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(Angle numbers referenced are from the 17-angle pattern described on this page.)

Anthony (right) performs a Roof Block with the bokken...


...which becomes and Angle 1 strike to the neck or collarbone area.


Anthony performs the Shield defense with the bokken...


...and turns it into an Angle 2 strike for the follow up.


Here, Anthony uses a Low Wing defense...


...which is followed by a downward Angle 8 strike.


Here, Anthony uses an Inside Deflection...


...which leads to an Angle 6 thrust.

The Dragon Pole and Butterfly Swords of Wing Chun also share similar positioning and follow through. The Look Dim Boon Kwun (Six and One Half Strike Pole) makes use of various defenses, such as:

Jut Kwun (sharp downward block) which resembles the Drop Stick Deflection,


Followed with a Biu Kwun (Thrusting pole) to the floating rib.


Gan Kwun (circular lower swing) which looks like the Low/High Wing


Combined with a simultaneous strike to the leg.


Fok Kwun (circular inside downward) looks like inside deflection.


Slides to attack the hand


Which opens the door for a thrust to the stomach.


Bon Kwun (downward slanting block) Low wing.


Slides in to take the top of the knee.


Tan Kwun (circular deflection), which resembles the Outside deflection


Straight to a Tarn Kwun (Forward Push) to the face.


The follow through is quite nasty.

The basic seven defenses of Kali can be found in just about any weapon art, regardless of lineage and background. Though each culture and school has different names for the techniques, the “meanings” are the same. This concept applies to virtually anything you can hold in your hand, from a pen to a coffee mug to an ice scraper.

Master these seven blocks and you will have valuable tools at your disposal.