Blocking: Linear
Now, we will look at Linear blocking techniques. These techniques are easier to pick up, but require more dedicated training to become precise with. The direct nature of any Linear technique increases the probability of missing an incoming attack from the opponent, partially or in full. That can lead to an incomplete block that still makes some contact (which is still typically better than not blocking at all), or a totally failed block, leaving the body open to the opponent. Because of the precise impact point of these techniques, there should also be some conditioning done to be sure that the Jedi does not do themselves harm in their act of protection.
However, with dedicated training of these techniques, they can quickly become part of weaponizing the flinch response. They are very typically used to target nerve points, to caused a pain response, or deaden the nerves on the incoming attack. However, their versatility comes from their ability to be used both as deflection and impact techniques, just as the Circular techniques. First, let’s start with learning the basic movements of the Linear blocks.
Linear Deflection
A Jedi never seeks to be a dominating player in any altercation, but that does not mean that they should not focus on a favorable outcome. Jedi use their power to defend and protect. That oftentimes does not require severe injury of an opponent. Frustrating an opponent’s attacks can often be enough to give them pause, and regain their balance. As discussed previously, a Jedi’s job is to diffuse a situation before it escalates to violence. Failing that, our role is to protect self and others… including an opponent, if possible.
Using Linear techniques as deflections is both more and less complicated than using Circular techniques. Circular techniques are designed to redirect incoming force through maneuvering the attack into an impotent location. Linear techniques, as deflections, are more typically used to check an incoming attack, so that body and stance shifting be used to disrupt the spacing or angle of incoming attack. This is best illustrated live, so let’s look at this principle in action.
Linear Impact
As can be seen, Linear strikes by nature are more aligned with Impact application. They are straight, and often targetted at vital points. These often consist of nerve clusters, tendons, muscle connections, or a combination thereof. When using Linear techniques as Impact blocks, the focus is NOT to impact force against force. That is just bad physics. Altering the course of an incoming attack requires Impact from a different angle. The ideal angle of intercaption is a 90 degree hit, so that all the energy being extended forward can keep going forward, just in a new direction.
Linear Impact blocks are fast, and hard, striking the opponent’s attack like a hammer. This is how we generate the penetration and stopping force to successfully block. Striking of vital points is not guaranteed to stop a dedicated attack. Some people don’t react to vital point strikes. That is a statement of pain compliance, and limb deadening. Because of this, we have to be sure that out Linear Impacts are both on target, and with the proper force to penetrate the muscle, and create a physiological response. A person may not feel a deadened nerve, but a severe hit to tendons will still cause some reaction in the muscles those tendons control. Let’s look at how the application of these blocks differ in Deflection and Impact applications.