Overview
Here's a weird one named, not after the block, but the follow-up move that you do after it. It's the only block that includes a follow-up move, but because the subsequent move demonstrates such a valuable principle, it makes good sense. In fact, the movement of the block part is almost exactly the same as Uchi Uke. This block is about more than just not getting hit - it's also about controlling your opponent's arm, to make it harder for them to hit you again. It's designed to protect upper-level punches, and because it can be used very passively, or extremely aggressively, it can be adapted to every type of situation, from kumite, to life-and-death struggles.
Used in these katas
Bassai Dai
Technique
Prepare with your right arm out in front of you, elbow bent to a right angle, closed fist at shoulder level, back of the hand facing away from you. Your left arm should also be in front of you and across your body with the palm of your open hand pressed up underneath the elbow of your right arm.
Rotate your left forearm 90 degrees so that your left hand follows the line of your right forearm, before passing in front of your face, ending up in front of your left shoulder at head height. As your left hand moves from right to left, your hand should be vertical, with the fingers on top and the palm facing towards you. Although it's not officially a part of this block, I suggest that you get into the habit of tucking your thumb away inside your palm, just like Haito. That way, there's no danger of breaking it when your hand strikes your attacker's wrist.
As your left arm passes in front of your face, lower your right arm in front of you so that your right hand ends up just to the left of your solar plexus. Your hand should be open, your thumb tucked tight to the side, and your wrist bent backwards at a right angle if possible. This provides protection again against potential counter attacks, but by positioning it beyond the solar plexus, you ensure that even if a blow strikes your hand, you don't end up striking your own solar plexus, which would doubtless be nearly as painful!
Now rotate your left forearm anti-clockwise 180 degrees and open your hand to simulate grabbing an attacker's wrist. Pull your left arm down towards your body, keeping your elbow in tight to your side for maximum power. Stop when your left upper arm is vertical.
As a refinement, I would add that the first of this block should be done quickly, to prevent you getting a punch in the face. The second part should be performed slowly, with tension, as it represents pulling someone off-balance by their arm.
Common mistakes to avoid
The commonest mistake with this block, is a tendency to rotate the forearm before it's completed the block. Remember it's a ridge-hand block, not a back-hand block, which requires a stronger hand, and is less dependable.
Another really common mistake is to turn the blocking hand on its side, essentially performing a chicken's foot block with the wrist. This reduces the blocking surface area, and increases the risk of missing altogether. Why complicate things?
As you block, ensure that your hand stays far out in front of you. Your left forearm should be angled away from you at 45 degrees throughout the blocking phase.
The last mistake to avoid is a tendency once your opponent's wrist has been caught, to pull them towards you with the elbow of your pulling arm sticking out far to the side. This decreases your pulling strength and needlessly exposes your side.
