360 DEGREE DEFENSE

Attacks to the body may include overhead strikes, straight and hook punches, and upward attacks.

The Seven 360 Defense Positions

In these positions, the blocking surface is the blade of the forearm from the fingertips to the elbow, with fingers extended. Put weight behind the defense with a slight chopping motion outward to meet the attack, instead of just leaving the arms stationary in position. Attack the attack.

The seven positions for the arms are:

1. Arms raised overhead, crossing forearms, forming a triangle. The biceps are close to ears, and chin tucked in slightly to ensure the head is within the triangle. Position 1 defends against overhead attacks.


2. Arms bent at 90-degree angle, upper arms are 45 degrees from the ground, palms facing out. Position 2 defends against attacks on a downward diagonal attack to the head.


3. Arms bent at 90-degree angle, with biceps parallel to the ground, forearms perpendicular to the ground, palms facing slightly out. Position 3 defends against horizontal attacks from the side, aimed at the head, such as a hook punch, slap, and roundhouse kick.


4. Elbows drawn against your sides with fingers pointed upward and backs of hands just in front of shoulders. Position 4 defends against attacks to the ribs or midsection.


5. Arms bent at 90-degree angle, biceps parallel to ground, forearm at either side of the torso perpendicular to the ground, fingertips pointing downward, palms facing back. Position 5 defends against attacks to ribs and midsection.


6. Arms bent at 45-degree angle, hands in front of hips and slightly forward, elbows out. Bend body slightly forward from hips (not knees). Position 6 blocks against diagonally upward attacks towards the upper body.


7. Starting with position 6, place one forearm on top of the other, elbows out to sides. Lean forward at the hips, with hips as far back as possible. Position 7 blocks attacks to the groin and solar plexus and upward attacks, such as kicks.

Practice of the 360 Defense

Practice the 360 degree defense alone, moving from one position to the next in a modified circular pattern. Remember to attack the attack by putting weight behind each position, using a sharp but short pushing motion.

To practice with a partner, have the partner attack with an open hand, varying the direction, speed, and angle each time. The attacking partner can attack with one hand, both hands right after another in a broken rhythm, and both hands simultaneously. Angle of attacks can be from the side, top, or bottom. Make the attacks random.

Start the practice drills with fairly wide attacks, and progress to tighter and quicker attacks, with less or no telegraphing.

After the basic defenses are learned, add a simultaneous counterattack with the non-defending hand, such as punch to the windpipe, palm to the face, or knife hand to the neck. Then do the same drill and add yet additional counterattacks with your hands, elbows, knees, and kicks.

Conclusion

The 360 degree defense should become an instinctual reflex in defending attacks at various angles to the outside of the body. At the most proficient level, simultaneous and follow up counterattacks are executed to neutralize the threat.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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