Established Since 1993

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General Choi Hong Hi
Founder of Tae
Kwon-Do (1918-2002)

Types of Block

Blocks and other movements can be classified differently depending on the orientation of the body with regard to the target and the position of the blocking tool with regard to the lateral line of the body. Below are three examples of different types of block:

There is a photograph of Mr. King performing an example of each type block. There are also bullet points describing the block and text from the encyclopaedia of Tae Kwon-Do in italics that gives more information.

Front Block (ap makgi)

  • BODY: Is full facing.
  • BLOCKING TOOL: Is centre line.

If the body is full facing the target and the blocking tool stays at the centre of the defenders body, regardless of the blocking tool, stance used or previous position of the opponent, the block is called a front block. It is mainly performed with the outer forearm, knife-hand twin-palm and palm though occasionally X-fist, X-knife-hand and reverse knifehand are used. The front block is performed in the form of an inward block in all cases except X-fist, X-knife-hand and twin-palm. Be sure to bring the finger belly either to the side fist or forearm when executing a low block.

Side Block (yop makgi)

  • BODY: Is half or side facing.
  • BLOCKING TOOL: Is chest or shoulder line.


When the body is half or side facing the opponent at the moment of the block, regardless of the blocking tool, stance used, or previous position of the opponent, it is called a side block. This block can be performed with any stance and every blocking tool. The blocking tool is focused toward the centre of the defenders shoulders. A block focused too short of the target will result in a very weak block that can be deflected with a strong kick or punch. A block focused beyond the defenders body will result in creating an exposure.

Side Front Block (yobap makgi)

  • BODY: Is full facing.
  • BLOCKING TOOL: Is shoulder line.


This technique is employed when intercepting an attack from a side front angle toward the high section of the body. It is mainly executed from close, parallel and sitting stances but occasionally one-leg and X-stances are used. The inner forearm and reverse knife-hand are the blocking tools. Only an outward block is possible. Keep the middle finger in a straight line with the shoulder, bending the elbow 80 degrees while extending the opposite arm side-downward at the moment of the block.