How to Transfer Punches

A punch can do significant damage to someone if it is not properly dodged or deflected. If you cannot get out of the way of a punch before it lands, you need to transfer the punch's power away from you to avoid being hurt or knocked out. Transferring a punch in this manner requires specific timing and coordination, but with practice, you can transfer a punch successfully and improve your odds during a self-defense situation.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lift your arm up as a punch comes in so you can deflect it with the outer bone of your forearm if possible. Lift the left arm against a right-handed punch and the right arm against a left-handed punch.

    • 2

      Strike the inner arm of your opponent with the outer bone of your forearm as the punch comes in. This will transfer the punch's power and trajectory away from your head and body when properly executed.

    • 3

      Back away from the punch as it comes in if you don't have time to block it properly. If the punch is aimed at your head, you may be able to lean back out of range while staying in counterstrike distance.

    • 4

      Push the outside of the punching arm across and away from you with either your forearm or the palm heel of your hand. This transfers the force of the punch across your body and away from its target. This can also cause the opponent's balance to be affected since you are accelerating the punch instead of stopping it, and this opens him up to a counterattack.

    • 5

      Pivot in the direction of the punch as you deflect it to fully transfer the force of the blow away from you.