DMAG Blocking & Countering / Punches & Kicks

By Dean Lessei

The following is a series of basic drills that I use to help my juniors develop their blocking and countering skills along with timing and form. Its encouraged to use 3 repetitions for all of the drills and we also use an interval timer and do each drill for 15-30 seconds for a 2-3 minute round. These drills are done with sparring gloves, shin guards and mouthpiece. I hope you find these helpful.

1. Against Straight punches (Jab / Cross) – Use parry blocks, blocking the Jab with a right parry block and block the Cross-with a left parry block.

2. Against Left and Right hook – Use cover blocks, blocking the left Hook with a right cover and block the right Hook-with a left cover.

3. Against Left and Right Low Round Kicks – Use a Leg Cover Block, blocking the Left Kick with a right leg cover block and block the Right Kick-with a left leg cover block.

4. Against Left and Right Middle or High Round Kicks – Use a Double Cover Block, blocking the kick with both hands in a cover / parry tight to the side being attacked.

Blocking Drills

Punch Defense- use appropriate Block for each attack.

Jab- Right Parry.

Cross- Left Parry.

Jab, Cross- Right Parry, Left Parry.

Left Hook- Right Cover.

Right Hook- Left Cover.

Punch Defend and Counter- Use appropriate Block and return the same punch that you were attacked with as your counter.

Jab- Right Parry, Jab.

Cross- Left Parry, Cross

Jab, Cross- Right Parry, Left Parry, Jab, Cross.

Left Hook- Right Cover, Left Hook.

Right Hook- Left Cover, Right Hook or Overhand Right.

Kick Defense- Use appropriate Block for each attack.

Left Low Round Kick- Right Leg Cover.

Right Low Round Kick- Left Leg Cover.

Left Middle Round Kick- Low Right Double Cov Block

Right Middle Round Kick- Low Left Double Cov Block.

Left High Round Kick- High Right Double Cover Block.

Right High Round Kick- High Left Double Cover Block.

Kick Defend and Counter- Use appropriate Block and return the same kick that you were attacked with as your counter.

Left Low Round Kick- Right Leg Cover, Left Low Round Kick.

Right Low Round Kick- Left Leg Cover, Right Low Round Kick.

Left Middle Round Kick- Low Right Double Cover Block, Left Middle Round Kick.

Right Middle Round Kick- Low Left Double Cover Block, Right Middle Round Kick.

Left High Round Kick- High Right Double Cover Block, Left High Round Kick.

Right High Round Kick- High Left Double Cover Block, Right High Round Kick.

Punch and Kick Defense- Use appropriate Block and return the same kick that you were attacked with as your counter.

Jab, Right Low Round Kick- Right Parry, Left Leg Cover.

Cross, Left Low Round Kick- Left Parry, Right Leg Cover.

Jab, Right Middle Round Kick- Right Parry, Low Left Double Cover Block.

Cross, Left Middle Round Kick- Left Parry, Low Right Double Cover Block.

Jab, Right High Round Kick- Right Parry, High Left Double Cover Block.

Cross, Left High Round Kick- Left Parry, High Right Double Cover Block.

So there you have it. My adults also use these drills the feedback has been great. Remember, the strength of a structure rests on its foundation. So make sure to drill the basics and keep yours strong. Good luck, feel free to contact me with any questions.

Train smart, train safe, and train hard. If you have any questions about this training format or any other training methods we use at D.M.A.G., feel free to contact me. You can reach me at:

Dubuque Martial Arts Group

3430 Dodge St. (Hwy 20)

 Lower Level Inn Plaza

Dubuque, IA 52003   

(319) 588-1012

dubmag@aol.com

 www.dubmag.com