Yellow Tip - 9th Kup

Elbows in > drop weight > turn one way, then the other > then step back under their arm and push arms away.
Lower weight > push arms forward and body back into attacker > double elbow strike [Danger!]

Defence against punch

Start at punching distance.

Against jab > deflect to close attack
Against jab > deflect jab > kick to shin
Against jab > deflect jab > turning kick to thigh or mid-section
Against cross > deflect to close attack
Against cross > deflect cross > step to outside block > knee to ribs
Against cross > deflect cross - step to outside block > side kick to knees or ribs
Against Haymaker

NEW 2026 Defence against haymaker (big circular punch to the head)

Attempting to catch a fast jab or even a cross is not likely to be successful and may even put you into a more dangerous position. For direct jabs and crosses the safest way is to use deflection, slipping or covering (boxing style).

Please note - this is not sparring - it is defence in a situation where someone (usually someone bigger than you) want to knock your head off. The situation will probably have started with a verbal disagreement, maybe even some pushing and shoving. They may (probably) have their friends nearby ready to help out if you put up a fight. You need to be able to respond automatically so that your higher mind can be aware of what is going on around you and see if someone else is approaching, where the nearest exit door is located, what furniture, objects are available to use as obstacles or even as a weapon.

This seems like a simple exercise - but there is a lot to learn, think about and get right - so that if it does ever happen to you - you are not paralysed with fear or uncertainty.

However, haymakers are common, especially as a surprise attack (from the side) and when the attacker is very angry and just wants to knock your head off - they are counting on that one punch to end the argument. They will often be telegraphed by a drawing back of the hand or shoulder to "load up" the punch. Look for the signs a haymaker is coming and practice the timing required to defend successfully. Some attackers will also try to trick you by looking away or turning as if to talk to their friend behind them.

If you see the situation escalating - don't leave your hands by your sides - you will not have time to cover your head - raise your hands to be about chest height with your open hands facing the attacker - signalling you want them to back off and calm down - not fists closed indicating you want to fight.

It is important not have multiple ways of dealing with an attack - keep it simple and adjust if necessary as the attacker moves in. The start of your defence should always be the same - the finish might be different depending on the situation. Practice this until you do it automatically - with thinking.

For a haymaker the recommended defence is to:

Use the flinch reflex to cover your head - keep looking at the attacker - don't close your eyes! Ensure you cover you face and side of your head as you move forward and are still able to see the attacker through your guard. Do not close your eyes!
Rush in towards them and cut the distance - aim to hit them with your forearm on their chest - you may not get there - but the forward momentum will interrupt their attack and balance - drive forward with your legs as you make contact.
As you go in, block the attacking arm at the bicep with your elbow and hit their neck or collar bone or chest with the other forearm.
Wrap up their attacking arm, step to the side, pull the arm down to break their posture (if possible) - strike their head with elbow, palm, hammer fist - knee strikes to the body (solar plexus or ribs).
If they are too big you may not be able to wrap their arm and control them - focus on landing a few strikes to their weak points while you are in there and then turn and run - your life depends on your ability to cause damage and making them realise you are not going to be an easy victim today. Practice identifying and striking their weak points - neck, eyes, nose, solar plexus, groin, knees.
After a few rapid/repeated attacks either release and run or take them to the ground using leg reap or face push or any available throw. Do not go to the ground - they may not be alone.

Keep it simple and use gross motor skills - nothing fancy that requires fine motor skills and co-operation from your partner. You need to commit to make this work - you cannot do it by half. If you are late or do not put them off balance when you rush in, they will step back and attack you again or with another weapon.

Yes - you might be able to duck under the punch - but if you have not cut the distance then they will just continue their attack and your only option is to run - or keep ducking. If you do manage to duck under you still need to be going in and setting up a back-take, tackle or take down.

NEW 2026 Sparring Drills

Objectives: Students are building on stance work by adding basic angular movements - moving in a semi-circle and the introduction of evasion or slipping. Students also begin to practise pivoting and implementing directional change. These drills build on the techniques learnt at White Belt, specifically front kick and turning kick, with students learning to apply these techniques with control in a sparring setting.

Movement Drill (sparring stance) – done in lines in class
- In & Out: Semi circle - Guard up
- In & Out: Semi circle - Jab (front hand)
- In & Out: Semi circle - Jab/Cross
Combination Drill – Step to Right (guard up) > Pivot to Left > Front Kick Left Leg (and Reverse) - in lines
Partner Drills
- Parrying against Jab/Cross & Turning Kick with partner (one for one, continuous)
- Against a Left Jab with partner:
  - - Slip stepping to the right (outside)
    - Slip to right > Over the top Right-hand punch
    - Slip to right with simultaneous left Jab
    - Slip with Jab to the Right > Pivot to Left > Front Kick Left Leg

Falling

Front fall
Side fall

Hand Techniques

Jab / cross combination
Deflection (closing attacker)
Hook punch
Knife hand block
Palm thrust to face
Side guarding block (cover head and body at same time)

Patterns

Self Defence Drill 1 – Releases and Strikes

Single hand grab and push > Release and spin 180
Single hand grab and pull > Strike wrist to release > knife hand strike to neck (attacker leans back to avoid strike and replies immediately with the next attack).
Punch > Step to outside (90) and deflect the punch, grab the arm and knee to ribs > push attacker away
Two handed choke > Grab one hand, other arm over and then elbow strike to head with loud kyup [DANGER!!]

Key Principles and Skills

Non-resistance – relax, don’t tense when grabbed – don’t be there
Circle Principle – lead an attack into a circle
Blending with opponent’s movement – just enough so the attacker still thinks they have control of you
Using 90 and 180 step – use of body weight, not arm strength.
Sword movement for deflecting punches – presenting a triangle to the attacking line

Multiple Grabbing

Demonstrate defence against dynamic grabs to wrists – front and rear – using releases - or release/strike.
Includes defence against punch - use 90 and 180 footwork
Importance of head movement – don’t look at feet

Pressure Points

Kidney 1 – healing point or used for warming up

Weak Points

Solar Plexus – used for elbow strikes and punch.

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