Blocking punches to your body
A powerful punch to your stomach, solar plexus, liver, or kidneys will cause you to collapse to the ground temporarily paralyzed. Therefore, being able to block these body punches are crucial. Blocking a body punch is a simple movement if you are already in neutral or fighting stance (see blog article on stances for more). Having your hands up and shoulders rounded (in stance), you will notice your triceps are resting on your chest and abs, and your forearms are facing forward in a vertical position. Your forearms and elbows will be blocking any oncoming body punches.
Here are two methods of blocking punches to your body:
Blocking straight punches to your body: Quickly twist your torso just enough so your same-side forearm deflects their punch. Tense your forearms and/or clench your fists before blocking to avoid damage to your arm.
Blocking hooking punches to either side of your body: Bend at the waist in the direction of the punch (i.e., side crunch movement), to meet the punch directly. Tense your forearms and/or clench your fists before blocking to avoid damage to your arm.
Important When Body Blocking: Do Not drop your hand to meet the body punch as that will leave your head open to a second punch. Also, block with same-side forearm only (i.e., if he punches with his right hand, you should body block with your left forearm). Do Not cross-block, or you will leave your body and head open for a second punch.
Practice the following two drills to get good at blocking body punches:
Stationary Body Blocking – from either neutral or fighting stance, have a partner *slowly throw punches to your body as you block them with your same-side forearm:
Straight punches to the center of your body.
Hooking punches to either side of your body.
Randomly throw straight and hooking punches to your body.
Have your partner gradually increase the speed as you become more proficient.
Movement Body Blocking – move around with your partner while having him *slowly throw punches to your body as you block them with your same-side forearm:
Straight punches to the center of your body.
Hooking punches to either side of your body.
Randomly throw straight and hooking punches to your body.
Have your partner gradually increase the speed as you become more proficient.
This drill requires more coordination because you are performing it in motion. Make sure to master the stationary body blocking first before trying this drill.
Below is a short tutorial of how to block punches to your body.
Can you help me by leaving a review for my book on Amazon? This will help me to continue providing free training for you.
Here is the link: The Short Fight, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0948LNX5M Thanks so much! Want to get in the best shape of your life? Check out our fitness training programs here https://www.theshortfight.com/fitness You will also get free access to all my exercise and self-defense instructional videos by signing up at www.theshortfight.com Until next time, Stay Safe! Lawrence Castanon, Author, The Short Fight #theshortfight
Blocking Body Punches
Comments