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.
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Instructions
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Getting Out of the Way
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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.
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2
Defeat a jab by stepping back or simply moving your head so it's out of range of the punch.
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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
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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.
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5
Slap your opponent's arm with an open hand to stop a punch's forward motion and force the arm down.
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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.
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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.
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Tips & Warnings
An opponent who throws a forceful punch that fails to connect may find that he or she has injured an elbow or shoulder in the process. You could win the fight simply by taking a single step.
Moving to the side forces your opponent to turn his or her back toward you as he or she follows through on the punch. You can counterattack with a punch of your own or a kick to your opponent's knee.
Deflecting punches leaves you in range of your opponent's other hand, so counterattack quickly.
Always move so that both your opponent's arms are on one side of you. Never move in the other direction or you might move into a punch with the other hand.
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.
