Downward Block: The downward block usually blocks a straight in kick. Bring blocking hand up to opposite ear. Bring the other hand over to your hip. As your hand swings down to block the other hand is retracted. The blocking hand is closed in a fist, and you block with the side opposite your thumb.

Upper Block: The upper block blocks a straight in punch, or an over the head stab. The blocking hand comes across your waist, level with your belt. The other hand crosses your chest, with its fist at the blocking arms shoulder. The blocking hand comes straight up, as it turns over so that you block with the softer part of your arm. As this arm is going up, the other arm is being retracted.

Inside Forearm Block: One hand, opened, pushes across the chest, and blocks with the palm, as the other comes down. Both hands make fists. The hand that just blocked retracts as the other hand flips up to push the strike away.

Outside Forearm Block: One hand is extended in a lunge punch. The other comes up to the side. The upper part of this arm is level with the ground. The lower part of the arm is extended upward, and is perpendicular to the ground. As the punching hand is retracted, the other hand comes around to block in from of your chest. This hand extends out in a punch.