Rear High Block

How to throw it

Bring the rear hand to the back of your head and clamp the arm snug against the skull, elbow high, so a head kick lands on the arm and not the jaw. Turn slightly into the kick and brace the neck to spread the force, keeping the other hand up to guard the open side. Hold the cover firm and reset once the kick passes.

When to use it

Use it against a head kick sweeping toward your rear side, sealing that line with the arm. It keeps the shin off your head in close or against the ropes and leaves you set to answer as the leg retracts.

Common mistakes

• Leaving a gap between arm and head so the kick still finds the skull through the block
• Dropping the lead hand while covering with the rear, opening the other side to the follow-up
• Standing tall and stiff-necked instead of turning into the kick, letting the impact rock your head