As the opponent reaches forward or tries to strike you, move diagonally forward, stepping through with the back foot. Instead of trapping his arm, your left hand (assuming he is attacking with his left) pushes the arm aside. Keeping your left hand on the opponent’s left arm prevents him from turning to face you.
The important part of this technique is to deflect the strike or grab. Countering is secondary.
Body Shot
A body blow, such as a shovel hook, can be delivered from this position. Holding your fist just above the height of your waist, palm up, you are well positioned to drive it forward into the opponent’s kidney area from the side or into his diaphragm, under the ribs.
Striking from the side gives you many good options. A vigorous counterattack may disable the opponent before he manages to turn to face you.
Hard Weapon to Soft Target
A fist is the best tool for striking at softer areas of the body in this manner – it cannot be damaged and it focuses the impact to drive deep into the body.