Johnny "Superfoot" Davis

DEFENSE

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THE ART OF DEFENSE!
Stonewall Defense
"PROTECT YOURSELF AT ALL TIMES"
Excerpts from Mr. Davis' Official IKF Kickboxing Training Manual.

A strong defense is a precious thing. There are few fighters able to obtain a level of seemingly unbreakable defense. I've heard the saying that a strong offense makes a strong defense. In some ways, this is true. If your offense is strong enough, you won't allow your opponent an opportunity to get into the fight. However, I've seen many fights and can't recall one that a fighter did not get hit ...YOU WILL GET HIT! The less punishment you take, the longer your career. You must create a strong defense!

Frankly, I hated getting hit! This is why it was imperative for me to have a defense I could depend on. My length in my kicks often kept me out of striking range. But as I became more confident in my boxing, I did more inside fighting. Yes, I made mistakes and paid for them, but as a result, I developed a pretty good defense.

Note: If your opponent can't hit you clean...it decreases their effectiveness and chance of winning.

I used a special defense style I called Flicking. Flicking is deflecting blows with the gloves and forearms, knocking them off course. Boxers will relate this to "parrying", it sort of like catching blows in the palm of the glove. Flicking also allows you to reset quickly without risk of a successful counter. You use only what's necessary to deflect the blow. I see fighters that stay in the "two arms protecting body and head stance" concentrating on blocking only. If one arm is free, you should use it to counter. The best time to counter is when your opponent is throwing a technique. It's not my philosophy to allow opponents to beat up my arms. The flick motion tightens the muscles at the point of impact. The "flick" or twisting of the arms will also allow more opportunities to get on the inside of your opponent's defense. As you bob and weave, slip and turn your body, you will find openings that would not normally be seen in an upright defensive posture.

Finally, understand you will stay behind your basic defensive posture. I'm not suggesting that you fight with your guard at your waistline. However, you will only block blows that come within the danger zone (blows that will hit you if not blocked) Move behind your defense! You don't want to block a fake blow and get hit by the intended one. Create a stonewall defense. It's vital to your progress in the fight game. It's great to have a strong offense but without the value of the defense, its just a matter of time before you're caught. Take the referee's words literally when they say "protect yourself at all times"!

Defense Tips to Remember:

  • Guard will always remain right above eyebrow and temple.
  • Your head is rarely not protected by at least one arm...always move your head!
  • Learn to move your head as you punch. Keep your chin down.
  • Keep elbows close to your body, not completely against.
  • Use forearms and gloves to block most blows.
  • Keep your eyes focused on your opponent...don't miss opportunities.
  • The shin portion of the leg can be used effectively for blocking many kicks thrown at the body. For some styles, the shin is the primary blocking tool for leg kicks.

FIVE BLOCKS TO CREATING A STRONG DEFENSE

  1. Forearm Block: Great for blocking kicks and punches to head. (repeat with left arm side)
  2. Cross Forearm block: For blocking uppercuts and other blows while inside fighting.
  3. Double Forearm: For blocking body shots from hands or feet, also works well for techniques coming up the middle of your body. Good for protecting head as well.
  4. Forearm/Shin Block: Great reinforcement block for strong kicks thrown to body.
  5. Left and Right Back Hand Blocks: Great for blocking single punches to head area.

Note: There are other styles of blocks that can be used. However, these will get you started in developing your Stonewall Defense.


All information on this page Copyright by Johnny Davis, 1995
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