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.

Instructions

  1. 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.