Blocking And Countering In Self Defense

By Author: Phil Ruben
Total Articles: 4762
Comment this article

Blocking and countering is found in the majority of traditional martial arts and self defense courses. However, it is actually the worst way to deal with an attack. Using the opponent's attack as a reference, there are three ways or times you can counter. The first option is to launch your attack before the opponent attacks. We'll call this an "attack". The second is to attack at the same time as your opponent does. We'll call this an "interception". And the last option is to block or evade your opponent's attack first, and then to counter. We'll call this option the "traditional counter".

When you're threatened by an opponent, realize your life is in danger, and are unable to escape, you'd be far better off attacking first then waiting for the opponent to attack you. This way you'll have the element of surprise and the greatest number of offensive options. Using the "attack" puts your opponent on defense right away.

The second method, the "interception", is also a great option. As your opponent moves to attack you, you attack him/her simultaneously. The interception requires more skill than the "attack", ...
... since you'll need to be able to simultaneously evade or block and counterattack. But it can be the best option of the three, as your opponent will be least ready for your attack when he is in the midst of his own.

The last method, blocking and then countering, as is taught most frequently in martial arts and self defense classes, is the least effective and should ideally never be used. The problem with blocking your opponent's attack first is that if he continues to attack you'll never have the chance to launch a counter of your own! It allows your opponent to stay on offense as long as he or she likes, and puts you in the worse possible position.

The key to applying the attack and the interception rather than the traditional counter, is to use distance and time to your advantage. By maintaining a distance in which your opponent cannot strike you without moving forward, you'll have the time to see his attack coming. As soon as he moves forward to attack, you can attack into his attack. This is the easiest way to apply the interception. If you're at a distance in which you and your opponent can reach each other, you'll either need to create distance immediately, or attack your opponent. Otherwise, he'll have the option to attack you, and you won't have the time to respond to it.
About Author:
Phil Ruben studies self defense techniques from www.hertao.com, including boxing, Thai boxing, Filipino martial arts, and wing chun.