Drawing Attacks

To draw an opponent is to lure them into attacking by presenting them with what they perceive as an opening. Generally, when on opponent attacks, they have to open their defenses to some degree. If you are able to bait them into a particular attack, you can potentially take advantage of this opening with a preplanned counterattack. 

One method of drawing is to leave some part of the body unprotected. For instance, dropping your guard a little might lead your opponent into thinking that your head is open to attack. When your opponent tries to strike your head, you initiate whatever counter you had planned. 

Another type of drawing is used against opponents that prefers to intercept or counter your attacks. You execute a motion that causes them to respond with their attack, then execute your counter attack. For instance, you might take a small, quick step forward to draw a stop-hit then immediately execute your counter attack.

The Guard

-Lower the guard - To bait an attack to the head *example *example *example *terrible example

-Raise the guard - To bait an attack to the body.

-Widen the guard - To invite a straight punch to the head

-Narrow the guard - To invite a hooking punch to the head

Body Position

-Leaning slightly forward to invite an attack to the head

Stepping

-Stepping quickly in then out to provoke a counter from your opponent *example

-Stepping backwards to get your opponent to move forward with an attack *example

Fakes & Feints 

-Used to get your opponent to respond with an attack (as opposed to a defensive reaction as they are used in the false attacks section.

McGregor Lead Uppercut

False Attacks

I refer to false attacks as attacks which begin with some sort of false, misdirecting motion used to elicit a defensive response from your opponent. The purpose of the false attack is to get your opponent to defend against the fake or feint, thereby creating an opening for your actual attack or to confuse your opponent by diverting their attention from your true target. They can also be used at the beginning of a combat sport engagement to feel out an opponent in order to ascertain how they react to various attacks. 

False attacks can take the form of feints or fakes. I refer to feints as a partially extended attack. Extend the motion only long enough for the attack to be convincing to get a reaction from your opponent.

Fakes are body motions which don't seek to mimic a particular attack. They include gross body motions such as lowering down, stepping forward or turning the shoulders and hips. A particularly subtle fake is to use the eyes by looking at one target then attacking another. 

False attacks can be effective against opponents that are good at defending. Say, for instance, your opponent is good at parrying your jab. You might feint the jab, causing your adversary to try to parry the blow. The parry motion moves their arm toward their center line creating on opening on the side of their head. You capitalize on the opening by immediately attacking with a lead hook.

False attacks can be categorized based on the line of the initial false strike and the line of the second actual strike. These categories are high, middle, low and inside, outside (see Lines of Attack under the Combination Attacks section.)

There are innumerable  feint combinations. Here are a sampling. 

Hand Feints

Hand Feint To Punch

Lead Arm Feints

Inside to Inside

-Feint Jab->Jab *Bazooka Joe Example

-Feint Jab->Lead Uppercut *Rob Kaman Example

Inside to Outside

-Feint Jab->Lead Hook *Mayweather Jr Example

Outside to Inside

-Feint Lead Hook->Cross *Example *Example

High to Middle

-Feint Jab->Body Jab

-Feint Jab->Body Cross *Example

High to Low

-Feint Jab->Low R. Leg Round Kick *Example

Middle to High

-Feint Body Jab->High Hook *Example *Example

-Feint Body Jab->High Cross

Rear Arm Feints

-Feint Cross->Lead Hook *Example *Example

-Fake Cross->Lead Uppercut *McGregor Example 

-Rear Shoulder Fake->Cross *Example

Low to High

-Feint Low Cross->High Hook *Example

Hand Feint to Kick

Lead Arm Feints

-Feint Jab->Low Lead Leg Round Kick *Example

-Feint Jab->Lead Push Kick To Body

Kick Feint to Elbow

-Feint Lead Leg Push Kick->Elbow *Example

Fakes

-Fake Low (Squatting)->Rear Hand Strike *Example

Combinations Which Start With A Elbow Attack

I. Elbow to Elbow Combinations

II. Elbow to Punch Combinations

III. Elbow to Knee Combinations

IV. Elbow to Kick Combinations

Lead Knee to Rear Elbow

Switch Step Lead Knee -> Lead Arm Post/Cross Frame -> Rear Elbow *Technique

Switch Step Lead Knee -> Lead Foot Falls Back -> Opposite Side Elbow *Technique

Combinations Which Start With A Knee Attack

Core Two Strike Combinations

I. Knee to Knee Combinations

II. Knee to Punch Combinations

III. Knee to Elbow Combinations

1. Lead Knee to Rear Elbow

2. Rear Knee to Lead Elbow

3. Lead Knee to Lead Elbow

4. Rear Knee to Rear Elbow

IV. Knee to Kick Combinations

Rear Knee to Rear Elbow

 1. Rear Straight Knee -> Rear Horizontal Elbow *Technique  *Technique *Technique

Knees

Knees can be thrown outside of a clinch (unsupported) or from a clinch (supported). I'll likely move the supported knees to the clinch section. 

I. Types of Knees

There are essentially two types of unsupported knees. The straight knee & the diagonal knee. 

Straight Knee

A straight knee is one that is thrusted forward, usually to the opponents body. *example

Diagonal Knee

A diagonal knee is one that is thrown at an angle similar to that of a round kick. *example

II. Footwork

The footwork option with knees are similar to those with the round kick. 

III. Guard

Unsupported/Cross Guard - The knee is unsupported in that you are not clinched with your opponent. Initiated at a longer distance. The arm opposite the knee you are throwing forms a single cross guard over your face. 

*Damien Trainor Long Guard Knee

Supported Knee

A Knee executed from a momentary clinch position.

Examples:

-Supported/Cross Tie - The knee is supported by a momentary cross tie/frame clinch with your opponents neck. This arm configuration serves to temporarily keep your opponent from retreating back (the hand behind their neck), keep them from effectively clinching with you (your forearm), and provides some protection against strikes. 

-Supported/Double Wrist - Grab both of your opponents wrist and pull them down and into the knee. The wrist grip and be with or without use of the thumbs. Without thumbs the move resembles a double jut sao from Wing Chun. 

*Jeff Chan Example

Lead Hand to Lead Round Kick

1. Jab to Lead Leg Round Kick

Jab -> Lead Leg Switch Step Round Kick *Bazooka Joe 

Jab -> Slide Step Lead Leg Round Kick

Rear Hand to Lead Knee

1. Cross to Lead Knee

Cross -> Switch Straight Knee *Gabriel Varga Example *Example

Round Kicks

I. Types of Round Kicks:

1. Power (Thai) Round Kick

2. Snap Round Kick

3. 45 Up Round Kick

II. Point of Contact

III. Footwork

Footwork Before The Kick

Lead Leg:

1. Kick From Stance (No Footwork)

2. Switch Step

3. Back Leg Step Up

4. Slide Step 

Rear Leg:

1. Kick From Stance (No Footwork)

2. Stutter Step

Footwork After The Kick

Lead Leg:

1. Return To Stance

2. Half Back (Feet Squared)

3. Full Back (Stance Switched)

Rear Leg:

1. Return To Stance

2. Half Forward (Feet Squared)

3. Full Forward (Stance Switched)

 

IV. Guard (Hands) When Throwing Round Kick

1. Swing Long Arm For Power

2. Extend The Long Arm Toward Opp. Face

3.Level Change/Head Off Center Line

V. Miscellaneous

1. Missed Or Faked Round Kick 

a. Missed/Faked Round Kick->Side Kick *fightTIPS *Natan Levy

b. Missed Round Kick->Back Pivot Kick *Alex Wong

c. Rear Leg Missed/Faked Round Kick -> *Spinning Backfist/Elbow *fightTIPS

2. Timing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boDAKpjIgoc

How Different Martial Arts ROUNDHOUSE KICK | Muay Thai / Taekwondo / Karate

Different Ways to Throw your ROUND KICK

http://paulgalenetwork.com/home/2010/06/20/the-roundhouse-kick-instep-vs-shin-vs-ball-of-foot/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHL3jZAn6AU

Rear Hand to Lead Round Kick

1. Cross to Rear Round Kick

Cross -> Switch Step Lead Round Kick *Bazooka Joe

Cross -> Slide Step Lead Round Kick

Cross -> Step Lead Round Kick *Duane Ludwig

Cross -> Lead Round Kick (No prep) *Example

Countering Kicks

I. Categorized By Defensive Movement

A. Evasions

Snap Back (Pull back)

Against Round Kick or Straight Kick to the upper body

1. Snap Back->Rear Round Kick

2. Snap Back->Lead Punch

3. Snap Back->Hand Punch

B. Blocks/Parries

Double Block (Dutch Block)

Against Round Kicks To The Body or Head

Right

1. Block Right->Right Hand Counter *example *fight example

2. Block Right & Scoop->Right Kick *example

3. 

Left

1. Block Left->Left Hand Counter *example

2. Block Left & Scoop->Left Kick

Block & Shelf Catch

Right

1. Block Right & Catch (Shelf Catch)->Right Kick

Left

1. Block Left & Catch (Shelf Catch)->Left Kick *fight example

II. Categorized By Opponents Attack

A. Countering The Front Kick

B. Countering The Rear Low Round Kick

1. Matched Stance

Shin Block (Checking The Kick)

  -Lead Shin Block->Rear Hand Strike *Rob Kaman Example

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dneghW34Blk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5SNFk2h5TA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8OICGhX9MY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3NonJ1pfWU

Lead Hand to Lead Hand

Jab to Lead Hand

    Jab-> Jab Ⓒ

    Jab-> Lead Hook Ⓒ

    Jab-> Lead Uppercut Ⓒ

    Jab-> Lead Overhand

Lead Hook to Lead Hand 

    Lead Hook-> Jab

    Lead Hook-> Lead Hook Ⓒ

    Lead Hook-> Lead Uppercut Ⓒ

    Lead Hook-> Lead Overhand

    Lead Hook-> Hammerfist 

Lead Uppercut to Lead Lead Hand

    Lead Uppercut-> Jab

    Lead Uppercut-> Lead Hook

    Lead Uppercut-> Lead Uppercut Ⓒ

    Lead Uppercut-> Lead Overhand

Lead Overhand to Lead Hand

    Lead Overhand-> Jab

    Lead Overhand-> Lead Hook

    Lead Overhand-> Lead Uppercut

    Lead Overhand-> Lead Overhand

The above combinations are the primary ways you can strike lead hand to lead hand. Many of these combinations I would never actually use but they are presented to provide a full list of the possibilities. 

Double Jab

Purpose Of The Double Jab and How To Throw It

Boxing Combinations – The Double Jab

Use This Double Jab Technique To Manage Distance And Land More Effective Strikes With Daniel Woirin

Randy Steinke - Reloading

Lead Hand to Lead Elbow

 Jab to Lead Elbow

Rear Hand to Lead Elbow

1. Cross to Lead Elbow *Example-Cross to Lead Vertical Elbow

2. Rear Hook to Lead Elbow

3. Rear Uppercut to Lead Elbow

4. Rear Overhand to Lead Elbow

Lead Hand to Lead Side Kick

Jab (Push Step) to Side Kick

Jab (Slide Step) to Side Kick *example

 -The slide step with the jab (steal a step) is used to gain distance on your opponent in a manner not easily noticed. 

Rear Hand to Lead Hand

Cross to Lead Hand

    Cross to Jab Ⓒ

    Cross to Lead Hook Ⓒ

    Cross to Lead Uppercut Ⓒ

    Cross to Lead Overhand

Rear Hook to Lead Hand

    Rear Hook to Jab

    Rear Hook to Lead Hook

    Rear Hook to Lead Uppercut 

    Rear Hook to Lead Overhand

Rear Uppercut to Lead Hand

    Rear Uppercut to Jab

    Rear Uppercut to Lead Hook Ⓒ

    Rear Uppercut to Lead Uppercut Ⓒ

    Rear Uppercut to Lead Overhand

Rear Overhand to Lead Hand

    Rear Overhand to Jab

    Rear Overhand to Lead Hook Ⓒ

    Rear Overhand to Lead Uppercut Ⓒ

    Rear Overhand to Lead Overhand

I generally don't use the rear hook since my first boxing instructor believed that its use left you too open for a counter from your opponent. I later discovered that many other instructors do teach the use of this punch. Though, I personally don't feel comfortable using it, others may find it useful. 

Lead Hand to Rear Hand

Jab to Rear Hand
    Jab-> Cross Ⓒ 

      *Step & Slide Jab->Cross *example

      *Push Step Jab-> Cross *example

      *Steal a Step Jab-> Cross *example

      *R. Foot Diagonal Step Jab-> Cross *example

      *Slip Jab->Slip Cross (Head movement during)

      *Jab-> B. Cross Ⓒ

        B. Jab-> Cross Ⓒ

    Jab-> Rear Hook 
    Jab->Rear Uppercut Ⓒ
    Jab-> Rear Overhand Ⓒ

      *Jab with Slip-> Weave with Simultaneous Overhand

Lead Hook to Rear Hand
    Lead Hook -> Cross Ⓒ 
    Lead Hook -> Rear Hook 
    Lead Hook -> Rear Uppercut Ⓒ
    Lead Hook -> Overhand 

Lead Uppercut to Rear Hand

    Lead Uppercut -> Cross Ⓒ

    Lead Uppercut -> Rear Hook 

    Lead Uppercut -> Rear Uppercut Ⓒ

    Lead Uppercut -> Rear Overhand Ⓒ

Lead Overhand to Rear Hand

    Lead Overhand -> Cross

    Lead Overhand -> Rear Hook

    Lead Overhand -> Rear Uppercut

    Lead Overhand -> Rear Overhand

Ⓒ = Core Technique

Lead Hand to Rear Round Kick

1. Jab to Rear Round Kick

Jab -> Low Rear Round Kick

Jab -> Mid Rear Round Kick

Jab-> High Rear Round Kick

2. Lead Hook to Rear Round Kick

Lead Hook->Low Rear Round Kick

Lead Hook -> Mid Rear Round Kick

Lead Hook -> High Rear Round Kick

3. Lead Uppercut to Rear Round Kick

4. Lead Overhand to Rear Round Kick

Lead Front Kick To Rear Round Kick

 Lead Front Push Kick To Rear Round Kick *Example

Slip outside the Jab->Weave under the Cross

-Slip with simultaneous jab counter->Weave under the cross/hook

Gennady Golovkin

-Slip outside the Jab-> Weave under hook & hit the body-> Lead Hook

*Tutorial

Bob Inside Opp. Rear Uppercut with simultaneous Cross to the Body->Lead Hook (Unmatched Stance

Ozzy Dugulubgov vs. Keon Caldwell

Rear hand parry Opp. Cross->Cross (Unmatched Stance)

Countering the Cross: Lead arm cover->Cross

Jorge Gurgel vs Conor Heun

Bazooka Joe Valtellini Example

(Cross Counter) Slip to the inside with a Looping Cross/Overhand

Ali's Grandson Performing Cross Counter

Shoulder Roll Opp. Cross->Cross

Toney James example

Slip to the outside of Jab->Lead Hook (Unmatched Stance)

SEUAPHOM Thongbang (LAO) vs BAUTISTA Ian Clark (PHI) 28th SEA Games

Slip to the Outside -> Rear Hand Strike

James Toney example

Street Fight example

Countering Punches

I. Categorized By Defensive Movement (Core Counters)

A. Evasions

Slip Series (Left Lead)

Against Straight Punches

Right

1. Slip Right->Right Hand Counter

2. Slip Right & Left Hand Hit->Right Hand Counter

3. Slip Right->Left Hand Counter (usually a jab)

Left Side

1. Slip Left->Left Hand Counter

2. Slip Left & Right Hand Hit->Left Hand Counter

-Can be done with or without footwork. With or without parry. 

-Generally slipping to outside of opp. punch but can also slip inside

-Slipping Inside (Left) of opp. jab and simultaneously throwing an overhand is sometimes referred to a cross counter. 

Bob Series (Left Lead)

Right

1. Bob Right->Right Hand Counter

2. Bob Right & Left Hand Hit->Right Hand Counter

3. Bob Right & Left Hand Counter

Left Side

1. Bob Left->Left Hand Counter

2. Bob Left & Right Hand Hit->Left Hand Counter

-Can be done with or without footwork. With or without parry. 

-Generally slipping to outside of opp. punch but can also slip inside)

Weave (Roll) Series (Left Lead)

Right

1. Weave Right->Right Hand Counter

2. Weave Right & Left Hand Hit->Right Hand Counter

Left

1. Weave Left->Left Hand Counter

2. Weave Left & Right Hand Hit->Left Hand Counter

-Can be done with or without footwork.

Snap Back/Pull Back (Left Lead)

1. Snap Back->Right Hand Counter

2. Snap Back->Left Hand Counter

Angled Lean Back With Simultaneous Hit (Hang)

1. Back Foot Diagonal Step Back, Opposite Hand Overhand *technique

2. Front Foot Full Diagonal Step Back, Opposite Hand Overhand *technique *technique *example

B. Blocks/Parries

Parry Series (Hand & Forearm)

Right

1. Right Hand Parry->Left Hand Counter

2. Right Hand Parry->Right Hand Counter

Left

1. Left Hand Parry->Right Hand Counter

2. Left Hand Parry->Left Hand Counter

-Can be done with or without footwork. 

-See slip series above for options that include slipping. 

Side Cover Series

Right

1. Right Cover & Roll With->Left Hand Counter

2. Right Cover->Right Hand Counter

Left

1. Left Cover & Roll With->Right Hand Counter

2. Left Cover->Left Hand Counter

Block Series

Right

1. Right Block->Left Hand Counter

Left

2. Left Block->Right Hand Counter

Shoulder Roll Series

1. Shoulder Roll->Right Hand Counter

II. Categorized By Opponents Attack

A. Countering the Jab
1. Matched Stance
Slipping
  -Slip to the outside->Rear Hand Strike
  -Slip to the outside while stepping forward->Rear uppercut
  -Slip to the outside with simultaneous Jab *technique example
  -Slip to the inside->Jab/L. Hook/L. Uppercut
  -Slip to the inside with Simultaneous looping cross/overhand (known as the *cross counter)

Snap Back
  -Snap Back->Cross *Floyd Mayweather Jr. example
  -Snap Back with simultaneous Lead hook (check hook)

Bobbing
  -Bob to the outside->Cross
  -Bob to the outside->Rear Uppercut *Chad Mendes example
  -Bob to the outside with simultaneous Jab

Parrying
  -Rear hand parry->Jab

  -Rear hand parry with simultaneous Jab *JKD  example
  -Rear hand scoop parry->Lead Hand Grabs Opp Neck (Cross Frame)->Knee *Technique example
  -Rear hand parry->Cross *James Toney example

Covering
  -Rear arm cover(rolling with the punch)->Lead hook
  -Rear arm cover->Cross

2. Unmatched Stance
Slipping  

-Slip to the Outside->Lead Hook
 

Snap Back

 -Lean Back with simultaneous Lead hook


B. Countering the Cross
1. Matched Stance
Slipping
-Slip to the outside->Lead Hook
-Slip to the outside with simultaneous Cross (to head or body) *Example

Bobbing
-Bob to the outside->Lead Hook

Weaving
-Weave with simultaneous Rear Overhand *Example
-Weave with simultaneous Rear Body Hook

Parrying
-Lead hand parry->Cross
-Lead hand parry->Jab

Shoulder Roll
-Shoulder Roll->Cross

Covering
-Lead arm cover->Cross 
-Lead arm cover->Lead Hook*

-Quarter turn pivot off front foot->Cross


2. Unmatched Stance
Parrying
 -Rear Hand parry->Cross


C. Countering Lead Hook
Weaving
-Weave with (nearly) simultaneous Lead Hook or Overhand *Joe Frazier example

Covering

-Rear Hand Cover->Lead Body Hook *example

D. Countering Rear Hook
Weaving
-Weave with simultaneous Rear Overhand->Lead Hook->High Rear Round Kick *Remy Bonjasky example

Covering
-Lead arm cover->Cross *Security Guard example(though they have unmatched leads, same principles)

E. Countering Lead Uppercut

F. Countering Rear Uppercut
1. Matched Stance

2. Unmatched Lead
-Bob Inside with simultaneous Cross to the Body->Lead Hook

G. Countering Lead Overhand

H. Countering Rear Overhand

I. Countering Jab->Cross
1. Matched Stance

-Slip outside the Jab->Weave under the Cross (and variations)


J. Countering Forward Motion Non-Specific Attack

*When out of range, the opponent's attack must start with a motion forward. These counters are applied just as the opponent moves forward.
-Inside Low Lead Leg Kick (disrupts opp. balance)->Cross

Rear Front Kick To Lead Knee

 Rear Front Kick->Lead Knee *Rob Kaman Example

Lead Front Kick To Rear Knee

 Lead Front Push Kick->Rear Straight Knee *Rob Kaman Example *Example *Example

Lead Front Kick to Lead Round Kick

Lead Front Kick To Switch Step Lead Round Kick *Sean Fagan Example

Combinations Which Start With A Kick Attack

Core Two Strike Combinations

I. Front Kick (Push & Snap) Combinations

  A. Kick To Kick Combinations

    1. Lead Kick to Rear Kick

      a) Lead Front Kick to Rear Round Kick

    2. Rear Kick to Lead Kick

      a) Rear Front kick to Lead Round Kick

    3. Lead Kick to Lead Kick

      a) Lead Front Kick to Lead Round Kick

    4. Rear Kick to Rear Kick

      a) Rear Front Kick Switch Step Rear Round Kick

  B. Kick To Punch Combinations

    1. Lead Kick to Rear Hand

      a) Lead Front Kick to Cross

    2. Rear Kick to Lead Hand

    3. Lead Kick to Lead Hand

    4. Rear Kick to Rear Hand

  C. Kick To Elbow Combinations

  D. Kick To Knee Combinations

    1. Lead Front Kick to Rear Knee

    2. Rear Front Kick to Lead Knee

    3. Lead Kick o Lead Knee

    4. Rear Kick to Rear Knee

II. Side Kick Combinations

III. Round Kick Combinations

  A. Kick To Kick Combinations

    1. Lead Kick To Rear Kick

      a) Lead Round Kick to Rear Push Kick

    2. Rear Kick To Lead Kick

      a) Rear Round Kick to Lead Front Kick

    3. Lead Kick to Lead Kick

      a) Lead Round Kick To Lead Front Kick

    4. Rear Kick to Rear Kick

      a) Rear Round Kick to Rear Front Kick

  B. Kick To Punch Combinations

    1. Lead Kick to Rear Hand

    2. Rear Kick to Lead Hand

    3. Lead Kick to Lead Hand

    4. Rear Kick to Rear Hand 

C. Kick To Elbow Combinations

 D. Kick To Knee Combinations

1. Lead Round Kick to Lead Knee *Example

Jab to Lead Elbow

Jab->Lead Vertical Elbow *example 

Jab->Horizontal Elbow *example

Cross->Lead Elbow

Lead Hook->Low Rear Round Kick

Lead Hook to Rear Low Round Kick

A couple of points regarding this solid combination:
1) High line to low line - attacking high causes your opponent to focus on protecting their head and distracts their attention away from their lower body.
2) Shifting opponents weight - the idea is to hit hard enough with the hook (whether it lands or he blocks) to shift the opponents weight onto his lead leg. This in turn makes it more difficult for the opponent to defend against the on coming round kick.

As leading with a hook is riskier, it may be a good idea to precede the combo with a feint. Another option is to use it as part of a larger combination such as Jab->Cross->Hook->Low Rear Leg Round Kick.

Dane Sky

Jab to Low Rear Round Kick

Bazooka Joe Valtellini Tutorial

Ramon Dekkers

Thiago Alves vs Josh Koshcheck

Combinations Which Start With A Hand Attack

Core Two Strike Combinations

I. Punch Combinations

  1. Lead Hand to Rear Hand

  

  2. Rear Hand to Lead Hand

  3. Lead Hand to Lead Hand

  4. Rear Hand to Rear Hand

   

II. Punch To Elbow Combinations
  1. Lead Hand to Rear Elbow

  2. Rear Hand to Lead Elbow

  3. Lead Hand to Lead Elbow

  4. Rear Hand to Rear Elbow

III. Punch To Knee Combinations

  1. Lead Hand to Rear Knee

  2. Rear Hand to Lead Knee

  3. Lead Hand to Lead Knee

  4. Rear Hand to Rear Knee

IV. Punch To Kick Combinations    

  1. Lead Hand to Rear Kick 

    a) Lead Hand to Rear Front Kick

    b) Lead Hand to Rear Round Kick

  

  2. Rear Hand to Lead Kick

    a) Rear Hand to Lead Front Kick

    b) Rear Hand to Lead Round Kick

    c) Rear Hand to Lead Side Kick

  3. Lead Hand to Lead Kick

    a) Lead Hand to Lead Front Kick

    b) Lead Hand to Lead Round Kick

    c) Lead Hand to Lead Side Kick

  4. Rear Hand to Rear Kick
    a) Rear Hand to Rear Front Kick

    b) Rear Hand to Rear Round Kick

Countering Takedown Shots

Stages Of Takedown Defense

Takedown Defense can be broken into two categories: Early defense & late defense. Early defenses are used as your opponent is shooting in but hasn't yet covered the distance to establish the takedown position (single leg, double leg, etc.). Late defenses are used when your opponent secures (to some degree) the takedown position. 

I. Early Takedown Defense

Countering Takedown Shot Using Forearms

-Neck Frame *example *example

-Cross Neck Frame *SBG example *Blauer example

II. Late Defenses

See Defense in Standup Grappling Section

Lines of Defense

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmduBd2gS34

Weave

The Bob & Weave (aka roll) is a defensive motion that moves your head beneath and to the side of an opponents strike. It is most often used as a defense against hooking punches but can also be used against straight punches. To execute, slightly rotate and move your body away from the oncoming punch as you quickly drop down by bending at the knees (The Bob). From there, begin to rotate and move your body to the opposite side as the punch passes above your head. Extend your knees and return to an upright position ready to execute a powerful counter punch or to simply return you to your fighting stance. The entire motion should resemble a the shape of the letter U. (Side note: As you execute the bob portion of the motion, you can also step out slightly with the foot opposite this initial movement this may give you a slight angle on your opponent).

Alternatively, you can Duck and Weave. To execute, you drop straight down, then rotate and move your body to the side as the punch passes above your head. This is often done with a step so you can maintain your base. 

-Weave Toward Lead Side 

-Weave Toward Rear Side *example

Weaving With Footwork

-Weave Toward Lead Side With Lead Step To The Side *example

-Weave Toward Rear Side With Rear Step To The Side *example

Weaving After Punch

-Jab->Lead Side Weave

-Cross->Rear Side Weave

*Tutorial *Tutorial 
*Duck & Weave Tutorial

Double Arm Block Round Kicks

1. Double Arm (Ductch)Block Against Round Kicks to the Body 

*Bazooka Joe Example *Rob Kaman Example *Sifu James *Fight Example

2. Double Arm (Dutch) Block Against Round Kicks to the Head 

Shin (checking) & Knee Block Round Kicks

Shin Checks
*Technique example
*Technique example

Knee Destructions
Technique Talk: Ray Longo deconstructs 'The Destruction'

Catch Straight Kicks to the Body

*Technique example
*Technique example

Buakaw catching front teep to counter knee

Helmet (Full Side Cover)

Helmet
ISR Matrix Tutorial

ISR Matrix Tutorial

Modified Helmet

Red Zone Tutorial

Urban Combatives  Tutorial

Note: I only refer to the second version as the modified helmet because I learned the helmet first. 

Covers

Head Covers

Side Cover

Generally used to defend against hooking punches or high round kicks. Raise your hand so that the heel of your palm or curled knuckles is braced against the back side of your head with your wrist at about the top of your ear. *technique example

Front Cover
Place the palm of your blocking hand on your forehead just above the hairline. This places the forearm vertically in front of the face to creat an arm shield. This variation is used against straight punches.  *Example

Double Front Cover (Double Pillar)

Place the palms of both hands on your forehead so that both forearms are vertiaclly in front of the face.  Often used when there is uncertaintly as to what is being thrown at you or to enter into a clinch. *Example

Elbow In Cover

Covers used to block uppercuts to the head

Tutorial

Helmet (Full Side Cover)

*Link

Here Andrei Arlovski covers against the jab, cross

Body Covers

Body Side Cover

Covers used to block against hooks to the body.
Tutorial

Dutch Block (Double Arm Block)

Used to protect against powerful round kicks to the body or head.

*Link

Body Side Cover and Shelf Catch

Parry

A parry is a defensive maneuver that deflects or redirects an opponent’s attack using minimal force and precise timing. Unlike blocking, which absorbs the brunt of the strike, parrying allows the defender to guide the incoming attack away from its intended target

Hand Parry

Using the palm or forearm to deflect straight punches. Don't over parry as it leaves you open to misinterpreted or follow up punches. Use only the necessary amount of motion to redirect the punch.

You generally want to use the hand which is on the outside of the opponents punch as it leaves you less susceptible to a follow up strike from the opposite hand. So parry opponents right hand with your left hand. Parry opponents left hand with your right. 

There are essentially three types of parries. The side parry, down parry and high scoop parry.

Side Parry - redirects the punch to the side (the one I favor)

Down Parry - redirects the punch downward

High Scoop Parry - redirects the punch down then away from your body. Generally used to enter into a clinch.  

-Lead Hand Parry
-Rear Hand Parry

Forearm Parry

-Parry with forearms or elbows straight punches, front kicks and side kicks to the body. *Forearm parry body punch *Forearm parry front kick

-Lead Forearm Parry

-Rear Forearm Parry

Scoop Against Straight Kicks

-With a circular motion, swing your arm down, deflecting the opponents kick with your palm or inside wrist away from your body. 

-Generally it is best to deflect the kick in a way which moves you to the outside of their body. WhiParry their right kick with your right arm and their left kick with your left arm. 

Footwork

-Can stay positioned in front by slightly moving back when deflecting the kick or bellying out your midsection. 

-Can also move to the side when deflecting the kick. When parrying with left arm, step to the right. When parrying with the right arm, step to the left. Step to the side and pivot to setup some counter strikes. 

*Technique example

*Sean Fagan example 

Shoulder Roll

Used to evade, deflect or block punches by rolling your shoulder and leaning back. To execute, raise your lead shoulder (your chin tucked down behind it) up and rotate it inward while leaning back to move your head out of range. Your lead shoulder should be higher than your rear. Depending on the situation, the shoulder roll is used in one of three ways: 1) It is an evasion similar to a snap back. 2)The shoulder is used to parry the punch to the side. 3) The punch is taken on the shoulder as you roll away from it. 

*Technique Tutorial

Jeff Chan Example

JKD Wednesday Night 

Snap Back (Rock back, Pull back, Lean back, Slip back)

Snap Back to Cross to the Body

The snap back is a defense which moves the upper body back to evade a strike to your head. 

To execute simply do a rear foot step back (front foot stays in plays and rear foot steps back) by pushing off the front foot and move the head by leaning the torso back. Then quickly push off the back foot "snapping" you back into a position to execute your counter attack. 

Alternatively, you can use the push step backward then push step forward to bring you back. This method allows you to move further back, which in terms of evading the strike is safer but the greater distance may slow your counter attack. 

Your counter strike when using the snap back is usually the jab, cross or rear leg round kick.



Tutorial Against a Punch: Damage Control
Tutorial Against a Punch: Precision Striking
Tutorial Against a Round Kick: Saenchai

Bob & Duck

Bob - similar to slipping except it also incorporates a ducking motion. So as your head is moving to the side and also downward. 

To execute the move, push off the floor with the foot opposite the direction you are moving, moving your head to the side, rotating the upper body and lowering down by bending at the knees. 

-Lead Side Bob - Bobbing to the side of the lead leg.
-Rear Side Bob - Bobbing to the side of the rear leg.

Note: From my studies, it seems most coaches don't teach the bob as a separate defensive motion and instead just think of it as a form of slipping. My first JKD/boxing instructor taught it as a separate technique, which is why I keep it as a distinct technique.  That said, it is similar enough to a slip that essentially everything discussed in the Slip section applies to the bob, so I won't recreate the wheel and instead ask you to refer to that section.

Duck - Moving under a punch by bending at the knees and squatting straight down. Drop down only enough to evade the oncoming punch 

Ducking with step and slide *Tutorial

Slip

Slip
A sideways movement of the head used to evade straight punches and strikes. The idea is to avoid the punch while staying in range to quickly counter attack. Push off the floor with the foot opposite the direction you are moving, slightly rotating the upper body and shifting your head to the side. Move just enough to evade the punch. 

It is generally safer to slip to the outside of your opponent's punch as you are a little less succeptable to the opposite hand punch, but this isn't a black and white rule. 

-Lead Side Slip - Slipping to the side of your lead foot.
-Rear Side Slip - Slipping to the side of your rear foot.

Canelo Alvarez - rear side slip with counter cross

*Fight Smart Trav technique example

Beyond Basics

Slip With Footwork/Stepping

-Lead Side Slip with Lead Angled Step Forward  *example

(Note: I would usually only do this when simultaneously throwing a rear cross and the step would be angled)

-Rear Side Slip with Lead Step Forward *example

-Lead Side Slip with Lead Step To The Side (Left) *example *example

-Rear Side Slip with Rear Step To The Side (Right) *example

-Rear Side Slip with Switch Step To Slide Step *example

All these options will be followed up with some motion to return to your stance and or reface your opponent. For instance, the lead side slip with lead step to the side (left) might be followed by a front foot pivot to reface your opponent. 

Slipping With A Punch

You generally move your head to the rear side when throwing a lead arm punch and move your head to the lead side when throwing a rear arm punch. Offensive examples are described in some of the sections discussing the various punches under Fundamentals: Offensive Strikes. Defensive examples are discussed with the Slip Series in the Counter Attack: Evasions section. 

Slipping After A Punch

Slipping after a punch is used to get your head off line and evade a potential counter strike from your opponent (proactive defense).  You can slip to either the same side of the arm you just punched with or to the opposite side. Generally, the same side slip is most prevalent and natural feeling but both are important. 

-Lead Hand Punch->Same Side Slip *example

-Lead Hand Punch-> Opposite Side Slip *example *example

-Rear Hand Punch->Same Side Slip

-Rear Hand Punch->Opposite Side Slip

Slipping With Parry

Some people incorporate a parry along with there slip. The advantage of combining the two is that you essentially have a double layer of defense. The disadvantage is that you may misinterpret the incoming strike or your opponent feints and attacks on the outside line. 

Fundamental Defenses

Evasions 

Slip

Bob & Duck

Weave(Roll)

Lean

Snap Back (Rock back, pull back, lean back)

Parries, Blocks, Catches
Parries and Deflections

Parries 

(Hand Parry, Forearm Parry, Scoop Parry)

Shoulder Roll

Blocks
Covers 

(Side, Front, Double, Helmet, Body, Dutch Block)

Long Blocks

Shin Block (Checking) Round Kicks

Catches

Catch Straight Kicks to the Body

Catch Round Kicks to the Body

Front Kick

Rear leg push kick to the chin

Types of Front Kicks

1. Push (Teep) Kick

2. Snap Kick

Bazooka Joe: What's the Difference Between Push Kicks/Teeps & Front Kicks

Contact Part of Foot

Back Elbows

Back elbows include those that use the back portion of the elbow (the portion of the elbow closer to the shoulder). 

1) Up - Elbow thrown in an upward angle. Video A tricky elbow most commonly seen in Muay Thai. Perhaps the most famous example of its use in MMA was by Anderson Silva vs Tony Fryklund. Video

3) Horizontal - Elbow thrown horizontally. Video

4) Down -(Tomahawk Elbow) - Video

5) Spinning Elbow - A spinning version of the horizontal elbow. - Video, Example

Front Elbow Strikes

Elbow strikes are one of the most powerful and devastating weapons in combat sports, primarily due to the sharp, hard, and dense nature of the elbow bone. They are short range weapons, used in close/clinch range. They can be an effective tool to split an opponents guard. From long range, longer strikes must be used to close the distance and effectively setup the use of elbows.  

There are essentially two categories of elbows: Front and Back. This section covers the front elbow. 

Front Elbow Strikes include elbows that use the front of the elbow (the area of the elbow closer to the forearm). It is far more commonly used than back elbows. 

1) Diagonally Down - Elbow starts above the shoulder line and slashes in a downward angle. Video

2) Diagonally Up - Elbow thrown in an upward angle. Video

3) Horizontal -  Elbow thrown horizontally. Video

4) Vertical Up -  Elbow thrown vertically up. Video  Can also be thrown with more of a forward motion as a spear elbow Video

5. Side Elbow - Striking with the inside of your elbow. Used when very close to your opponent. This technically would be a third elbow category but I just threw it in with the front elbow.  Video

Hammerfist Strike

The hammerfist is a strike using the bottom or pinky side of a clenched fist. It is a powerful strike which can be thrown from a variety of angles.

One advantage to the hammerfist is that you are striking with the bottom fleshy part of the fist instead of the knuckles, thus reducing the chance of injuring your hand. It's also picked up by new students quickly as it's a fairly simple technique to learn.


Various types of hammerfist include:

1. Horizontal Hammerfist
  a) The basic side hammerfist is a palm down strike sometimes used to attack an opponent standing off to your side. *technique example

  b) The hammerfist can also be used against an opponent positioned in front of you. It can be thrown as a direct strike from your guard. It can also be used as a follow up/recovery strike whenever your hand crosses your center line. One example would be as a follow up to a hook.

Andrei Arlovski following up the hook with a hammerfist

2. Vertical Down Hammerfist
Against a standing opponent, you will occasionally see the vertical down hammerfist used as a strike to an opponents head. *technique example

Artem Lobov lands a forward hammerfist

Standing Hammerfist TKO

Also used when you are framing against an opponents lowered head with one hand and hammer fisting with the other.

Sean Strickland

More often it is used whenever your opponent is lower than you, such as when they are doubled over or have fallen to the ground. There are a ton of examples of its use in mma against a downed opponent.

McGregor hammerfisting Aldo

3. Diagonally Down Hammerfist

The diagonally down hammerfist can be thrown as either a front (palm up) or back (palm down) strike. 

4. Diagonally Up Hammerfist

A back (palm down) strike which is fairly uncommon but can be useful from a Philly Shell style position.

5. Spinning Hammerfist

Santiago Ponzinibbio lands a back hammerfist

Cung Lee vs Silva

Back Fist Technique in Jeet Kune Do: Mike Blesch