Inside deflection Outside deflection
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Forearm Deflection·Bryan Hawkins Kenpo
Forearm Deflection
SubFamily前腕ディフレクション(Zenwan Difurekushon)
Translation: Forearm deflection
Overview
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Jack Dempsey used these techniques to become one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history. [1]
Lineage
Jack Dempsey → modern boxing methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Dempsey's techniques produced one of boxing's most feared knockout artists
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Forearm Deflection-specific boxing mechanics as described by Dempsey
Position & Entry
From boxing stance — Execute forearm deflection
Variants
Not yet documented
Videos
Why block with the forearm (rather than the palm)?
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Forearm Deflection·Dan Djurdjevic - The Way of Least Resistance
A discussion as to why traditional martial arts use forearms as blocks or deflections rather than palms. From the Acade…
Learn the UNCOMMON WAYS to parry punches in boxing
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Forearm Deflection·Skillr Boxing
🔬Upgrade your PARRYING KNOWLEDGE with our parrying study 0:00 Intro 0:41 Basics & Best Practices 3:13 Drop/Down Parrie…
Muay Thai Elbow Deflection (all angles)
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Forearm Deflection·SNAKE BLOCKER
3 Different Blocking Energy for Boxing (push back, deflection, catch-and-shoot)
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Forearm Deflection·expertboxing
Teaching you how to block punches properly in boxing (fighting, MMA). You can either counter-explode against the punch, …
KUNG FU BASIC DRILLS FOREARM DEFLECTION, BACK FIST, STRAIGHT PUNCH
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Forearm Deflection·Hung Sing Kwoon USA - Sifu Frank
The Difference Between Block and Parry in Boxing
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Forearm Deflection·Oracle Boxing
Complete The 6-Week Challenge NOW https://oracleboxing.com/6wc-yt-desc Get My Course NOW https://oracleboxing.com/cours…
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7 videosWhat Instructors Say
Forearm deflection is a defensive technique that redirects incoming punches using the forearm or elbow rather than the hands alone. Oracle Boxing distinguishes deflection from blocking, noting that deflection actively redirects an opponent's strike off-line while maintaining the opportunity for counters. SNAKE BLOCKER emphasizes the elbow deflection variant, where the defender raises or moves the elbow in circular, side-to-side, or linear patterns to intercept punches aimed at the face or head. The technique works across multiple punch types—jabs, crosses, hooks, and uppercuts—and SNAKE BLOCKER notes that contact between the opponent's fist and the defender's elbow point can cause significant pain or injury, especially in ungloved scenarios. Dan Djurdjevic - The Way of Least Resistance provides biomechanical rationale: human reaction time (~0.2 seconds) means hand-based defense positioned near the face reacts too slowly to incoming strikes at mid-range; forearms positioned forward intercept punches before they close the gap, requiring minimal movement. Djurdjevic demonstrates that forearm deflection works efficiently in melee range with small, economical movements. All instructors agree that proper deflection avoids the trap of reaching too far, which creates openings for attacks from opposite limbs. The technique integrates body movement and footwork to enhance defensive coverage.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- Oracle Boxing — The Difference Between Block and Parry in Boxing: Distinguishes deflection from passive blocking; notes deflection redirects strikes and enables counters.
- SNAKE BLOCKER — Muay Thai Elbow Deflection (all angles): Details elbow deflection mechanics across multiple punch angles; emphasizes impact potential of elbow contact; provides drill methodology and cautionary notes on overextension.
- Dan Djurdjevic - The Way of Least Resistance — Why block with the forearm (rather than the palm)?: Explains neurobiological timing advantage of forearm placement over hand defense; demonstrates economy of motion in melee range.
- Hung Sing Kwoon USA - Sifu Frank — KUNG FU BASIC DRILLS FOREARM DEFLECTION, BACK FIST, STRAIGHT PUNCH: Minimal transcription data; video indicates kung fu tradition of forearm deflection training.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Defensive technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWBC/Boxing — Legal — blocking and evasion are core boxing skills {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
— WKF — Legal — blocking is a fundamental karate skill
WKF Competition Rules 2024PDFKyokushin — Legal {src— IKO Kyokushin Tournament Rules}
— WT — Legal
WT Competition Rules 2024PDF— WAKO — Legal
WAKO Competition RulesPDFK-1/GLORY — Legal {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
— IFMA — Legal
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Dempsey emphasised the falling step as the foundation of all punching power (Dempsey, 1950)
Common Mistakes
!Not committing body weight
!Arm-punching
!Breaking the power line
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Stance → Falling step → Forearm Deflection → Follow-up
Sources & References
Primary Source
Championship Fighting (Dempsey, 1950)
1Book[1] Dempsey, J. (1950). Championship Fighting: Explosive Punching and Aggressive Defense. Prentice-Hall.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Dempsey, J
2Citation[1] Dempsey, J. (1950). Championship Fighting: Explosive Punching and Aggressive Defense. Prentice-Hall.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Dempsey, J
Community
Athletics
Explosive leg drive
Good balance
Strong core rotation
Notes
Forearm deflection redirects incoming attacks using the forearm as a shield surface — the most basic blocking mechanic in virtually every martial art. The forearm's bone structure (ulna and radius) naturally resists impact. (Universal across martial arts texts)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main goal when using forearm deflection against punches?
The main goal is to make sure their punches don't hit your face. If you succeed by blocking via the forearm and elbow, that's beneficial. According to Snake Blocker, you want to ensure the person is aiming for your nose so you can position your elbow correctly to deflect the strike.
Why should I move my body during forearm deflection instead of just staying in place?
You don't want to stay there and just absorb punishment. According to Bryan Hawkins Kenpo, you want to move your body and move the target away from the weapon, which is why footwork is important during deflection.
How do I deflect different types of punches with my forearm?
Different punches require different deflection angles. Expert Boxing explains that for a jab you might parry down, for a right hand you might deflect up, and for hooks you adjust your angle accordingly. The key is to guide the punch away rather than absorbing it straight on.
What's the difference between forearm blocking and hand blocking for deflection?
According to Bryan Hawkins Kenpo, when using your hand to deflect, you want your palm heel or knife edge of the hand to help control and absorb the shock, while keeping your fingers off the weapon to avoid them getting smashed. The forearm provides additional buffer and protection compared to exposing your hands.
How does the Forearm Deflection work?
Forearm Deflection uses the forearm to redirect incoming punches off their intended path rather than absorbing the force, requiring precise timing and angle. Dempsey emphasised deflection over blocking for energy conservation.
Where does the Forearm Deflection come from?
Documented by Jack Dempsey, heavyweight champion of the world (1919-1926), in his 1950 instructional book. Dempsey's techniques were battle-tested in the era of bare-knuckle and early gloved boxing.
Is the Forearm Deflection legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive technique; WBC/Boxing: legal — Legal — blocking and evasion are core boxing skills; WKF: legal — Legal — blocking is a fundamental karate skill; Kyokushin: legal — Legal; WT: legal — Legal; WAKO: legal — Legal; K: legal — 1/GLORY — Legal; IFMA: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Forearm Deflection?
Danger rating 2/10. Defensive technique
How do I set up the Forearm Deflection?
The standard setup chain: Stance → Falling step → Forearm Deflection → Follow-up.
How do I defend against the Forearm Deflection?
Standard counters include: Clinch / Distance / Counter-punch.
How effective is the Forearm Deflection in competition?
Dempsey's techniques produced one of boxing's most feared knockout artists
What are common mistakes when doing the Forearm Deflection?
Top errors to watch for: Not committing body weight / Arm-punching / Breaking the power line.
What are other names for the Forearm Deflection?
The Forearm Deflection is also known as Zenwan Difurekushon, Deflection Block, Redirecting Block.