No, they are not. By the loosest definitions of the English language. This isn't even a redirect, a type of block that slightly turns an attackers blow to avoid you. He straight up catches the man's forearm in mid air.
My friend, how can you block a punch without catching it first?
My friend, how can you block a punch without catching it first?
Because you don't catch a fist to block it.
My friend, you have to catch a fist in midair to block it.
Thats not how you block. No self defense arts will have you attempting something so idiotic.
My friend, you can’t block a punch without first catching it.