This is an article I wrote in the mid-90s. It was almost published in Martial Arts Training magazine. (There was a problem with the photos.) Here it is with minor edits. Note that we still do this drill every week!
It is not uncommon for martial artists to demonstrate their defensive prowess against punches by saying "Throw a left jab" or "Okay, try to hit me with a right hook." The result might be a forceful block followed by a series of lightning counters, or a gap too wide to allow the punch to reach followed by an impressive kick combination. While such displays may be entertaining, they have nothing to do with defending against a real attack. The problem is not with the defense but with the foreknowledge of the attacking technique.
The Punch Defenses Drill (PDD) provides martial artists with a progressive test of defensive ability under sub-optimal conditions that more closely approach reality than traditional one-step sparring or similarly static exercises. It can give a new, possibly disturbing, perspective on the relative effectiveness of various defensive techniques.
Getting Started
PDD is a two-person drill with six stages that can be modified and extended to suit the style and practitioner. The equipment required depends on the skill level of the attacker whose ability to pull a heavy punch at the last possible moment can prevent serious injury. If you have any doubts at all about your attacker's pulling ability, have him wear padded gloves. The attacker should also wear a body protector if any defenses will target the body. Forearm guards are also recommended—hard blocks against heavy hooks really take their toll. Additional protection may be warranted when training with a beginning or reckless student. The defender can also wear a mouthguard, and headgear if desired.
The concept of PDD is quite simple. The defender takes a defensive position, the attacker assumes an offensive posture with a gap short enough to allow punches to reach effectively. The attacker launches a technique appropriate for the defender's current level. The defender must defend and counter using a predetermined technique and without backing away. While retreating can often be useful, many times it is not practical or even possible. This is one element that makes PDD particularly challenging.
The counter should be suitable to finish the engagement. If the defense is ineffective, the attacker should repeat the same attack, allowing the defender to confidently execute his counter. Otherwise, attacks should continue randomly with a broken rhythm, allowing the defender to reset after each engagement.
When first starting, attacks should be at three-quarter speed. Increase speed as the defender's success rate improves, moving up a level when he can consistently execute against attacks near full speed. Slow attacks are not helpful because they leave too much time for thought instead of reaction. Keep the pace brisk.
The Six Levels
Level 1 consists of only straight rights and straight lefts (jabs and crosses). Pick one favorite defense against each and use only these defenses. It's a good idea to consider the upcoming levels when choosing your defense because what works fine at Level 1 may fail painfully at a more difficult level. Remember to "stand in" rather than back away, and try to avoid anticipating (guessing) which hand will be coming. This level can be surprisingly challenging but is an excellent building block for what's to come.
Level 2 adds straight punches to the body. This expands the target area vertically giving the defender more area to cover. Be sure to keep the defense economical and avoid dropping both hands. The attacker must be sure to penetrate with the body shots, closing the gap as necessary.
Now things get serious. Level 3 adds right and left hooks. The attacker should be sure to step in to make sure the hook will land if not defended. This tends to be a challenging level due to the difficulty in reading a hook versus a cross. Be sure to throw the hooks hard to reveal weak defenses. Forearm guards can prove especially valuable here.
Level 4 adds front kicks. Of course, this makes "Punch Defenses Drill " a misnomer, but what's in a name? The kicks should be directed toward the midsection with either leg. This expands the defender's area of awareness to include the feet. Depending on the selected defense, shin guards may be needed for the attacker.
Note that other techniques may be added or substituted at these early levels. For example, backfists, ridge hands, or willow palms may be pertinent to your style. However, PDD tries to focus on techniques that are most likely to be encountered in an actual attack.
Now that we have a variety of techniques to handle, let's complicate how they are launched. Level 5 adds fakes. For example, the attacker might fake a straight left to the body and throw the right hook to the head. This is where exaggerated defenses begin to be exposed. If both hands drop to handle the fake body punch, stopping the real hook becomes an adventure. Use no more than one fake at a
time.
Level 6 adds combinations. No longer can the defender be content with having stopped that left jab—the right cross may be on the way before the counter has begun. This is where getting into the habit of checking the free hand can be a real lifesaver. Limit the combination to a maximum of three consecutive techniques, including fakes.
That's it for the defined levels. If Level 6 becomes too easy, try getting a faster attacker. You can also vary the punching angles, add more techniques, etc. PDD should never cease to be challenging.
Some Tips
It helps to keep defenses simple, particularly as you move to the higher levels. Counters should be crisp and compact, always accounting for the free weapons. For example, as you move to counter a left hook, be sure to track the right hand and non-weight-bearing foot (the one that can kick immediately). Use your mobility to reduce your vulnerability and improve your counters.
The attacker should be careful to avoid leading the defense; for example, jabbing to the side of the head the defender will be parrying toward. Target your attacks realistically.
Always be sure the defender is in range, and commit to the attack. Since you know what his defense will be, it's tempting to defend against it, but you should instead try to react realistically. Also, avoid trying to trick the defender by shaking the hands, deliberately making a hook look like a straight punch, etc. It is a good idea to vary your speed , "hitch", punching style, intensity, etc., but only when the defender is comfortable with standard attacks at that level.
It's a good idea to go one level below the defender's current ability and throw full power techniques to be sure the defense will stop it. A solid hook will crash right through a weak parry— better to find out in training than in the street.
If you find yourself making three or four consecutive errors during the PDD, it's best to take a break and start again. The mind often ponders what went wrong on the previous attack, leaving it unprepared for the current one, and it starts again. Evasive tactics (slips, bobs, ducks) can save your head on a blown defense. Even if you don't execute the correct defense, it's always best to not get hit. If, however, you do get hit , don't stop! Always immediately prepare for a followup attack. In fact, the attacker should at least simulate one. Once you've demonstrated your readiness, then you can stop and inventory the damage.
Ready for Action
PDD is a very challenging, often frustrating training technique. But it's very rewarding to find yourself executing your PDD defenses cleanly during a sparring match. It also builds confidence in handling a real opponent at punching range. And the next time someone asks you to demonstrate your defensive prowess against punches, you can say, "Sure, throw whatever you want."
Be seeing you.
-gary