Should each kata end and begin with a block? Should a form be more defensive and more focused on blocking than counter attacking? Should you block than strike, or block and strike at the same time? Or should you basically disregard blocking, believing that the counter attack is the way to go when attacked, your going to get hit or kicked anyway, strike back at the attacker but don't even try to block their hit or kick?
Since you are addressing this in the context of kata, it will depend upon the kata. In taekwondo, all of the taegeuk forms and Koryo start off with a block of some kind, followed by either a hand strike or a kick. Generally, it is proscribed to perform the block and then to perform the strike. As for ending, all of the taegeuks and Koryo end with a strike of some kind. Once again, this is proscribed. Keep in mind that all taekwondo blocks are damaging blocks designed to injure the attackers, but the kata all begin with the premise of you being attacked first and defending in some fashion.
Changing this means that you are essentially creating a new kata which may or may not be based on a preexisting one.
If your question is about creating a kata, do what you feel is approrpriate.
Well, I've experienced most of these trains of thoughts in studying four different forms. Even the one that told me there are no blocks in his system did have some, although very few, and only while striking at the same time. I do agree you should block and strike at the same time, as when your attacked you have very little time to work with, hit him or kick him as fast and as often as possible even while attacking. What do you think?
In taekwondo, the blocks are actually strikes, as Seasoned described. The block is intended to damage the attacker's limb, in addition to keeping it from hitting you. So in essence, you block and strike simultaneously.
One can also practice to execute the block with one limb while simultaneously striking with the other, though none of the kata that I am familiar with incorporate that.
In terms of an actual attack outside of a sparring scenario, I tend to rely more on movement and avoidance and quick strikes aimed at killing an attacker's mobility. Thankfully, I have had very few occasions to have to test that, but I have had enough to know what works for me.
Much also depends on the nature of the attack and the circumstances in which the attack takes place. If I am trying to protect my children, I will handle myself differently than if I am myself the intended victim; protection of others limits your options, as you must either maintain a proximity to your charge or hold up the attacker to allow your charge to escape. In that scenario, blocking would likely be a greater factor, as your mobility will be limited.
There are other circumstances that may limit your mobility; being attacked while seated at a table, for instance.
Daniel
