# Video of the Week 28: The Left Hand Block, Check, Counter Drill

- Link: https://brianejohns.com/2025/02/12/video-of-the-week-28-the-left-hand-block-check-counter-drill/
- Published: 2025-02-12T11:00:00-05:00
- Author: Brian Johns

Practicing right versus right drills and sequences is easy for me. As you know, 
I’ve been emphasizing the left hand while my right shoulder recovers from severe
biceps tendonitis. Lately, I’ve been teaching left versus left material with my 
private clients. In particular, I’ve been emphasizing the left-hand block, check,
and counter drill.

Let me tell you, the transition isn’t as easy as you might think it is—Hoo boy. 
It’s certainly not as natural as my right hand. Fortunately, with some practice,
it doesn’t take too long to adapt. The weird thing is that my check hand is my right
hand. And it’s slower than my left check hand. Go figure!

The benefit of training left vs left is twofold. First, the driver gets to practice
feeding with the left hand. Secondly, the defender has the opportunity to practice
left-hand stick techniques.

But I need to add an observation here. I’ve been practicing left versus right techniques
since 1998. Specifically, I have practiced seven basic left versus right techniques
and several variations for each basic technique. I consider myself decently proficient
in this area of Modern Arnis.

  Type your email here!

However, since the onset of my right bicep tendonitis, I have discovered a new weakness
to work on. AND I EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE! Practicing [left vs. left material](https://brianejohns.com/2025/02/24/video-of-the-week-29-left-hand-tapi-tapi-block/)
has pulled me out of my comfort zone and into the growth zone. It is different from
practicing left vs. right.

Take your time when doing the left-hand version of the block, check, counter drill.
If need be, do the right-hand version first. Then, execute the left-hand version.

## Other Stuff I’ve Written

 * [Video of the Week 24: Abanico Double Action off Block, Check, Counter](https://brianejohns.com/2025/01/13/video-of-the-week-24-abanico-double-action-off-block-check-counter/)
 * [Two Killer Check Hand Drills](https://brianejohns.com/2021/10/25/blog-two-killer-check-hand-drills/)
 * [The Learning Cycle](https://brianejohns.com/2020/02/24/blog-the-learning-cycle/)
 * [Video of the Week 7: Modern Arnis Block, Check, Counter](https://brianejohns.com/2024/04/08/video-of-the-week-7-modern-arnis-block-check-counter/)
 * [Video of the Week 27: Train the Left Hand Like A Pro!](https://brianejohns.com/2025/02/03/video-of-the-week-27-the-basics-of-training-the-left-hand/)

My private clients love it! That includes Rosh, my demonstration partner in the 
video above. He has trained in gymnastics since he was 7 years old. Rosh competed
internationally for Canada and is still in fantastic shape at 48. He told me that
practicing right and left-hand techniques makes sense.

## Anyway, to get physically comfortable with the left-hand block check counter, it is imperative to start with the basics, such as the twelve angles of attack, the block, check, counter drill and the slap-off/pull-off drill. Time and repetition will get you where you want to be!

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