Single vs double bone blocks

A double bone block is when the forearm is turned 90 degrees so that the striking surface is either the inner (bottom) or outer (top) forearm. With this type of block, both forearm bones make contact with the attacking object. A double bone block is much stronger, since any impact is spread across two bones. With two bones blocking, structural strength is essentially doubled. Impact is further dissipated by the extra muscle and fat padding.Anatomically, the double bone block provides more strength and leverage to the block. To demonstrate this on yourself, hold your forearm in a middle inner forearm block (palm upward) and have a friend try to pull or push your arm horizontally. Then try the same thing with the palm facing inward. Which is stronger?

So, should we change our Taekwondo single bone blocks to double bone blocks? The answer is no. Since both the single and double bone block have their own purpose, advantages, and disadvantages, each has its place in Taekwondo. For example, with single bone blocks, if the hand strikes the attacking object, the contact area will be the padded ends of the fist, so the chance of injury will be slight. With a double bone block, the contact area will be either the fragile back of the hand or all the fingers on the front of the hand, which are more susceptible to injury. Also, you would not want to use a double bone inside block against a thrusting knife attack since this would expose the arteries, nerves, and ligaments of the inside of the wrist and lower arm to injury. On the other hand, double bone blocks offer extra structural strength and padding when blocking powerful kicks or hard surface weapons. The single edge of a forearm is useful in striking soft nerve areas or pressure points.

Do you have the time or desire to harden your muscles to the degree necessary to use double bone blocks effectively and consistently? I think not. I use my arms for delicate work, not to mention typing information into TKDTutor.com all day. Also, why punish yourself so you can defend yourself against a specific self-defense situation that for most people will never occur in their lifetimes. It is much wiser to use the single bone to block and use the time saved to work on perfecting other techniques and getting on with the rest of your life.Single bone blocks will continue to be the primary Taekwondo blocks. However, when blocking powerful kicks or hard surface objects, remember the advantages of a double bone block.