A Take on Block Strings

Yesterday I finally got to put a bit of my training mode practice into some real matches against fairly high level competition. I played fairly well but it was a definite up hill battle trying to implement such advanced tactics in game so quickly. Throughout the matches I started to see just how effective my block strings were becoming. While integrating kara throws, kara-karakusa and axe kicks into my strings, I started to see that these strings seemed like the best way to start making my opponent feel very uncomfortable.

Every blocked hit that leaves you with frame advantage can be used to keep pressure on. This is why block strings are one of the most effective ways to impose subtle momentum. Strings can be initiated, then stopped at any given time...unknowingly to the defender, you're still in his face making him feel uncomfortable! This is what makes tight block strings so incredibly effective. It's a way to apply pressure and make the opponent feel uncomfortable in a fairly safe manner.

It's important to know that the safety in block strings lies in the PACING of the strings. For instance, FlashMetroid performs a lot of pressure through block strings that are fast paced...the second he stops, he begins again as if he had never stopped the pressure at all. Though this may seem appealing, I personally believe that a composed player would have no second thought of trying to reversal out, netting a huge loss for Makoto...she had tons of momentum to begin with and now she has nothing. This train of thought can be a bit too risky, so how can we make it more sound? The safety in block strings resides in pacing the string to where you're not too fast nor to slow.

- To fast will make your opponent know that he needs to get out
- To slow will make the opponent feel as if he can distance himself easily or get a poke in the middle of the string.

If you can maintain a subtle speed you'll have the opponent thinking both at the same time, making him hesitant as he second guesses what the best course of action should be. To reiterate, not too fast as to "body" your opponent, yet not to slow as to be "too cautious." You want to keep strings so subtle enough you have your opponent saying "Am I being pressured right now? When did that happen?"

It would be very obvious for me to point out that block strings are a vital asset to Makoto's overall game plan. The ability to make the opponent feel uncomfortable is something you're always trying to do as a Makoto player. Aside from the pressure and fear that block strings cause, these strings become even more terrifying thanks to the kara-karakusa. The fact that you can end your string with a kara-karakusa at ANY point of the string is INCREDIBLY potent towards her game. So not only do opponent's have to worry about "I'm blocking a lot what should I do?" but also they'll have to keep in mind "I can get command grabbed if I don't get out right now."

That's all for now! Maybe next blog some videos from me? I'm definitely going to keep up with practicing as always, and hopefully I can get to a point where I'm performing clean block strings at the drop of a dime while integrating kara throws and kara-kara...heh hopeful thoughts =)