The side block is designed to strike an incoming attack’s weapon aimed at the shoulder level or above. It doesn’t matter if the opponent is using a punch or a kick. In either case the block sweeps across the face and neck.
Work with me by watching the video below:
When you practice the side block, think of an invisible wall about 6 inches in front of your body. Your blocking hand and elbow stays in that plane. If you bring your hand along the lateral plane of your own body, you’ll have no strength – keep your forearm in front of you, even though it goes in a sideways direction.