Tae Kwon Do - mountain block
A Kukkiwon/WTF-style Mountain Block in the form Keumgang
A Mountain Block (also called Wide Open Mountain Block, W-Shaped Block, or santeul makgi) is a block where both arms are raised to the sides with elbows bent upward. The fists are aligned with the temples, facing each other. The upper arms are held parallel to the floor and the elbows form ninety degree angles. The Mountain Block appears, for example, in the form Keumgang.
In an Opening Mountain Block (hecho santeul makgi) the fists rise from the belt level in an outward direction. The Opening Mountain Block appears, for example, in the form Pyongwon.
When only one arm is raised, the block is called a Single Mountain Block. The Single Mountain Block appears, for example, in the form Taegeuk Pal Jang.
ITF Version: W-Shaped Block[]
An ITF-style W-Shaped Block
W-shape Block (san makgi)
This technique has dual functions: one is used against either a foot or hand attack to the philtrum and areas above, and the other is to strengthen the leg muscles. The outer forearm and knifehand are the principal tools, though occasionally a reverse knifehand or inner forearm is used. Although the sitting and walking stances are mostly used, parallel, close, one-leg and X-stances are also employed. The sitting, parallel, close and one-leg stances are used against the attack either from front or side, whereas the walking and X-stances are only for the side. Dip the elbows slightly below the shoulder at the moment of the block.
Related Techniques[]
References []
- Mountain Block on Taekwondo Preschool
- General Choi's Encyclopedia of Taekwondo