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Techniques -
Basics: Blocks
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Outward lower block or Soto Gadan Barai is similar to the
Outward Upper Block however it is directed to the oncoming leg
technique. Often leg techniques seem easier to block as they are easier
to see coming. However, this may only be due to the fact that both
players may be novices and thus the leg techniques are still quite
slow. At higher levels the leg techniques are very fast and they become
a challenge to effectively block. This is why in Japanese, blocks to
the leg are called Barai or sweeps as it is better to sweep away an
oncoming kick than it is to forcefully block one.
Moreover many students try to block leg techniques with open hands
or knife hands. This should only be attempted with a fare amount of
experience. First, leg techniques are very powerful and can easily
traumatize the fingers of the hand resulting in broken or dislocated
fingers if the open hand technique is not correctly applied. Therefore,
as a novice it is suggested that all blocking against leg techniques be
in the form of closed hand (fist) technique. Again, this escape/block
is suitable for direction #1 and #3 when performed from a left fighting
stance. Refer back to the section entitled "Escape Forms" for a detailed explanation of escape directions.
Below Shihan Henderson is demonstrating the Outward Lower Block with closed fist. 
Below Shihan Henderson is demonstrating the Outward Lower Block with open knife hand block.
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