How to Do Cloud Hands Block in Tai Chi

Inside Cloud Hands Block
Step 1:
Stand with knees bent slightly and arms up in a boxer's pose with open hands.

Step 2:
Bring your right hand to the side, up, and back inward to be above where it started in a single motion. This should look a bit like your wiping a window or making a circular scrubbing motion. Sway to the left as you bring your right hand it looks like you're pulling the arm in. In a combat situation this would put the weight of your entire body behind your right hand and stop an attacker's strike cold.

Step 3:
Pull your right hand down to its original position with your palm flat, vertical with the open palm facing to your left. Repeat these steps continuously in smooth circular motions.

Step 4:
When your right hand comes in and down, mirror the motion with your left hand. When your right hand goes out, your left should come in, when your right goes in, the left should go out. Imagine two interlocking gears moving together and you'll have the right idea. Make sure to sway to your right when your left hand comes in to give it the same stopping power as your right.

Outside Cloud Hands Block
Step 1:
This block is similar to the Inside Cloud Hands Block except it's performed in reverse. Begin with knees slightly bent and hands open before you in a boxer's pose. Lower your right hand as if you were reaching for something on the left side of your waist or belt.

Step 2:
Bring your right hand up to be level with your head and out to your right at almost full extension. Leave your hand open at all times and move your arms so it looks like your wrist is pulling your hand along behind it. Sway and slightly turn to your right to put the weight and momentum of your body behind the movement.

Step 3:
Bring the hand down and back to start near the left side of your waist and repeat. When you pull your right hand back in you should push your left hand out so that your hand movement mirrors itself. Again it should put you in mind of two gears turning together. Make sure to sway and turn to the left when your left hand goes out.

Tips & Warnings
To make sure you have the movements right, perform these techniques slowly and increase their pace when you're comfortable with them. Practicing in front of a mirror can help you perfect your form.

Keep in mind that many forms of Tai Chi exist and may use the same names for different moves. There are likely other moves called Cloud Hands that differ from this one.

How to Do the Outside to Inside Block in Soo Bahk Do

Soo Bahk Do is a form of martial arts developed by Master Hwang Kee in 1945. He combined fighting styles from his native Korea with Chinese Kung-Fu as well Confucian and Tao philosophies. The principals behind this Soo Bahk Do emphasize the importance of spiritual growth and the use of force only as form of discipline or in the defense of oneself or others. Soo Bahk Do is broken down into a series of forms or postures which provide the artist with a series of possible attacks or defenses to choose from. One simply moves from form to form, reliant on reacting to an opponent’s stance and movement to attack. Though this technique is taught with the stern mindset that it is only be used to protect, it also ascribes to the philosophy that in order to effectively defend oneself or others it is sometimes necessary to take the initiative and actively remove a potential threat. For this reason the majority of the attacks in Soo Bahk Do are made up of powerful long range kicks, accompanied with close quarters locks and holds. Footwork is considered essential as the majority of the defensive moves rely on moving around an opponent's attacks rather than directly blocking them. Should getting around an opponent's strike not be an option, the hands are kept free for this very reason. This guide will explain the necessary steps to performing an Outside To Inside Block

Outside To Inside Block
Step 1:
Begin n facing your opponent in a long stance. From the side you should look bow-legged, with your rear leg stretched back and slightly to the side. This is different from most Soo Bahk Do blocks in that you start in an "open" or vulnerable position and from here will move to a "closed" or protected position rather than vice-versa.

Step 2:
Hold the arm corresponding to your front leg straight and angled downward so your fist reaches level with your belt. The arm corresponding to your back leg should be held out to the side with your upper arm horizontal to the ground and your forearm and fist held vertical. Your fist should be level with your ear and just a few inches to the side of it.

Step 3:
Push off with your back leg and step forward extending yourself well into your opponent's reach.
Step 4:
Twist so that the arm held forward is pulled back and the other which was held back swings forward in a vertical bar. Your vertical forearm should impact hard with your opponent's strike and knock it to the side. If done correctly your opponent's strike will be thrown so far to the side that your opponent will be open to counterattack from the arm you just pulled back.

Tips & Warnings
This block is used as a pre-empt to an attack, first stopping cold a high punch or kick and then continuing to drive forward while your opponent is off balance. The harder and more violent the swing of your arm, the better. The strength of this block comes from the twisting motion of the waist as you step forward and pull your front arm back.
Don't try to block an incoming weapon strike; you'll just end up with a broken forearm. Sufficient force used in this blocking move can break bones in the attacker's hand or foot, or your arm if you haven't trained enough to toughen the bones of your forearm.

How to Do the Brushing Knee Stroke Block in Tai Chi

Tai Chi that we know today is actually a short form for the phrase Tai Chi Chuan. It is a very old form of Chinese martial art whose founder is unknown. Because of its age multiple schools of Tai Chi have inherited separate styles of the same martial art. It is what is called an internal martial art in that its movements are fluid and circular, seeming to flow rather than move. This is opposite to external martial arts which use direct and abrupt movements. Most people know Tai Chi as the slow movements people perform in parks and yards. These are actually the training forms of Tai Chi Chaun; the fighting style meant to be used in actual combat is much faster, though it is comprised of the training form moves. It is so prevalent because many people believe that practicing the training forms is effective in promoting good health and longevity. It's also effective as a form of mental focus or meditation. This guide will explain how to perform a basic block move in combat oriented Tai Chi: the Brushing Knee Stroke Block

Performing The Brushing Knee Stroke Block
Step 1:
Begin arms at your sides. Keep your knees bent slightly and your weight should be on the balls of your feet.

Step 2:
Turn slightly to the side to present and angled target and step forward with your left foot. Your left shoulder should be closer to the opponent. Hunch slightly to keep your head partially protected.

Step 3:
As you step forward perform a semicircular sweep with your left hand. The sweep should begin above and to the left of your head, travel inward toward your body, and sweep above and pass by the knee of your outstretched left leg. This is where the block gets its name, it appears as if your brushing your knee. This is actually a distraction to your opponent.

Step 4:
As the sweep nears its finish rock your weight onto your forward foot and drive your right hand forward in an open palmed thrust. This thrust is meant to block an incoming opponent's attack and is the point of impact for this move.

Step 5:
When your right palm successfully collides with the incoming attack, pull your left foot back in slightly and rock back with the force of the impact, putting your weight back on your right foot. Make sure to keep your hands up and open to guard your upper chest and face. By rocking back you use the motion of your opponent to get into position for a counterattack. This would be the perfect time to respond with a low kick to the legs or knees, though that is up to your discretion.

Tips & Warnings
To make sure you have the movements right, perform these techniques slowly and increase their pace when you're comfortable with them. Practicing in front of a mirror can help you perfect your form.
Keep in mind that many forms of Tai Chi exist and may use the same names for different moves. There are likely other moves called Cloud Hands that differ from this one.

How to Do Cloud Hands Blocks in Tai Chi

Tai Chi that we know today is actually a short form for the phrase Tai Chi Chuan. It is a very old form of Chinese martial art whose founder is unknown. Because of its age multiple schools of Tai Chi have inherited separate styles of the same martial art. It is what is called an internal martial art in that its movements are fluid and circular, seeming to flow rather than move. This is opposite to external martial arts which use direct and abrupt movements. Most people know Tai Chi as the slow movements people perform in parks and yards. These are actually the training forms of Tai Chi Chaun; the fighting style meant to be used in actual combat is much faster, though it is comprised of the training form moves. It is so prevalent because many people believe that practicing the training forms is effective in promoting good health and longevity. It's also effective as a form of mental focus or meditation. This guide will explain how to perform a basic block move in combat oriented Tai Chi: The Cloud Hands.

Inside Cloud Hands Block
Step 1:
Stand with knees bent slightly and arms up in a boxer's pose with open hands.

Step 2:
Bring your right hand to the side, up, and back inward to be above where it started in a single motion. This should look a bit like your wiping a window or making a circular scrubbing motion. Sway to the left as you bring your right hand it looks like you're pulling the arm in. In a combat situation this would put the weight of your entire body behind your right hand and stop an attacker's strike cold.

Step 3:
Pull your right hand down to its original position with your palm flat, vertical with the open palm facing to your left. Repeat these steps continuously in smooth circular motions.

Step 4:
When your right hand comes in and down, mirror the motion with your left hand. When your right hand goes out, your left should come in, when your right goes in, the left should go out. Imagine two interlocking gears moving together and you'll have the right idea. Make sure to sway to your right when your left hand comes in to give it the same stopping power as your right.

Outside Cloud Hands Block
Step 1:
This block is similar to the Inside Cloud Hands Block except it's performed in reverse. Begin with knees slightly bent and hands open before you in a boxer's pose. Lower your right hand as if you were reaching for something on the left side of your waist or belt.

Step 2:
Bring your right hand up to be level with your head and out to your right at almost full extension. Leave your hand open at all times and move your arms so it looks like your wrist is pulling your hand along behind it. Sway and slightly turn to your right to put the weight and momentum of your body behind the movement.

Step 3:
Bring the hand down and back to start near the left side of your waist and repeat. When you pull your right hand back in you should push your left hand out so that your hand movement mirrors itself. Again it should put you in mind of two gears turning together. Make sure to sway and turn to the left when your left hand goes out.

Tips & Warnings
To make sure you have the movements right, perform these techniques slowly and increase their pace when you're comfortable with them. Practicing in front of a mirror can help you perfect your form.
Keep in mind that many forms of Tai Chi exist and may use the same names for different moves. There are likely other moves called Cloud Hands that differ from this one.

How to Do a Knife Hand Block in Soo Bahk Do

Soo Bahk Do is a form of martial arts developed by Master Hwang Kee in 1945. He combined fighting styles from his native Korea with Chinese Kung-Fu as well Confucian and Tao philosophies. The principals behind this Soo Bahk Do emphasize the importance of spiritual growth and the use of force only as form of discipline or in the defense of oneself or others. Soo Bahk Do is broken down into a series of forms or postures which provide the artist with a series of possible attacks or defenses to choose from. One simply moves from form to form, reliant on reacting to an opponent’s stance and movement to attack. Though this technique is taught with the stern mindset that it is only be used to protect, it also ascribes to the philosophy that in order to effectively defend oneself or others it is sometimes necessary to take the initiative and actively remove a potential threat. For this reason the majority of the attacks in Soo Bahk Do are made up of powerful long range kicks, accompanied with close quarters locks and holds. Footwork is considered essential as the majority of the defensive moves rely on moving around an opponent's attacks rather than directly blocking them. Should getting around an opponent's strike not be an option, the hands are kept free for this very reason. This guide will provide the steps how to block an opponent's strike using the knife hand technique.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Yourself Opponent or Sparring Partner
How To Perform A Knife Hand Block In Soo Bahk Do
Step 1:
Begin in what's called the "Open Position". Stand with knees bent, you should be sidelong to your opponent, as if you were batting at the plate in baseball. Your weight should be on the foot closer to your opponent; your hip should be twisted, slightly pushed out in your opponent's direction.
Step 2:
Keep your hands away from your opponent. The closer of the two arms should down to cover your ribs, and bent so that your forearm lies across your belly, forearm horizontal with the ground. Your other arm should be angled back and away from your body. keep the elbow out and your lower arm and fingers pointed at the ground.
Step 3:
When your opponent begins to strike you must perform a number of actions simultaneously. You should twist your hip inward into what's called the "closed position". This means you rock your body’s weight onto your back foot and push your hips away from your opponent. This has the effect of giving torque to your upper body. Use the twist motion to swing your shoulders, arms, and upper body toward your opponent. The point of all this is to bring your arms around in an arc, hands flat like blades, and lower arms roughly horizontal with the ground. Your arms should reach the ending point of their arc slightly after impact with your opponent's fist or foot. Congratulations! If done correctly your opponent is probably nursing a much bruised limb right now.

Tips & Warnings
The power behind this block comes from the shifting of the hips and body weight; if you don't pop your hips when you swing around your arms will simply be knocked aside by your opponent's strike. It may seem like a small movement but this block carries the full weight of your body and the build up of your body's momentum behind it to such a degree that some people find it an effective form of attack.
Don't try to block an incoming weapon strike; you'll just end up with a broken forearm. Sufficient force used in this blocking move can break bones in the attacker's hand or foot.

How to Block In and Out in Kung Fu

Kung Fu is a martial art form that gave way to many other variations since its inception. It's versatility grew with its popularity. As the number of people versed in kung fu grew, styles and variations of just about any kind that can be named appeared. Regardless, they are all still based upon the original kung fu. At first it relied on the powerful application of force at precise points. It was not just lashing out that harmed one's opponents, but grappling and blocking as well. Contained in this article is a guide on how to perform the two basic styles of blocking an opponent's incoming attack. These blocks lack finesse as they are called "hard" blocks. The idea is to strike against an incoming attack with such force as to harm to the opponent.

The Inside Block
Step 1:
Stand with knees bent and fists up and to the sides.

Step 2:
When your attacker punches. For this guide let us say he throws a punch with his right arm. Step forward with your right foot.

Step 3:
Swing at the waist with your entire upper body.

Step 4:
With fist pointing upward, bring your right arm sharply to the midline of your body. The opponent's strike should rebound off of the inside of your forearm. If done correctly, your block should knock your opponent's arm far to the side and leave the right side of his body open to attack. If your opponent strikes with a punch from the left arm, reverse these directions.

Outside Block
Step 1:
Let us assume the same scenario as the first; an opponent throws a punch with his right arm. Your arms should be slightly to the side and just below chest height.

Step 2:
Bring your right fist down to your left hip as if grasping the hilt of a weapon at your belt.

Step 3:
Twist to your right with your waist.

Step 4:
Bring your forearm up, forward, and out as if drawing that weapon on your belt from its sheath. Your opponent's punch should be blocked by the outside of your forearm. The block also gives you the added benefit of trapping your opponent's strike against his own body, with his right arm up and folded across his entire body. If in a real fight that is unavoidable, this would be the time to strike out with your left fist to the ribs of his right side.

Tips & Warnings
Practice this before attempting to use in, in a mock fight or otherwise. Remember these are "hard" blocks, the more force you can put into the block, the better.
Unless you've practiced these techniques do not try them in a violent situation. The impact of your opponent's fist places a great deal of stress on the bones of the forearm and they can be broken if not properly hardened by months, if not years, of practice and martial arts training. Don't attempt this should your opponent be using a weapon such as a club or baseball bat, you'll just end up with a shattered arm. In that sort of situation there's no shame in running.