Defending a punch! You’re doing it wrong!

[@MichaelBuieFilms]

I definitely agree about the sucker punch... you have to always be tactically aware to counter sucker punches. I also agree that larger, stronger opponents overcome blocks from a weaker person. It is a very untrained opponent where you are able to attack them and connect first AFTER you see them punch. I would rely on something other than THAT method with an evenly matched or more experienced opponent. I aim for every block I use to hurt... and always counter-attack. Let them know from the outset that if they mess with you, every attack they make will hurt, and they will get hurt back. This deters and begins to intimidate them. Count on getting hit to some extent by an equal or better opponent... but try to hurt them with your blocks. And never let them get free shots.. always hit them back... more often and with more force, if possible. If the opponent telegraphs a lot or is slow, then yes... you can intercept them before they strike you.

[@terryturner1689]

As below, I agree. You need to move your feet too, this changes the dynamics of the second punch that is already loaded.

[@KarateConcepts]

Yes, foot movement is crucial if you have time.

[@nospam3327]

Yeah, fair enough. I learned this fancy karate blocking pattern when I first started martial arts and I had really good handspeed, so one of my teachers used to even show me off to new students. Then, at a college party, a guy actually threw a punch at me, and my hand was there but I still got hit. Fwiw, also, move your head, move your feet. If someone throws a punch at me now, I move my head, often by also moving out of range. Then I'll follow up with whatever. But the first thing is try not to get hit. :)

[@ramonlijauco7563]

Back in college, we trained for constant awareness when outdoors, on campus or off campus. That's because we had rumbles every month. Body posture and positioning was important.

[@KarateConcepts]

thanks for the comment!

[@davidmanieri7695]

Good advice

[@KarateConcepts]

Thanks!

[@delaynomorejee]

Sucker punch is never easy to be awared.Only can the experienced boxer do the counter response.

[@kc9242]

Yes, yes, yes, keeping it real, so true, a good hard punch could blast right through those high outer blocks. They always look cool, especially when you counter after with a fast backfist but if a crispy puncher, combo puncher that must be considered. And as you point out if a dirty blindside shot you’re likely gonna snore.

[@KarateConcepts]

Thanks for the reply

[@TaijiquanGaoshou]

the sucker punch is fast by definition, so you would have no time to see it and charge forward to block it close to source.

[@KarateConcepts]

I agree in theory. Therefore, awareness is needed to preempt it. Many victims speak about ‘never seeing the punch’. It wasn’t because it was so fast that couldn’t see it. The reason is because they were not aware that it was coming.

[@1379andre]

Creating distance & shielding your face is key if you think theres someone in the room that Does NOT like you!

[@WildStyle]

I find stepping back to work the best in any situation.

[@KarateConcepts]

Please clarify. Do you mean getting out of the way or stepping back to block?

[@TimRHillard]

Agreed, but stepping back and to the side is usually best.

[@KarateConcepts]

What if you can't step back? Also, if you step back, then they can keep swinging. Again you step back. At what point does that stop working? at some point you have to defend, correct?

[@TimRHillard]

@@KarateConcepts I’d always been told to step back and to the side. Gives you a better angle, and that people can go forward faster than one can go back. Also, always try to use two defenses, movement used with a parry or cover as an example. But yeah, you gotta attack back right away, and keep coming. Your thoughts?

[@KarateConcepts]

@@TimRHillard yes moving offline is good. Not straight back.

[@JoelHuncar]

Great video.

[@KarateConcepts]

Thanks!

[@codexena1]

I enjoy your videos and thank you for doing these! How about stepping back and redirecting the punch? A slight step at an angle and back while guiding the punch then strike while they are off balance is something I do. I am guessing that may be the next step up? Yes many schools I have been to teach the raising block and palm strake, but some also do as you showed with the push on the shoulder and block on the punching hand. Also noted if you use what was shown you may get that second punch thou not as much juice as it could have had but can be a distraction. What are your thoughts?

[@KarateConcepts]

Thanks for the question. I’ll try and make a video discussing this soon. For now, it definitely a viable option. However, the point of of the video is within the space that you know you have. Either not moving or moving in the space between you and them. Thanks for the question.

[@codexena1]

@@KarateConcepts I understand thank you. :)

[@jsmith8398]

Awesome

[@KarateConcepts]

Thanks!

[@Gieszkanne]

Real Karate blocks are actually attacks against the arm of the attacker. You dont just park your arm in the air.

[@shaalis]

that's right! Every block in karate is practiced like a "reactive strike"

[@safdarkh786]

Except that it still won't work that way.

[@Gieszkanne]

@@safdarkh786 It could.

[@safdarkh786]

@@Gieszkanne show me

[@Gieszkanne]

@@safdarkh786 I dont have to show you anything and I give a fuck in what you believe or not.

[@Pomisher]

That’s my go to, shift forward spear attack… haymakers defense and sucker punches should be the first level of kimono and 1-3 step kumite. Why do we train offense/defense against another of the same style?

[@DouglasGomesBueno]

I learned block with open hands because if someone kick you and you're trying defend with fist closed your fist will broke.

[@KarateConcepts]

Douglas, Thanks for the comment. In my experience, it's the opposite. Having an open blocking hand results in more injuries to the fingers. A closed fist protects the fingers better. When I block with an open hand, I try to make sure my fingers are glued to each other to prevent injuries, I hope this helps!

[@patrickgalligan7770]

@DouglasGomesBueno Can you clarify? That only seems to makes sense if you were trying to punch the kick or give it a backfist right in the direction the force is coming..

[@paulhughes5577]

The way i see it,. Defense is a kind of luck where you put yourself in position to get lucky. Just sort of a rough estimation weighed into the spacial arrangements. In terms of producing physical aerodynamic and Hydraulic force,. There is more preliminary focuses where time is better spent. A Defense technique usually only works if you can psychologically involve them to the idea that the arm is defending.. As you said; it doesn't really stop there. A strong Defense does not watch the hands, but chases the shoulders.

[@KarateConcepts]

Thanks for the comment!

[@markmarco6277]

The last part is bad advice, police will take you to jail for throwing the first punch. Lord help you if you hurt that person. Blocking the punch then throwing a foot in the crouch is best.

[@KarateConcepts]

You are incorrect.

[@jeffinphx517]

The first thing...dont be staring at your phone in public like a goofy. #CaughtLacking

[@KarateConcepts]

Exactly