defense against a push

[aznkarateboi]

how do you defend against a push without hurting your opponent badly?

[equaninimus]

Walk away.

[tommarker]

step backwards?

[stl_karateka]

With a push you always have the option to walk away.

 

If its a matter of you falling, then a good break fall.

[tommarker]

I'm not sure what you're looking for.

 

Why don't you want to hurt them badly? I'm not trying to be morbid, but a shove can be a good precursor to them getting ready to smoke you with a real hit. The shove is just a test of your manhood. Step up to it, and the fight may be on, or they may respect you and leave you alone (doubtful.)

 

Step away from it, and maybe they'll be so impressed with your restraint that they leave you alone (equally doubtful.)

 

Or, maybe it'll confirm their theory that you are a punk, and they'll want to see what else you'll take.

 

Also, what do you mean by "badly?"

 

To me, "badly" means a broken jaw and stepping on their Achille's tendon while they are down on one knee. Is bad for you a nosebleed/broken nose? a black eye? a charlie horse?

 

Are we talking about a schoolyard bully? A mugger? A friend at a party who has had too much to drink?

[Pacificshore]

Redirect their energy

[returning_wave]

Redirect their energy

 

agreed. learn quick parries - a double parry from the inside can push their arms aside, and can, altohugh simple, make you look ready to defend yourself. Often the pushing, name calling stage is for your bully/attacker/drunk guy to assess, either conciously or not, your ability to defend yourself.

[ninjanurse]

If the situation warrants, trap the hand that makes contact with you, step back, and drive their nose to the floor using small-circle technique at the wrist. If they persist, their face is wide open to attack by your foot.

 

[Kanzashi]

You don't mention in what context you are enduring this 'push'. Is this during kumite and the opponent you're sparring with uses a kekomi (thrusting) type of kick or are we talking street fight bullies?

 

Walking away, parries, stepping away or to the side, not being there are all good, but it seems you want some form of retaliation, but not to make it look like retaliation.

 

The arm locks, traps, bars and take downs are the simplest, quickest and least lethal, plus they don't make you out to be a bully yourself, and yes, they hurt.

 

If during a kumite kick, shuffle sideways and come at them with a roundhouse, more than likely they'll still be trying to find their balance.

Edited February 8, 2004 by Kanzashi

[Sasori_Te]

off the top of my head, side step with a circle redirect to the rear culminating in an arm bar, elbow lock or a throw.