Down Block
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o Begin with arms crossed in front of body, blocking arm on the inside and fist with palm near ear. Non blocking arm should be in front at a 90 degree angle to the blocking arm, this guards the blocking arm from being grabbed.
o Step out into a front stance (leg of blocking arm should be forward) and forcefully block downward by extending the elbow and moving the forearm across and down the front of the body. Twist the fist so it ends with the palm down.
o The movement ends with the blocking arm about 45 degrees out from the body, slightly bent at the elbow, so that in a front stance the blocking fist is just inside the knee, about one fist-width in front of it.
o Non-blocking fist should be on belt at hip, palm-up. (elbow forcefully moves straight to the rear for reciprocal action)
o The block is executed with the forearm (on same edge of forearm as little finger).
o This block can be used to divert a low punch or similar strike, or a low roundhouse kick if necessary.
o Shoulders and hips are square, as in all basic blocks and punches.