Kick Defense - Shell Up & Counter

When defending against an opponent's roundhouse kick, this tool is more of a last resort than a go-to defense. But oftentimes a fighter can find themselves a split-second too late to check a kick with their shin, or to step with the kick and catch the leg. If the kick is already most of the way to you, this can be a good reflex to program into your game — we want to avoid taking a full-force roundhouse on the ribs or the arm.

To execute this technique, simply keep your arm where it is against your ribs and turn the shoulder of the side being kicked forward toward your opponent, taking the kick across the back of your shoulder. Don't turn too far and let the kick hit your spine -- that can hurt a lot and cause you a lot of problems.

Now that you've turned and absorbed the kick, you're wound up on your power side to counter back with a powerful shot, or a combination starting with a rear-side cross, knee or Thai roundhouse.