Simultaneous offense.defense note

When it comes to defense against a punch (using the jab as an example here), most people will use a defensive motion and attack (parry/jab) or stop hit (jab faster and hit the opponent before his punch connects) and some will have the timing to simultaneously hit/defend at the same time. Regarding simultaneous attack and defense, there is a very important aspect that is often ignored: slipping while attacking.

Slipping on a simultaneous defense/attack is mandatory. If you do not slip when you counterpunch a jab that is coming directly at your head, then you are going to get hit regardless of whether or not you punch connects. This will ultimately defeat the purpose of performing the attack/defense motion as you would have been better off simply defending and not putting your own head right in the line of the chopping block.

When the jab comes in at your head and you return simultaneous “fire” (jabbing back) you need to dip your shoulder at a 90 degree angle to evade the incoming punch or you need to duck and deliver your jab at the mid-section of the opponent. Again, this will keep you safe from getting nailed in the head and that is always a good thing, no? (Granted, some people do DESERVE to be pounded…but I digress)