How to Take a Punch

Martial arts training stresses mental confidence and not panicking in an attack. Getting hit can be unnerving if you're not ready for it. Here's a way to deal with physical contact and keep going.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Martial Arts Supplies
• Martial Arts Uniforms
• Martial Arts Videos

1. Accept physical contact as an essential part of your martial arts training. Sparring with safety gear will help you absorb an opponent's punches as you develop your skills and confidence.

2. Practice with a partner to learn how to handle a punch. Drill on how to dodge, parry (deflect), block and counterpunch. When you do get hit, you'll know how to recover.

3. Remain as calm and detached as possible if you get hit. Don't panic. If you're relaxed, your body will absorb or deflect the force of the impact. Your quick recovery acts as a psychological counterpunch to the attacker.

4. Trust your skills in a real situation. Acknowledge the possibility of getting hit before the fight, and visualize the surprise of your attacker when you counterpunch.

Tips & Warnings

• Unlike trained fighters, most people throw weak and ineffective punches. They tend to throw a punch from the shoulder instead of pivoting from the hips, using the power of the whole body.
• Remember, the principle behind self-defense is to defend oneself as quickly as possible without taking unnecessary chances.
• Adjust your level of contact while practicing with a partner. Don't throw full-contact punches unless you're both wearing safety gear and have agreed to the escalation.
• Practicing the martial arts is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 12/27/2007 When practicing, make sure to breathe out each time your partner strikes. Practice this until it becomes second nature. A punch to the chest or the stomach is much more devastating with a lung full of air.