"Big knuckles past the eyes" is a familiar phrase to anyone learning the Wauke block, referring to proper elevation of the block.
Also, the correct "plane " of the block must be maintained so that the hand stays out where it should be, and the elbow angle is correct.
Maybe I have short forearms, but when I do this, a distinct "hole" is traced by my elbow, exposing my first four ribs at least.
If I cover my face, my ribs are open, if I cover my ribs my upper face is open.
This hole is about four inches in diameter if I'm passing my big knuckles past my eyes while keeping my block out from my body.
To close this hole, I must block with my big knuckles passing my chin area.
If I'm doing forms, intecepting a face punch or a midsection punch, I have to do the Wauke differently in each case.
Is this normal, or am I doomed to never have a correct "forms" block because of the habit of using it to do real interceptions?
NM
A hole in the middle
Moderator: Available
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Stryke
Its normal , I have long arms , is a trade off , but dropping the elbows to cover is for this 
, but take note I dont do Uechi (officially), I think this is just the human structure though , if your concern is reality tucking your chin and exposing your forehead aint really a problem , that gives you a few of those inches back .
, but take note I dont do Uechi (officially), I think this is just the human structure though , if your concern is reality tucking your chin and exposing your forehead aint really a problem , that gives you a few of those inches back .-
Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
2Green
Your elbow should trace a circle somewhere around the center of your body when doing the movement. When done correctly, that elbow will remain in front of your body - somewhere.
This was a Chinese technique that was given the name wa-uke (circle block). The name is a real problem.
You need to get away from the idea that the circle is a block. It's just a movement. Sanchin is nothing more than an exercise that practices fundamental principles of movement useful to the fighter. Frankly I am one of more than a few people that almost never use the circle as a block per se. The closest thing I have to a "block" is a parry. I then use the circle to get control of the opponent, giving the open hand the attention it is due.
The circle can also be an attack. The circle can be a throw. The circle can be part of a trap or a joint lock. The circle can be an attempt to gain a better position while in a clinch (either on your feet, or on the ground). The circle can be part of a much more complex movement.
Whenever you actually apply the circle, you will never do it exactly the way you do it in sanchin.
Rembember - you stand on one leg when doing a front kick. Isn't that stance off balance?
As soon as you start moving, you create openings. However any time you move, you should be attempting to gain an advantage. As long as you are doing that, the openings will be irrelevant.
- Bill
Your elbow should trace a circle somewhere around the center of your body when doing the movement. When done correctly, that elbow will remain in front of your body - somewhere.
This was a Chinese technique that was given the name wa-uke (circle block). The name is a real problem.
You need to get away from the idea that the circle is a block. It's just a movement. Sanchin is nothing more than an exercise that practices fundamental principles of movement useful to the fighter. Frankly I am one of more than a few people that almost never use the circle as a block per se. The closest thing I have to a "block" is a parry. I then use the circle to get control of the opponent, giving the open hand the attention it is due.
The circle can also be an attack. The circle can be a throw. The circle can be part of a trap or a joint lock. The circle can be an attempt to gain a better position while in a clinch (either on your feet, or on the ground). The circle can be part of a much more complex movement.
Whenever you actually apply the circle, you will never do it exactly the way you do it in sanchin.
Rembember - you stand on one leg when doing a front kick. Isn't that stance off balance?
As soon as you start moving, you create openings. However any time you move, you should be attempting to gain an advantage. As long as you are doing that, the openings will be irrelevant.
- Bill
Sounds similar to what Jack Summers teches - 'circle never beats straight.'You need to get away from the idea that the circle is a block. It's just a movement.
This is how I was taught/am learning the wa-uke. The actual block/parry comes from a palm-heel that deflects the attack. The circle hand 'drops' on to the opponent so you can pull, push, control the attacker.Frankly I am one of more than a few people that almost never use the circle as a block per se. The closest thing I have to a "block" is a parry. I then use the circle to get control of the opponent, giving the open hand the attention it is due.
Yeah! This is why I've come to love uechi (or shohei to be exact) ryu in the short time I've been studying - so many options from simple movements.The circle can also be an attack. The circle can be a throw. The circle can be part of a trap or a joint lock. The circle can be an attempt to gain a better position while in a clinch (either on your feet, or on the ground). The circle can be part of a much more complex movement.
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"Dying ain't much of a living boy." J. Wales
