Sucker Punched
The dreaded sucker punch.
Don’t discredit it as dishonorable… it doesn’t matter. If it hits you it might knock you out and end the fight.
It is the most common form of attack… frankly any ambush is the most common type of attack. Why? Predators want to catch their victims off guard.
Maybe it is an angry neighbor. Maybe someone followed you into a parking lot (road rage). Or maybe you accidentally bumped into someone at a bar… or in church.
If you follow the tips below you will greatly decrease your chances of getting sucker punched.
Be Aware, Be Present, Be Focused
How can you tell if you are about to be sucker punched?
Hey look sometimes people play the knockout game where they come up behind you and try to hit you in the back of the head. If that happens only your spacial awareness can help you.
But let’s focus on they guy right in front of you.
He is yelling, puffing his chest, threatening, getting closer, has nervous energy.
You are feeling uneasy. Almost a premonition that you know something is wrong and this isn’t going to turn into a kumbaya moment.
Well if any of these boxes are checked you might get sucker punched.
It is important to acknowledge this. Keep your awareness and stay focused on the threat in front of you. Don’t turn your back thinking nothing will happen.
Be ready to defend the sucker punch while trying to defuse the situation.
Don’t Willingly Engage in the Monkey Dance
The monkey dance is where 2 people get in each other’s face and trade insults until it finally turns physical.
This is immature and tactically foolish. But hey, you are only human. Do your best to be aware of the emotions you feel and if you are feeling your ego get challenged by some idiot you had better have the self control to take control of yourself.
If not you might do something stupid and get sucker punched.
Create Space
No one can sucker punch you unless they can get close to you. Duh! But go look at countless videos of people getting sucker punched. They aren’t respecting that rule.
My rule of thumb is they need to be far enough away that it takes at least 1 step for them to be able to touch your shoulder with their finger. A bit further is better. Being in a different city is probably even better.
If You Don’t Have Space… Hands Up!
You simply are not fast enough to defend a sucker punch if your hands are down.
Action always beats reaction because it starts first. And you will be reacting to your attacker’s action.
The only way to beat that action (aside from sufficient distance) is to already have your hands up.
Now they are in position to react before the sucker punch connects.
You can hold your hands in a palms facing them manner. This commonly looks like a position where you are trying to deescalate or defuse a situation. This looks really good from a self-defense perspective when caught on camera.
You could also do the classic prayer hands position where you simply put your hands together held around your upper chest / throat level. This is a classic law enforcement pose.
From this position you are capable of intercepting a sucker punch with a block or a flinch spear response. And then launch your counter attack.
Hitting First
So you will likely have the option to hit first. And from a tactical perspective that is the best thing to do.
BUT…
I would like you to consider some things:
Consider the laws where you live. Where I live you can legally hit first if you believe you are in imminent danger and a reasonable person would think you did the right thing.
People are less reasonable today by the way. Plus you need to check that your own level of reasoning is on par.
Also consider that your mind will be going a million miles per hour. You will be thinking things like, “is this really happening?” “Where should I hit him?” “Will I get into legal trouble if I hit first?” Etc.
Then while you are processing all of those thoughts they might just sucker punch you. So just be ready to block.
Attacking from Created Space
If you were fortunate enough to have space to move back but unfortunate enough that they are following you then you can hit first by intercepting them on the way in.
An interception is when you attack them right as they are in mid step. They are off balance.
A front thrust or side kick can be very effective but only if you have those skills very sharp. You could also use boxing skills like a jab / cross. The bottom line is this is where classic kicking and punching skills come into play.
Summary
It is best to avoid the monkey dance. Create space and have your hands up while you try to deescalate the situation.
Keep your cool and calm head about you.
And if you have no choice… well you better have gotten a lot of reps of practice in.
Until next time,
Brian Copeland
