 正拳下段十字受け
This is the Lower Body Cross Block. It is to protect the lower body, which is very vulnerable, from above. For example, you can use this block to defend against the lower body thrust, or the front kick to the groin.
After blocking, you can turn the hand to grab and throw the attacker. My Sensei said, the Cross Block not only serves as a block, but also as a lock. The wrists lock the opponent’s move by trapping their limb and twisting it. It’s a great addition for grappling!
My personal experience with knife attacks and Juji Uke…It didn’t work so well. In my dojo, it is possible to learn sequences of self-defense against knives. In reality, it’s much more unpredictable. Face-to-face defend has a higher risk of injuries than side defend. I’m very uncertain of my ability to fight with knives. Please take my words with a grain of salt.
That is all for today’s lesson. Credits go to Sosai Oyama, my Sensei, and artist @janefair 🙇🏻🥋
I will see you again soon, next time on Ji Yeonwoo’s Kyokushin Karate blog!
