Defending straight-line attacks...

[bushido_man96]

When defending straight-line attacks, like straight punches, side kicks, or front kicks, do you usually find yourself moving to the inside of the technique to defend, where you then might have to worry about other limbs, or to the outside of the attack, where you can be away from the other weapons for a brief time? Where do you naturally go, and what do you work towards?

I'd love to hear any ideas and suggestions.

[Kuma]

I prefer the outside, but a lot of that is due to training with one of my former senseis who was big into the Enshin karate philosophy of the sabaki method. You're away from most of their weapons, free to counterattack on a wide open target, and then they just have to turn and orient themselves towards you once again.

[bushido_man96]

I like that approach a lot too, Kuma, and its the one I try to train when I do Hapkido and Defensive Tactics. Getting away from those weapons, as well as placing yourself at the opponent's flank or rear, is of great strategic value in my eyes.

[JAKEHE3078]

Well if it is a straight punch I like to beat them to the punch let them close the distance and come into my attack. With straight kicks I rather move to the outside to gain a line for a counter.

[DWx]

We're taught to do both equally but I find myself favouring the inside. There are more targets for me to work with and I'm much happier initiating takedowns from the inside.

[JAKEHE3078]

I prefer the outside, but a lot of that is due to training with one of my former senseis who was big into the Enshin karate philosophy of the sabaki method. You're away from most of their weapons, free to counterattack on a wide open target, and then they just have to turn and orient themselves towards you once again.

Ditto

[the beast]

I also prefer to parry and move to their back.

[tallgeese]

Moving to the outside of attacks is always preferable for me. As you said, it keeps you away from the other weapons he can bring to bear while allowing you to close the gap. Or counter from range it that's what you're wanting to do. Either way, it keeps his other threats in a position that meakes them harder for him to throw, and forces him to reorient to attack you.

As we know though, preferable isn't always reality when things really start flying and you might very well end up inside. Still, I angle for the outside when possible.

[KarateGeorge]

I tend to find myself moving to the outside. Not only does it limit their attacks, but it also limits their blocks, making it easier for me to move to the offensive.

I also adjust my distance based on who I'm fighting. If they seem to be a big fan of kicking, I try to keep in close range on them to make it difficult for them to pull off good kicks. If they seem to be a close-in person, I'll step back and try to keep my distance.

My basic tactic is to try and limit their options and minimize their strengths.

[Montana]

In Shorin Ryu we can go either to the inside, or the outside--depending on what you want to accomplish or what technique you're going to use. A lot of it depends on if you have the room, what foot you're on, and of course, what you are comfortable doing.

As has been stated, going to the inside gives you a few more "targets", but also makes you more vulnerable to your opponents weapons also, so the outside is generally encouraged.