The skill to dodge punches comes from practice, not self-reflection. Reading this article just once won't make you an expert fighter, but it will teach you the correct posture to use in training. Try to make these movements a habit, and keep these important tips in mind to minimize injury.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Get Ready to Dodge
Step 1. Make a fist
Raise your fists in front of your face to protect them. Keep your fists at cheek level to protect as much of your face as possible.
Make a fist with your thumb on the outside, not the inside
Step 2. Arrange so that your elbows are at your sides
Your arms and shoulders should be relaxed for easy movement, with your elbows guarding your body.
Step 3. Insert your chin in
Tucking your chin in makes your face a smaller target and protects your neck. Don't go so deep that you have a hard time seeing your opponent.
Step 4. Do a defensive stance
Face slightly to the side by placing one foot (usually the right foot for right-handed ones) back so that your body is not facing your opponent directly.
- Your feet should be as wide as or slightly wider than your shoulders.
- Bend your knees so you can stay balanced and move.
- Don't face too sideways; if you stand at right angles to your opponent, you can be pushed to the side.
Step 5. Stay alert but don't just look at one place
Your eyes detect movement faster from side vision than from front, so an eye that looks in all directions is better than looking only at your opponent's hand.
- Be aware of the movement of your opponent's shoulders, eyes and feet, as well as his hands. If your opponent always steps before hitting, you can use that information to react more quickly.
- The more you practice, the faster your moves.
Part 2 of 4: Avoiding the Punch by Moving Back
Step 1. Combine the following steps in one fell swoop
If you dodge successfully with this method, you'll be out of reach of your opponent, be prepared to get away from him or throw your own punches.
Remember to raise your fists when dodging to keep your guard up
Step 2. Rotate toward your back foot
Rotate your hips and torso clockwise (if your left foot is in front) and slightly shift your weight onto the back leg.
In addition, you can step backwards with your back foot as part of this movement
Step 3. Rotate your legs in a pivot motion in the same direction
Bend your knees and bend your body for maximum balance.
Step 4. Use the motion of your knees and hips to pull your head away
You can use your neck to pull your head up, but the main movement is the rotation of your legs and body.
Do not let your waist bend, this can cause you to lose balance
Step 5. Move as much as needed
You only need to move a little to avoid a hit. Fewer moves will keep you more balanced and give you more time to make the next move (be it a counter-punch or knocking your opponent down and then running).
Step 6. If you can't avoid a punch to the face, hold it with your forehead
Put your chin in even more so that the blow will land on the hardest part of your head, not your jaw or nose.
At the same time, pull your head back or turn your head in the direction of the stroke to minimize the impact of the blow
Part 3 of 4: Avoiding a Hit to the Face by Moving Forward
Step 1. Avoid blows to the head only this way
The goal of this evasion is to get within reach of your opponent (deal with his body), then prepare for a powerful counter blow. If your opponent is aiming for the body, it's your face that may take the hit.
- This method is effective against straight and strong right-handed strokes.
- The stronger the opponent hits, the better for you to dodge because the enemy will lose balance and need more time to restore balance. If fighting a short blow, it's better to hold it or move away than to get close.
Step 2. Rotate toward your front foot
Rotate your hips and torso counterclockwise (if your left foot is in front) and slightly shift your weight onto the front leg.
The main movement should come from your hips, not your waist
Step 3. Rotate your back leg in a pivot motion in the same direction as your front leg
Align your body with your hips to maintain balance and movement.
Step 4. Bend down with your knees and shoulders
Move your shoulders down and forward at a 45º angle from your chest to avoid hitting your head. Bend your knees slightly.
- Don't overdo this move. You only need to move your head about 15 cm to avoid a straight hit.
- Don't look too far forward, as this will make it difficult for you to balance yourself and keep an eye on your opponent. Use your knees and shoulders more than your back.
- If you are as tall as or taller than your opponent, you can dodge the hit by lifting your head, so the punch will miss your chin as you dodge sideways.
Step 5. Raise your back hand higher
Be prepared to use it to block or deflect a follow-up punch from your opponent's other hand.
Step 6. Step closer (optional)
If necessary, use your front foot to take one step forward toward your opponent. This is useful for limiting his movement in subsequent strokes, but the main purpose is to prepare for a counter blow.
Step 7. Backlash (optional)
After dodging his punches, you can use your close position to your opponent to counter them with your punches.
Step 8. Stand back up in a U move
When you return to the starting position, move in a "U" shape. If you just move straight back, you can get another hit.
Part 4 of 4: Getting Hit to the Body
Step 1. Tighten your abdominal muscles
It protects your internal organs from injury.
Step 2. Exhale through your nose just before impact
Short exhalations of air will allow your abdominal muscles to flex and protect yourself better.
Step 3. Hold the blow with your hand
Try pushing your opponent's hand to deflect the blow, or at least hold the hit with your fist rather than hitting your body directly.
Step 4. Move with the punch
Back off or turn your body in the direction of the stroke. If the point of impact moves in the direction of the blow, the impact will be greatly reduced.
Tips
- Stay fit. Exercise regularly so that you are always balanced.
- Naturally, you will respond to a punch to the face with your eyes closed. Try to keep your eyes open as wide as possible to see where the punch is coming from.
- Be careful if you dodge the same way over and over again. A smart fighter will pretend to hit, then deal a real punch to your face.
- If you can, hit your opponent's neck right in the Adam's apple and your opponent's top priority is to keep your hand away from his neck as this hurts a lot, leaving him in an open position to attack.
Warning
- Always keep your mouth closed and your tongue behind you to minimize injury from blows to the jaw.
- Remember, the only fight you can win is by not fighting.
