Outside Defense #1

This defense, which redirects the attack, is made against a straight punch coming from the front when the defender’s forward hand is down. Most students find this to be the quickest motion.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, left hand dropped forward and down, facing your attacker.

As the attacker throws a left punch, bring your forward hand up in a short arc, with the thumb leading so that your palm faces you. The motion of this arc MUST cross in front of your face since that’s where the punch is probably going. Redirect the punch away from you while making a small body defense with your head.

Outside Defense #2

This defense, which redirects the attack, is made from the same position and against the same attack as Outside Defense #1. Most students find this defense slightly stronger than Defense #1. The decision to make Defense #1 or Defense #2 is largely arbitrary, depending on the individual’s body type. However, Defense #1 is faster, while Defense #2 is stronger.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, left hand dropped forward and down, facing your attacker.

As the attacker throws a left punch, bring your forward hand up in a short arc, with the back of your hand leading so that your thumb faces you. The motion of this arc MUST cross in front of your face since that’s where the punch is probably going. Redirect the punch away from you while making a small body defense with your head.

Outside Defense #3

This defense may be made against a straight punch coming from the front or the side, especially a punch coming to the head, in which case the shortest line off the body is up. This defense redirects the attack.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance, both hands out of position, facing your attacker.

As the attacker throws a right punch toward your face, roll your left forearm up. Make contact with the blade of your arm, then continue to roll, allowing the punch to slide up and back. At the same time that you move the attacking arm, drop your head down and counterattack to the body.

Tips: When your head drops down, be sure that your weight doesn’t drop down into your

feet, making you stick in place.

Outside Defense #4

This defense is made against wild haymaker-type punches in which the defender isn’t sure if the attack is coming from the inside or outside.

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

As the attacker throws a right punch, stab your left hand forward and slightly inward to guarantee contact. Tuck your head low, keeping your chin down but eyes forward.

As soon as you feel contact with your left hand, move that forearm slightly outward to increase the redirection of the punch. Allow the punch to slide along your forearm.