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