Sliding Defense against High Round Kick

In addition to stopping high kicks, as shown in the General Defense against Medium to High Kicks (page 237), Krav Maga also utilizes a redirecting (in this case, “sliding”) defense against high round kicks.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance with your hands a bit low to simulate either setting up the opponent or fatigue.

As the attacker throws a high right round kick, stab just beneath the rising kick with your left hand, which is in a fist with the palm facing the floor. At the same time, bring your other hand up and across to protect your face.

Quickly raise your arm as you feel the kick slide along your arm, and simultaneously burst forward diagonally in the direction of the kick. The attacker’s leg should be driven up, decreasing its power and stretching out the attacker’s groin.

From here, you can a) throw the attacker off, b) trap the leg and punch, or c) trap the leg and perform an Outside Sweep with Heel Kick.

Tips: The same defense can be made if the hands are down.

Be aware that if the technique is performed late, the “slide” will not be achieved, and the movement becomes a General Defense.

Plucking Defense against Low to Medium Side Kick

This defense can be made to the live or dead side, using either hand. However, it is generally easier to make to the attacker’s live side because it allows the defender to pluck at the attacker’s foot, rather than at the heel. It is also easier to defend on the defender’s live side because it makes the body defense simpler (the hips are already turned). However, these two angles are not always offered at the same time.

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.

As the attacker throws a medium right side kick, reach out with your right hand, making sure your hand and forearm travel parallel to the floor so that they do not offer an angle to the kick.

As your hand passes the approaching kick, pluck backwards, letting your elbow and forearm slide tight along your body. Allow the motion of the pluck to pull your body forward (with the left side leading), making a body defense. Simultaneously burst in with your feet.

Continue with counterattacks.

Tips: This technique must be made quickly—the defending hand moves in a quick “pickpocket” motion.

If you defend to your dead side, you will need to take a step with your back foot in order to burst in.

Sliding Defense against Spinning Heel Kick

The principles and dynamics of this defense are exactly the same as those in Sliding Defense against High Round Kick (page 238).

Starting Position: Left-leg-forward fighting stance.

As the attacker makes a right spinning heel kick, burst diagonally forward, bringing your left hand across your face and forward to protect against the kick (if you’re late) or against a spinning backfist or elbow. Your advance should take you toward the attacker’s right hip as it comes around in the spin.

Stab with your right arm, aiming to slide just underneath the knee.

As your arm makes contact, raise it up to take the momentum from the kick.

If you succeed in catching the leg, you can a) trap it and strike, b) throw the person off by shoving the leg into the air, or c) trap the leg and perform a sweep.