How to Block Punches in Karate

The first self-defense move to learn in karate is how to avoid a fight. The second is how to avoid getting hit. Blocking a punch from an opponent also makes him or her vulnerable to a counterattack that can end the fight quickly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Getting Out of the Way

1. Avoid a right-handed punch from your opponent by stepping to your left and letting the punch go by on your right side. Avoid a left-handed punch by stepping to your right.

2. Defeat a jab by stepping back or simply moving your head so it's out of range of the punch.

3. Duck under a "haymaker," a punch that comes from the side, and quickly move behind your opponent while he or she is unbalanced.

Deflecting Punches

4. Move your open hand in a circular motion from the outside to the center of your body to parry your opponent's arm and move the punch to one side.

5. Slap your opponent's arm with an open hand to stop a punch's forward motion and force the arm down.

6. Hold your hand in front of your face and move it from the center of your body to the outside to strike your opponent's forearm with yours, deflecting the punch.

7. Catch the punch by wrapping your hand around your opponent's fist. This block is difficult, but has the advantage of surprising and discouraging your opponent.

Tips & Warnings

• Deflecting punches leaves you in range of your opponent's other hand, so counterattack quickly.
• Although blocking with an open hand allows you to move faster, it leaves your fingers vulnerable to injury. Keep your fingers together and use just enough force to deflect the punch.

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