Outside Defense #5

This defense, which redirects the attack, is very similar to #1 and #2. However, the defense is made with the blade (pinky side) of the hand and arm, usually against a straight punch coming in from the side. The hands may be up or down, and even if the hands are up, this defense will be necessary against a straight punch from the side.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, with your attacker at your left side, facing you.

As the attacker throws a right punch, move your left hand in an arc to the side and forward, making contact as close to the attacker’s wrist as possible to redirect the hand. As your hand rotates, allow your shoulder to open to aid in the defense and to prepare for counters. Make a body defense by taking your head inward, along the line of the defense. This will help take your head off-line if the initial punch is followed by another with the attacker’s other hand.

Tips: The farther up the arm you are when you first make contact with the attacking arm, the later your defense has been.

Outside Defense against Right Punch (Punching Defense)

When a right punch (or a cross coming against your jab) comes from outside your forward hand, you can defend and counter simultaneously with that hand.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, facing your attacker.

As the attacker throws a right punch, punch with your left hand, letting your elbow roll up in a bent position as it brushes against the attacker’s punch. This diverts the attacker’s punch up and away from your face.

Continue the motion, bringing your punch down on the attacker’s face.

Tips: Tuck your head in against your shoulder for additional protection.

Defense against High Round Kick (Reflexive Defense)

This defense assumes the defender is totally unprepared for the attack, which comes high to the upper torso or head.

Starting Position: Neutral stance, facing your attacker.

As the attacker begins kicking with his right leg, raise your hands defensively and turn your body so that your shoulders are square to the kick and both hands can catch the incoming leg. Your palms should be open and facing the incoming kick. Block the kick with the fleshy part of your forearms, making sure that there is enough tension in your arms to both withstand the kick and absorb the shock. Keep your chin down!

Immediately after defending, step diagonally forward and make counterattacks (e.g., a hammerfist with the closest hand, followed by a straight punch, or a straight punch with the rear hand).

Variation: The defense can also be made with a diagonal step forward as you defend (to the opposite side of the kick), but this requires earlier recognition of the kick.

Defense against High Round Kick (Fighting Stance—Two Contact Points)

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, facing your attacker.

As the attacker begins kicking with his right leg, turn your shoulders so that they are relatively square to the kick; make a defense with your rear hand, similar to the defense against a hook punch (page 112), with your fist closed and your arm strong. At the same time, bring your opposite hand across, defending with your palm (the shoulder turn facilitates this motion).

Follow up with counters (e.g., a hammerfist with the closest hand, followed by a straight punch, or a straight punch with the rear hand).

Tips: If you prefer, you can use the reflexive version of this defense (page 183) even from a fighting stance. The reflexive defense, with the fleshy part of the forearm, provides more cushion. However, it is sometimes more difficult to rotate the forward arm around because the nature of the fighting stance inhibits the turning motion of the hips and shoulders.