How to Do a Hapkido Kick Defense Against a Straight Punch

Hapkido is a unique form of martial arts with origins in Korea. While most styles of martial arts teach students attack technique, hapkido teaches defense. Built upon a series of blocks and counterattacks, students learn how to protect themselves against the blows of common street assailants as well as skilled martial artist. The hapkido blocking defense is just one of many ways to defend yourself against the common straight punch.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use this straight punch hapkido defense to bring your attacker to the ground. Bend at the knees, placing your body into a half-squat as your attacker throws the punch. As you bend down, his punch should miss, swinging just above your right shoulder.

2. Block the straight punch even further by placing your left hand just above the elbow of her punching arm, pushing the arm in towards her body. This will help prevent a strike to your face. Still bending, swing your right arm out behind you to gain momentum and then strike a hook punch to your attacker's groin.

3. Move your left hand so that it is high on the front of his upper right thigh and place your right hand behind the ankle of the same leg. Pull the leg in towards you, wrapping your right arm around his ankle as he begins to fall. Move your left hand down his leg and grip firmly at the knee.

4. Allow yourself to fall to the ground as your attacker falls, leaning straight back and pulling against her leg. Her ankle should end up just beyond your armpit. Once you are both on the ground, lift your right leg and strike a firm blow with your heel either to her groin or chest, depending on how you fall. This hapkido defense technique should allow you a moment to lift yourself up off of the ground and escape or call for help.

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