Kickboxing Defense Techniques

Kickboxing is a competitive sport that blends Western boxing and Eastern martial arts. Since kickboxing is a full contact sport in which punches and kicks are thrown at full power, it is critical that you learn how to defend yourself against those punches and kicks. The basic self-defense techniques are based on avoidance and blocking. With experience, you can turn a self-defense move into an effective offensive move by countering the attack.

  1. Slipping

    • Slipping is a technique that relies on your ability to quickly recognize that a punch is coming toward your head and to avoid it. It is the most natural of responses and is closely tied to your startle, or flinch, reaction to something approaching your face. One type of slip is to simply lean back to move your head out of the way of an incoming punch, or to bob to the side. For example, you would shift your weight backward to move your chin out of the way of a left or right hook and lean to either side of an incoming straight punch.

    Parry

    • Parrying a punch involves a combination of slipping and blocking that gives you two opportunities for defense in one technique. As soon as you detect an incoming punch, you slip as you bring up your lead hand to deflect the blow. If timed correctly, your lead hand will slap your opponent's hand or forearm to redirect its path to the side of your head, giving you an opening for a counter punch. If timed incorrectly and you miss the punch, or hit too high on the arm, your slip will hopefully keep your head out of harm's way.

    Block

    • Blocks can be used against punches and kicks. Blocks are designed to allow a non vital part of your body, such as your upper arms or thighs, to absorb the force of a punch or kick that is aimed at your head or mid-section. A common block against punches to the head is to bring your hands up to each side of your head at eye level with your elbows in tight. This will protect you from jabs, hooks and uppercuts. To block kicks to the mid-section, use the same hand position so your head is still protected, but bend your knees so that your elbows are lowered enough to cover where your mid-section was a fraction of a second ago.

    Counters

    • Counters turn a defensive technique into an opening for an offensive move against your opponent. With each kick or punch your opponent throws, an opening is created that you can use to deliver a counter attack. A common counter is to use your left arm to block a hook thrown to the left side of your head and then rapidly firing a right cross to your opponent's chin.