Why blocking punches in street fight may not be effective

In street fights, the concept of blocking punches in street fight may not be as effective as it seems. The main reason behind this is the speed of action versus reaction. To successfully block a punch, you need to see it coming and react in time to raise your hands for defense. However, the strike itself is often faster than our ability to watch and block it.
blocking punches in street fight
Street fight image from https://sgskravmaga.com.au/

But fear not, there are alternative approaches to dealing with punches in street fights. One key aspect is developing intuition through experience. With time, you’ll start to sense when someone is about to throw a punch. You may notice subtle indicators such as a twitch of the shoulder or the angle of their body. This intuition allows you to preemptively intercept the punch, essentially hitting first instead of merely reacting to the strike. By throwing your hands forward, you aim to strike the person attempting to hit you. This approach shifts the focus from reacting to their action, making it more effective in real self-defense situations.

Another thing to think about is where you are. When dealing with someone who is being aggressive and getting really close to you, they are only focused on you. This gives you a chance to distract them while you move yourself into a better position. By moving your hands in a way that doesn’t seem threatening, you can hide your intentions and get into a better spot. This lets you control the space between you and the other person, making it easier to avoid their punches. In most street fights, people don’t throw precise punches, they just swing their arms, so it’s important to position yourself strategically.

Situational awareness is very important for street fight

Positioning not only enhances your ability to react quickly but also provides cues for anticipating your opponent’s movements. By observing the twitch of their shoulder, the rotation of their body, or the turn of their head, you can start to predict their actions. For instance, when someone throws a round punch, moving on the inside of their arc is generally more efficient for protection. Conversely, if they throw a straight punch, moving on the outside of their line of attack is advantageous. While this may not always be possible in every situation, training can help develop your intuition for these movements.

Take alternative approach if you can not block punches in street fight

Understanding that your action will always be a step behind your opponent’s reaction is essential. To enhance your ability to react or act faster, it’s important to stack the variables in your favor. Focus on securing a favorable position and being aware of the indicators that foreshadow a strike. By doing so, you can increase your chances of effectively defending yourself in street fights.

In conclusion, while blocking punches may not always be the most effective strategy in street fights, there are alternative approaches that can be more practical. Developing intuition, focusing on positioning, and understanding movement cues can greatly improve your ability to defend yourself. Remember to train, stay aware, and prioritize your safety in any self-defense situation.

For visual demonstration, watch this video on youtube

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