How to Defend Against a Punch With an Elbow Strike

Someone is about to punch you in the face and your only escape route is blocked. What do you do? Use your elbow.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Martial Arts Supplies
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1. Step inside and to your right, away from the punch.
2. Raise your right arm and bend it 90 degrees at the elbow with your hand in a fist.
3. Swing your arm quickly across your front while stepping over your attacker's forward leg.
4. Block the punching arm with your forearm, twisting your wrist to gain power as you block.
5. Pull your left arm forward away from the attacker. Keep your hand in a fist. At this point, your back will be to your attacker and your legs will be straddling your attacker's forward leg.
6. Cover your left fist with your right hand and shove your left elbow back forcefully to the attacker's solar plexus.
7. Follow up with another elbow strike on the other side, if necessary.
8. Run away as your attacker struggles to recover.

Tips & Warnings

• Develop the ability to counter from both sides. Work with a partner to master one side first before practicing the other side.
• Self-defense techniques can cause severe injury. Be cautious when you practice with a partner.
• If confronted by an attacker, always try to escape first.