Plucking Defense against Low to Medium Front Kick

This defense can be made to the live or dead side, using either hand. However, it is generally easier to defend on your live side because it makes the body defense simpler (the hips are already turned). However, these two options are not always offered at the same time.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.

As the attacker’s kick develops, reach out with your right hand toward the rising kick; try to avoid offering an angle to the kick that could cause you to be kicked on the forearm.

As your hand passes the kick, pluck backward, letting your elbow and forearm slide tight along your body. As you pluck or pull at the foot, let that motion pull your body forward (with your left side leading), making a body defense; burst in with your feet. If you pluck to your live side, you will burst forward in a regular fighting position.

Counterattack with your right hand.

Tips: This technique must be performed quickly; your defending hand moves in a quick “pickpocket” motion.

Inside Defense against High Front Kick

This is a redirecting defense.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.

As the attacker’s kick develops, bring your left (forward) forearm across your face and upper body, parallel to the floor. Your hand may be in a fist—rotate it so that the meaty part of your hand makes the deflection. As you make the hand defense, add a small body defense by moving your left shoulder in and turning your right shoulder slightly out. Be sure your weight stays in the fight!

Continue with counters: either a hammerfist with the left hand (after making the defense) or a right cross (or both).

Defense against Low Round Kick (Using the Shin)

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.

As the attacker makes a right round kick, bring your left knee up, angled out at about 45° (your knee should point toward the incoming kick). Your toes should be pulled up (this helps to flex the muscles along the calf, offering at least some protection for the shin). In case the kick comes high instead of low, have your left arm up in a defensive position with the elbow touching your left (defending) thigh, making a complete wall from foot to fist.

Try to make the defense with the middle or upper portion of your shin against the attacker’s ankle. As the kick makes contact, let your shin “give” slightly, creating a shock absorber effect. Then pop your foot back out, pushing the kicking foot away.

Tips: If the attacker delivers a left round kick low, you may of course use the other (rear) leg. However, some left round kicks target your forward leg, so you may use your forward leg to defend. The rule of thumb: Use the closest leg to defend!

Defense against Low Round Kick (Absorbing with Thigh)

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.

As the attacker’s kick develops, pivot on the ball of your left foot so your knee points toward the incoming kick. Flex your quadriceps (thigh muscles) and bend your knee slightly. Take the impact on the strong thigh muscle. Do not take the kick on the side of your leg, which is more painful.