Raise both fists to just below eye level to place them in position to both block strikes as well as to execute offensive movements. Keep your rear elbow tight to the body without touching it. It will protect your solar plexus and ribs. [1] X Research source Your lead arm should be slightly in front of you. This serves to protect your solar plexus and ribs, but also positioned to quickly interfere with strikes coming toward your face as well as to jab. [2] X Research source Keep your chin down to protect your nose and eyes from strikes that get past your defense.
Keep your weight balanced between both feet. Angle both feet slightly in the same direction (slightly off from direct center). Your rear heel should be elevated slightly to move quickly for striking or pivoting. [4] X Research source
Spend enough time in your fighting stance that your body comfortably returns to it after each move or technique you execute. Keep your guard up at all times to avoid counter strikes. [5] X Research source Avoid lowering your arms to maintain balance.
Take 12–15 in (30–38 cm) steps with your hands up in a protective guard. [6] X Research source Only move one foot at a time to ensure you maintain balance even under striking. Always complete your movements oriented toward your opponent. [7] X Research source
Be careful not to lower your guard while you execute the kick. It is not uncommon for people to use their arms to aid in balance, but that can open you up to counter strikes. Do not alter your stance or movements as you prepare to execute a flying sidekick. You could tip your opponent off about your intent, which is commonly called, “telegraphing. ”
Angle your body so your opponent is ahead of you. Create a few feet of distance by backing up or striking your opponent with a front kick just above the knee to force them to retreat.
From your defensive stance, jump up and toward your opponent. The differentiation between techniques involves jumping with either your lead or rear foot, so neither is technically incorrect. Decide which foot to use to lead your jump based on your comfort and the situation. Retract your legs into your body to protect yourself and prepare to execute the kick.
The striking surface for this technique should be the leading cutting edge of your foot, but using the ball or heel of the same foot should not result in injuring you. Never attempt to make contact with your opponent higher than their chest. Heads move quickly and are difficult targets and over extending could reduce your ability to regain your balance as you land. [9] X Research source
Lower your rear (non-striking) leg immediately after making contact with your opponent. Immediately retract your extended leg and plant it firmly on the ground in your traditional defensive stance. Ensure your guard is still up to protect yourself from counter strikes.
Lower your non-striking leg as soon as you recognize that your kick did not connect. Plant both feet firmly and ensure your guard is up to protect your face and torso from any incoming strikes. [11] X Research source Create distance between you and your opponent by backing away or executing another series of strikes while increasing the gap between you.
Immediately drop your weight onto your opponent’s thigh. This may break his or her grip and will prevent your opponent from kneeing you. [12] X Research source Get control of your opponent’s free arm with your outside hand to assert dominance, and use the arm on the same side as your caught leg to grab the back of his or her head. Press into your caught leg while maintaining control of your opponent’s head until his or her grip is broken. [13] X Research source Return to a defensive stance to protect yourself once your leg is free.
