How do I block midrange to upper midrange punches and whats a good counter?

Answer 1

Hi;

The techniques that everyone knows as "blocks" in karate are called "uke", which means "receive".

A middle level "block" consists of two movements. If you are defending from a left arm attack, you parry with your right arm and follow through with your left arm to complete the "blocking" movement.

When you are practicing your blocking, you cross wrists at some point. This crossing is the "parry"/"follow through" movements that form the defense technique called "uke", mistranslated as "block".

It is important to understand the terminology because it gives you an indication of what the technique is supposed to accomplish.

This can be applied to upper and middle level defending techniques.

As far as a "good counter" is concerned... a properly executed "uke" will put you in the position to use many techniques.

Don't get caught up with the whole "what would you do against this" nonsense.

Martial Arts training is repetition. Repetition develops Instinct. Your martial art becomes second nature. You don't have to know what to do. It will happen, if you've been trained properly.

Answer 2

Well, depending on the kind of martial art, the answer might vary. The best way is to just move out of the way. Fencing lunges are a great way cover distances towards or away from a person.
If you absolutely had to block, I've learned that boxing blocks are the best. Tuck both your elbows in and tuck your head between your fists. This protects your sensitive areas without damaging you. If you're quick enough to see the punches coming and are able to react, the Winchun hand techniques are great for blocking and diverting the energy. Basically, step back and slap away (inside or outside) whatever is thrown at you.
To counter, a Salat/Muy Thai technique works great. Everytime soemone hits, they leave themself open. Block and punch to the opening at the exact same time.
Another technique is a Karate technique, where the block is the counter. Block with your forearms and snap them everytime you block like you're hiting the hand. The best way to disarm someone is to take away their weapon, so if you hurt the weapon they're using, then they're useless.
A Krav Maga counter is to move in close to the opponent when the punch is being thrown. Which means, move in close past the fist and into the arms, from there, you can throw whatever you want to which ever place of the body. (In Krav Maga, it's usually a groin kick).

Answer 3

To beat action, meet it.

#1 There is no such thing as a block. Its a strike or a parry
#2 Stay moblie

If the punch is straight in, you have 2 basic choices.. inside the arm or outside the arm. I normally use forearm strikes for both.. Practice both in sparring and move your feet as you do this.

Both options offer different targets for follow up stikes, explore your creativity.

If the punch is more round house or other nonstanderd angle just dodge back at a 45. (shortest step for the most distance) If you are not comfertable "blocking". Most of those strikes are slower and / or have less range and leave him wide open for a sec after they throw it.

I love to punch thru someone you will too if you can follow this.. lets see if I can explain..
Lets start with your arm extended after your punch (thats 180 degrees ).. now rewind your action and let the arm come back to you.. Watch the angle of your elbow joint and stop when your arm is about 135 degrees ( thats 90 plus 45 degrees ) This is mostly extended.. at this point in your punch you have your arm in a "block" position. Just a little tweak on the direction your arm is sticking out and volia
'Hidden' inside the motion of every punch is a forearm strike or "block"

As a pratical example say someone throws a left hand jab at you... If you have your right foot forward..You could use your right arm and punch just overtop of his arm, allowing the forearm strike to first make contact with his arm before extending overtop to punch him

Other than that I also like the parry / strike or its also called the double block, or a compound block, or double factoring your block.. it goes by many names... but not writing out all that part.. =)

Answer 4

That would depend on many factors, such as what kind of fight? is it a sport, martial art, or streetfight?

All of the answers have merit, as that's how they deal with punches in their respective training methods.

I'd block the punches while stepping either out or back, then counter with either a low kick or a punch.

Answer 5

I like to punch faster. Sometimes I'll punch an arm, or punch a shoulder to interupt the attack, and that's my block. Sometimes I just punch the person, and that's my block.

Answer 6

Who says you really have to block? Why not side step, counter with a protective hand?

Answer 7

Front kick will answer both questions.

Toe kick to nuts will answer both.

Punch along the central line will answer both.

Other than those and many many more possibilities, ask your teacher dude because it depends on your style, there's no point asking anyone on here unless they go to the same teacher as you.

Answer 8

Don't block.
Avoid or trap and then counterpunch on the pullback.
If the guy is faster or much stronger than you, blocking does not work.

Answer 9

step back and block to the inside then deliver a backhanded punch or you can deliver a shuffle up roundhouse kick.

Answer 10

Crossblock or move.
Grab their wrist with your right hand and put your left hand on the elbow and push for desired effect. Light/medium pressure will make them(literally) bend to your will. Push hard you break it.