One arm blocking drill
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Single Arm Block·Robert Dreeben
This is one of many generic blocking drills i like to play with to help students develop a smooth flowing transition.
Single Arm Block
SubFamily片腕受け(Kata Ude Uke)
descriptiveTranslation: single arm block
Overview
The Single Arm Block is a defensive technique using one forearm to deflect or stop an incoming strike. [1] In Korean martial arts, it is called han palmok makgi (one forearm block) and serves as the foundation for most blocking techniques. [1] The blocking arm intercepts the incoming attack while the other hand remains in a guard position or prepares for a counter-strike. The technique can be executed as an upward block (rising block), inward block, outward block, or downward block depending on the direction of the incoming attack. [1]
One Arm BlockHan Palmok MakgiWae Palmok Makgi
History & Origin
The single arm block is the most fundamental defensive technique across karate, taekwondo, and kung fu. In Korean martial arts it is han palmok makgi (one forearm block). [1] Every striking martial art teaches single arm blocks as the first line of defense, with variations adapted to each art's stance and fighting philosophy. [1]
Effectiveness
The foundation of all stand-up defense. [1] While experienced fighters may prefer evasion and parrying, the single arm block remains essential for beginners and as a last-resort defense. Properly executed, it deflects force rather than absorbing it, minimizing impact on the blocker.
Lineage
Okinawan karate lineage: Chinese martial arts (Fujian White Crane, Southern Shaolin) → Okinawan te (Shuri-te, Naha-te, Tomari-te) → systematized by Anko Itosu and Kanryo Higaonna → transmitted to mainland Japan by Gichin Funakoshi (Shotokan), Chojun Miyagi (Goju-Ryu), and Kenwa Mabuni (Shito-Ryu) in the 1920s–30s. [1]
Competition Record
Fundamental defensive technique in WKF karate kumite competition. Used in every competitive karate match. Also foundational in TKD, kickboxing, and MMA striking defense. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Single forearm intercepts incoming strike at an angle to deflect force
Joints Involved — Shoulder rotation, elbow flexion/extension
Force Vector — Perpendicular to the incoming strike — deflects rather than absorbs
Contact Surface — Outer forearm (radius/ulna)
Position & Entry
From fighting stance — Raise the blocking arm to intercept an incoming strike — direction depends on the attack (upward for overhead, inward for hook, outward for straight)
Rising block — Forearm sweeps upward to deflect a downward strike
Variants
Rising block (age uke) — deflects downward attacks
Inward block (uchi uke) — deflects straight punches from outside to inside
Outward block (soto uke) — deflects from inside to outside
Low block (gedan barai) — sweeps downward to deflect kicks or low punches
Videos
Single Arm “52 BLOCKS” Technique
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Single Arm Block·Infinite7fit
Peace, Utilizing a single arm blocking technique to keep variety and spontaneity in your arsenal. Implementing feints a…
Basic Boxing Defense | How to Block EVERY Punch 🥊
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Single Arm Block·Precision Striking
Quick Boxing (only) Block When All Else Fails
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Single Arm Block·THE ARENA
In this short video, The Arena’s Boxing Coach Joe Vargas demonstrates a quick technique for blocking a punch in Boxing (…
How To Block a Punch with One Arm
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Single Arm Block·BOXR
Tune in to learn How to Defend with One Arm with @Sifu_AF In this video you will learn how to defend using one arm in bo…
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5 videosWhat Instructors Say
The single arm block is a defensive technique executed with one arm to deflect or stop incoming strikes, with applications spanning karate drills, 52-block systems, and boxing fundamentals. Robert Dreeben emphasizes the drill aspect, demonstrating how a single arm can sequentially block multiple punches from the same motion using either linear or circular mechanics, prioritizing flow and adaptability across styles. Infinite7fit contextualizes the single arm 52-block technique as a strategic tool deployed after initial clinch engagement, requiring proper timing, faints, and parries rather than reflexive application. Precision Striking provides boxing-specific single-arm mechanics: catching straight punches with the palm or forearm, parrying with slight deflections, rolling with hooks and uppercuts, and using cross-body blocking (left hand blocks right-side strikes, right hand blocks left-side threats). THE ARENA adds that effective blocking requires pressing the incoming strike against the body to neutralize force. Across instructors, consensus exists on timing importance and mechanical variation, though Dreeben and Infinite7fit emphasize stylistic flexibility while Precision Striking details sport-specific boxing applications. All instructors stress that single-arm blocking is foundational defensive mechanics requiring practice and contextual application rather than isolated technique.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- Robert Dreeben — One arm blocking drill: Demonstrates sequential single-arm blocking of multiple punches using linear and circular mechanics; emphasizes flow, relaxed execution, and stylistic adaptability in drill format
- Infinite7fit — Single Arm "52 BLOCKS" Technique: Frames single-arm 52-block as a post-clinch strategy requiring proper timing, faints, parries, and committed practice; stresses contextual application with strategy
- Precision Striking — Basic Boxing Defense | How to Block EVERY Punch: Details boxing fundamentals including catching/parrying straight punches, forearm blocks for hooks, rolling defense for uppercuts, and cross-body mechanics; establishes single-arm as foundational boxing ABC
- THE ARENA — Quick Boxing (only) Block When All Else Fails: Emphasizes pressing incoming strikes against the body to neutralize force effectively
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
1
Low1/10
Minimal — defensive technique.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
WKF Karate— fundamental defensive technique
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDFWT Taekwondo— blocking is a core skill
WT Competition Rules 2026PDFWAKO Kickboxing
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDFUnified MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFTraining Notes
✓The block should DEFLECT, not absorb — angle the forearm to redirect the force
✓Keep the non-blocking hand in guard or ready to counter
✓The blocking motion should be fast and snapping — slow blocks get overwhelmed
✓Practice against real attacks to develop timing — air blocking builds bad habits
Common Mistakes
!Blocking with the flat of the arm — use the outer forearm edge
!Reaching too far — overextension leaves you open
!Blocking too hard — wastes energy and jars the arm
!Dropping the other hand while blocking — exposes the face
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Block an incoming punch → immediate counter-punch to the exposed body
2Low block a kick → return with a front kick
3Rising block an overhead strike → counter with reverse punch to the solar plexus
Sources & References
Primary Source
Choi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. IFT.
1BookChoi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. IFT.
[1] Choi, Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (1999), Blocking Techniques chapter
2BookLee, C. Korean Karate Free Fighting Techniques.
Lee, Korean Karate (1978)
3CitationChoi, H.H. (1999). Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. IFT.
[1] Choi, Condensed Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (1999), Blocking Techniques chapter
4CitationLee, C. Korean Karate Free Fighting Techniques.
Lee, Korean Karate (1978)
Community
Athletics
Requires
reaction speed, forearm conditioning
Key muscles
deltoids (raising the arm), forearm muscles (impact absorption), core (maintaining stance during block)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use the single arm block technique in actual fighting?
The single arm block should only be used at the opportune time with strategy behind it, incorporating feints and parries rather than being applied randomly. Infinite7fit emphasizes that success requires absolute practice and commitment to the technique.
What's the best way to defend against an uppercut with a single arm block?
You can block an uppercut by rolling with it and getting your forearm in the way. Precision Striking notes that rolling is preferable to simply catching the punch, as it reduces impact.
How do I block a hook to the body with one arm?
Dip your elbow in the way to block a hook to the body, or use an all-purpose crunch defense by sitting back on your back foot when you don't have time to move or react.
How does the Single Arm Block work?
The Single Arm Block is a defensive technique using one forearm to deflect or stop an incoming strike. In Korean martial arts, it is called han palmok makgi (one forearm block) and serves as the foundation for most blocking techniques.
Where does the Single Arm Block come from?
The single arm block is the most fundamental defensive technique across karate, taekwondo, and kung fu. In Korean martial arts it is han palmok makgi (one forearm block).
Is the Single Arm Block legal in competition?
WKF Karate: Legal: legal — fundamental defensive technique; WT Taekwondo: Legal: legal — blocking is a core skill; WAKO Kickboxing: Legal {src:WAKO Full Contact Rules|/sources/WAKO: legal — Full-Contact-Rules.pdf}; Unified MMA: Legal {src:Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025|/sources/Unified: legal — MMA-Rules-August-2025.pdf}
How dangerous is the Single Arm Block?
Danger rating 1/10. Minimal — defensive technique.
How do I set up the Single Arm Block?
The standard setup chain: Block an incoming punch → immediate counter-punch to the exposed body → Low block a kick → return with a front kick → Rising block an overhead strike → counter with reverse punch to the solar plexus.
How do I defend against the Single Arm Block?
Standard counters include: N/A — this IS a counter/defensive technique. It can be baited by feinting to create openings elsewhere..
What are the variants of the Single Arm Block?
Common variants: Rising block (age uke) (deflects downward attacks); Inward block (uchi uke) (deflects straight punches from outside to inside); Outward block (soto uke) (deflects from inside to outside); Low block (gedan barai) (sweeps downward to deflect kicks or low punches).
How effective is the Single Arm Block in competition?
Fundamental defensive technique in WKF karate kumite competition. Used in every competitive karate match.
What are common mistakes when doing the Single Arm Block?
Top errors to watch for: Blocking with the flat of the arm — use the outer forearm edge / Reaching too far — overextension leaves you open / Blocking too hard — wastes energy and jars the arm / Dropping the other hand while blocking — exposes the face.
What are other names for the Single Arm Block?
The Single Arm Block is also known as Kata Ude Uke, One Arm Block, Han Palmok Makgi, Wae Palmok Makgi.