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Basics: Blocks

Lower Cross Block

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Newsflash

The cook monk Dairyo, at Bankei's monastery, decided that he would take good care of his old teacher's health and give him only fresh miso, a paste of soy beans mixed with wheat and yeast that often ferments. Bankei, noticing that he was being served better miso than his pupils, asked: "Who is the cook today?"

Dairyo was sent before him. Bankei learned that according to his age and position he should eat only fresh miso. So he said to the cook: "Then you think I shouldn't eat at all." With this he entered his room and locked the door.

Dairyo, sitting outside the door, asked his teacher's pardon. Bankei would not answer. For seven days Dairyo sat outside and Bankei within.

Finally in desperation an adherent called loudly to Bankei: "You may be all right, old teacher, but this young disciple here has to eat. He cannot go without food forever!"

At that Bankei opened the door. He was smiling. He told Dairyo: "I insist on eating the same food as the least of my followers. When you become the teacher I do not want you to forget this."

Lower Cross Block

Techniques - Basics: Blocks

The Lower Cross block also shares many of the important points described above with regards to the Upper Cross Block and is used when an upward moving kick (soccer kick) is targeted at the groin area. With the lower cross block the defender needs to make sure that he shifts his body slightly to one side in order not to take the entire brunt of an upward kick and to provide an opportunity for counter-attack. Further, it is best to target the region right below or above the knee of the attacker. Moreover, like the upper cross block, the lower cross block should be followed up with a technique that will control the opponent.

A simple control technique once the block has been completed is to wrap the hands around the underside of the leg and throw the attacker backwards onto the floor. Though this technique is not elegant it does effectively control the situation and give you enough time to either extricate yourself from the situation or possibly deal with another attacker.