I've been playing with a version of the high block I was taught some years ago. In the basic kihon practice the block moves in the same direction as the hip, and the forearm is kept tight to the body as it rises, tight to the point your forearm almost brushes your nose on its way up. It does not move outward away from the body at all. I understand that blocks/deflections should ideally be accompanied by body/foot movement, and this block works beautifully when some sort of body shifting is paired with it. Not so much without. Can anyone shed some light on the point of it being kept so close to the body? It's different mechanics than other high blocks I've been taught- the others I can actually deflect a punch without body shifting at all. This one...the punch just rides a little higher up your face and you still get hit. Is it possible it's just not meant to work at all without shifting?
The higher belts performed it the same, so not a case of training wheels being added or removed as you go.
The higher belts performed it the same, so not a case of training wheels being added or removed as you go.