Eolgul Makgi
얼굴막기
Literally: face block
Also known as: Ollyeo makgi, Bakkatpalmok ollyeo makgi, Olgul makgi, High block
A rising block with the wrist's outer edge against a downward attack to the face; taught in WT taekwondo already at white belt.
Quick Facts
⚠️ Common Mistakes
The wrist isn't straight at impact, risking a sprain or fracture; the fist is loosely clenched; the block's height and distance are wrong; and timing is off.
Katas containing this technique
About
Eolgul makgi (얼굴막기), literally 'face block,' deflects an attack aimed downward at the head. Kukkiwon terminology from 2012 lists it as ollyeo makgi, a rising block with the wrist's outer edge, giving eolgul makgi as an equivalent name. The blocking surface is the wrist's outer edge, bakkat palmok, backed by the rest of the forearm. The arm rises from a low preparation, across the belly, in an arc. In the final position the blocking wrist sits about a fist from the centre of the forehead, elbow pointing up. It catches a hammer-fist strike, an overhead staff blow, a face attack from a taller opponent, or an axe kick. It is taught at white belt and appears in the first poomsae, Taegeuk Il Jang. Unlike arae makgi, which blocks downward, it differs in both direction and target.