Countering Punch Tips For Martial Arts Training

Counter Punching

Counter punching will give you an edge over your opponent, it will help you develop your upper body movement by slipping punches and make you more relaxed under pressure which will allow you to have more time and see more opportunities.  You will also be able to capitalise more effectively on your opponent’s mistakes.

 1. Evasive Skills

• Slip Left & Right

Keep you feet still and chin tucked in, hang your hands by your head and elbows tucked into your side.  Move your upper body left and right to avoid the oncoming jab.

• Roll Back

Bend your back leg and roll back, keeping your chin tucked in and your shoulder facing your opponent.  Roll back to evade the oncoming jab.

• Duck

Bend your knees, keep your back straight and duck to evade the attackers jab.

• Practice these movements separately, and then one after the other, and finally free play in any order.  Remember we want to develop a natural movement without thought.

• To counter simply add a jab counter after movement, you can work these by yourself, with focus pads, or padded up with a partner.

TIPS FOR COUNTER PUNCHING

Focus on your chin being tucked in and your defence being tight.
Remember to keep breathing
When working with a partner try not to go too fast too soon develop your skill and take your time – relax!
Develop these movements until you are not thinking.
You can then start experimenting with different attacking punches and counters.

Remember the harder you work the luckier you get.  I look forward to working with you next month.

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