Defence Against a Straight Punch or Grab Attempt

The following defences are normally used in response to an attack, although it is possible to do something very similar in any situation where you find yourself in the same general position in relation to an opponent.

Evade and Counterattack

All of these defences involve stepping diagonally forward and to your right as the opponent moves in. They can be used against any attack that involves a straight arm. If the opponent gives you a straight right arm instead, you will need to go forward and left to evade the blow.

It is much easier to defend yourself when you are not immobilized by a grab, so wherever possible stay out of reach or knock any grab attempt away before it can be anchored in place.

The key is to get outside the arm and ensure that the grab or blow does not land, and then counterattack.

Deflect and Escape

If you can bat the strike or grab attempt to the side, it may be possible to simply break off and escape as the opponent tries to reorient himself. Alternatively, a counterpunch may be a good option, delivered as the opponent is off balance.