Taekwondo blocks, called makgi in Korean, stop or redirect an attack with the forearm, the knife edge of the hand or the palm. Beginners learn four basic blocks first: the low block (arae makgi), the inward and outward middle blocks (momtong an makgi and momtong bakkat makgi) and the high block (eolgul makgi), followed by the knife-hand block (sonnal makgi). Advanced blocks such as the cross, scissors, diamond and mountain blocks appear in higher color-belt and black belt forms. The names differ between World Taekwondo (Kukkiwon) and ITF schools, so this guide gives both where they differ.
| Korean word | Makgi (막기), meaning “block” |
|---|---|
| First blocks taught | Low block, middle inward and outward blocks, high block |
| Three heights | Low (arae), middle (momtong), high or face (eolgul) |
| Blocking surfaces | Outer forearm, inner forearm, knife hand, palm heel |
| Where you use them | Forms (poomsae), one-step sparring, self-defense, belt tests |
| First move of Taegeuk Il Jang | Low block (arae makgi) |
Basics
How taekwondo blocks are named
Most block names combine a height, a direction and sometimes the part of the arm that does the blocking. Learn these words and most block names make sense on their own.
| Part of the name | Korean (Kukkiwon) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Arae / momtong / eolgul | Low / middle (trunk) / high (face) |
| Direction | An / bakkat | Inward / outward |
| Direction | Naeryeo / ollyeo | Downward / upward |
| Hand or arm | Sonnal | Knife hand (edge of the open hand) |
| Hand or arm | Batangson | Palm heel |
| Hand or arm | Bakkat palmok / an palmok | Outer forearm / inner forearm |
So momtong an makgi is an inward block at middle height, and sonnal arae makgi is a knife-hand low block. More words are in the guide to taekwondo terminology.
The basic blocks
The basic blocks every beginner learns
Arae makgi
Low block
Sweeps down across the body to knock away kicks and strikes to the lower body.
Momtong an makgi
Middle inward block
The forearm swings from outside to the centerline to clear a punch to the chest.
Momtong bakkat makgi
Middle outward block
The forearm swings from the centerline outward to push a strike to the side.
Eolgul makgi
High block
The forearm rises above the forehead at an angle to deflect strikes to the head.
Sonnal makgi
Knife-hand block
Blocks with the edge of the open hand, often both hands together in back stance.
Batangson makgi
Palm heel block
Uses the heel of the palm to parry a punch or kick aside.
Low block
How to do a low block (arae makgi)
The low block is usually the first block a taekwondo student learns, and it is the opening move of Taegeuk Il Jang, the first Kukkiwon form. In a left front stance, the left arm does the block.
- Chamber: bring the blocking fist up to the opposite shoulder, palm facing in, and extend the other arm down across the body.
- Block: sweep the blocking arm down and out while pulling the other fist back to the hip.
- Finish: stop the blocking fist just above the front thigh, about two fists’ width away, with the outer forearm facing the attack.
- Stance: step into the stance as the block lands, so the whole body finishes at the same moment.
Common mistakes
Blocking too wide, stopping the fist too low or too far from the body, and forgetting to pull the other hand back to the hip. The pull-back adds power and is checked at belt tests.
The same chamber-and-sweep pattern runs through the inward, outward and high blocks. Get the low block right and the others come faster.
Advanced
Advanced blocks
Higher color belts and black belts learn blocks that use both arms at once or combine a block with a grab or a throw. The diamond and mountain blocks, for example, appear in the black belt form Keumgang.
| Block | Korean | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Cross block | Eotgeoreo makgi | Wrists crossed to catch a kick or strike, low or high |
| Scissors block | Gawi makgi | An outward middle block and a low block at the same time |
| Diamond block | Geumgang makgi | A high block and a low block at the same time |
| Mountain block | Santeul makgi | Both forearms raised to the sides, blocking high on both sides |
| Opening block | Hechyeo makgi | Both arms spread outward, used against grabs |
| Twisting block | Biteureo makgi | Blocks while turning the body off the line of attack |
| Pressing block | Nulleo makgi | Presses an attacking limb downward |
Compare
Kukkiwon (WT) vs. ITF block names
ITF schools teach many of the same blocks under different names and add their own, such as the guarding blocks (daebi makgi). ATA and independent schools often use a mix of terms. Use the names your instructor teaches at a belt test.
| Block | Kukkiwon (WT) | ITF |
|---|---|---|
| Low block | Arae makgi | Bakat palmok najunde makgi |
| Middle inward block | Momtong an makgi | An palmok kaunde makgi |
| High or rising block | Eolgul makgi | Chookyo makgi |
| Knife-hand guarding block | Sonnal momtong makgi | Sonkal daebi makgi |
For how the organizations differ beyond terminology, see taekwondo styles and the ITF belt order.
Sparring
Blocking in sparring
Sparring blocks look different from forms. Fighters keep the arms in a compact guard and cover with the forearms rather than doing full chambered blocks. Footwork does much of the defending: stepping back or off the line takes you out of range.
- Forearm cover: keep the elbows close and absorb body kicks on the forearms.
- Leg block: lift the front knee to check a low or middle kick.
- Push or cut kick: a quick front-leg kick to the opponent’s hip or midsection stops an attack before it starts.
- Block and counter: the best block sets up your own kick. Practice blocking and countering as one motion.
More on this in tips on sparring in taekwondo and how to kick faster.
Practice
How to practice taekwondo blocks
- In front of a mirror: check the chamber, the finish height and the pull-back hand on every rep.
- Through your forms: blocks make up much of every poomsae. See the principles of poomsae training.
- With a partner: have a partner punch or kick at half speed and focus on timing and position. One-step sparring builds this skill.
- In your stances: blocks only work from a solid base. Review the taekwondo stances.
- At home: practice slow, then at speed, a few minutes a day. See how to practice taekwondo at home.
Blocks and strikes go together. Once your blocks are solid, work on taekwondo punches and kicks.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic blocks in taekwondo?
The low block (arae makgi), the middle inward block (momtong an makgi), the middle outward block (momtong bakkat makgi), the high block (eolgul makgi) and the knife-hand block (sonnal makgi).
What is arae makgi?
Arae makgi is the low block. The arm sweeps down across the body from the opposite shoulder and finishes just above the front thigh to knock away kicks and strikes to the lower body.
Which block do beginners learn first?
Usually the low block. It is the first move of Taegeuk Il Jang, the first Kukkiwon form, so white belts learn it early.
What does makgi mean?
Makgi means “block” in Korean. Block names add a height, a direction or the part of the arm, such as momtong an makgi, an inward block at middle height.
Are blocks the same in WT and ITF taekwondo?
Many movements are similar, but the names differ and ITF schools teach some blocks that Kukkiwon schools do not, such as the guarding blocks. Use the names your instructor teaches.
The short version
Taekwondo blocks (makgi) stop or redirect attacks at three heights: low (arae), middle (momtong) and high (eolgul). Learn the low, middle inward, middle outward, high and knife-hand blocks first, practice them in your forms and with a partner, and use the names your organization teaches.