Ki Cho Woon Dong (WTSDA) Inside to Outside Block Tutorial
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Outside Defense·Heads of the Valleys Tang Soo Do
Here is a video for the basic block Inside to Outside Block and how to help with improving the technique
Outside Defense
SubFamilyアウトサイドディフェンス(Autosaido Difensu)
descriptiveTranslation: outside defense (Krav Maga forearm deflection from inside to outside)
Overview
The Outside Defense is a Krav Maga defensive technique where the defender uses the forearm or open hand to deflect an incoming straight attack (punch, knife thrust) by sweeping the arm from inside to outside, redirecting the attack away from the centerline. [1] Unlike traditional martial arts blocks that stop the attack, Krav Maga's outside defense deflects while simultaneously stepping offline, creating an angle for an immediate counter-attack. [1] It is part of Krav Maga's 360-degree defense system which provides coverage against attacks from all angles. [1]
Outside BlockOutside DeflectionKrav Maga Outside Defense360 Outside Defense
History & Origin
The Outside Defense is part of Krav Maga's foundational defense system developed by Imi Lichtenfeld for the Israeli Defense Forces. [1] Krav Maga's defense philosophy prioritizes deflection and simultaneous counter-attack over static blocking. The 360-degree defense system was designed to provide simple, instinctive responses to attacks from any direction. [1]
Effectiveness
Highly effective in self-defense scenarios because it combines defense with body movement and sets up an immediate counter-attack. [1] The step offline removes the defender from the line of follow-up attacks. Simpler than traditional martial arts blocks, designed to work under stress and adrenaline. [1]
Lineage
Krav Maga lineage: Imi Lichtenfeld (1910–1998) developed the system from street-fighting experience in Bratislava → adopted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1948 → civilian Krav Maga spread worldwide through Lichtenfeld's students including Haim Gidon, Eyal Yanilov, and Darren Levine. [1]
Competition Record
Krav Maga is a self-defense system, not a competition sport. These techniques are tested in scenario-based training and military/law enforcement contexts rather than regulated competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Forearm sweeps from inside to outside, deflecting the incoming attack away from the body's centerline
Joints Involved — Shoulder rotation (sweep), forearm pronation (contact surface), feet (step offline)
Force Vector — Lateral — redirecting the attack from center to outside
Position & Entry
Against a straight punch — Step offline to the outside while sweeping the forearm across to deflect the punch
Against a knife thrust — Same motion but with emphasis on controlling the weapon hand after deflection
Variants
360 outside defense — full circular deflection for hook punches
Outside defense against straight knife — controlling the weapon hand after deflection
Outside defense against bat/stick — deflecting while stepping back
Low outside defense — deflecting low kicks or low punches
Videos
Outside Defense against Punches, Part 1 | Krav Maga Defense
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Outside Defense·Howcast
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Double Leg Defense
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Outside Defense·Iron Faith Wrestling
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Outside and Inside Chest Block Tutorial X Sebastian Couture
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Outside Defense·Douvris Barrhaven
Check out our Tutorial of the Inside and Outside Chest Block taught by Sensei Sebastian.
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4 videosWhat Instructors Say
Outside defense in Krav Maga is a primary evasion and counterattack technique executed from a low basic stance with hands positioned below waist level. According to Howcast, the defender shifts the body toward the attacker's non-dominant side while bringing the lower forearm (not upper) upward past the face to intercept incoming punches, as the lower forearm carries greater structural strength. Crucially, the strike must occur simultaneously with the defense rather than sequentially—the defender immediately grabs the attacker and delivers a knee strike to the groin while creating separation, without rotating the shoulders to conserve time. Douvris Barrhaven presents a related outside chest block from a standing position with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent, where one hand chambers while the opposite arm crosses the center line with the elbow tucked tightly and fists aligned, generating speed and power through coordinated pull-and-push mechanics. Heads of the Valleys Tang Soo Do describes an inside-to-outside block executed in front stance, where the arm sweeps across the body (metaphorically scraping past the tricep) and stops directly in front of the face at approximately 30 degrees, with the outer edge of the forearm making contact. All instructors emphasize proper arm alignment, elbow positioning, and the importance of stance integrity to generate defensive power.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Howcast — Outside Defense against Punches, Part 1 | Krav Maga Defense: Detailed execution from low basic stance, emphasis on using lower forearm, simultaneous strike with grab and knee to groin, body shift toward attacker's life side
- Douvris Barrhaven — Outside and Inside Chest Block Tutorial X Sebastian Couture: Standing position setup, center-line crossing mechanics, elbow tucking, pull-and-push speed generation, comparison with inside chest block variant
- Heads of the Valleys Tang Soo Do — Ki Cho Woon Dong (WTSDA) Inside to Outside Block Tutorial: Front stance positioning, sweeping motion across body, blocking angle and triangle gap formation, wrist alignment, common mistakes (angle, arm usage, wrist bend), partner testing drills
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
1
Low1/10
Minimal — defensive technique.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Krav Maga competitions— fundamental defense
Unified MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFTraining Notes
✓Deflect AND step offline simultaneously — don't just block in place
✓The deflection should redirect the attack PAST you, not stop it
✓Immediately counter-attack after the deflection — defense and offense in one beat
✓Use the whole forearm as the deflection surface, not just the hand
✓Against weapons, control the attacking hand after deflection
Common Mistakes
!Blocking in place without stepping offline — remains in the line of attack
!Reaching too far to deflect — overextension creates new openings
!Not following up with an immediate counter — Krav Maga requires continuous combat
!Using only the hand to deflect — the forearm provides a larger deflection surface
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Deflect punch with outside defense → immediate palm strike to face → knee to groin → disengage
2Against knife thrust → outside defense + control the hand → knee + disarm
Sources & References
Primary Source
Lichtenstein, Y. The Book of Krav Maga: The Bible.
1BookLichtenstein, Y. The Book of Krav Maga: The Bible.
[1] Lichtenstein, The Book of Krav Maga, Defense Techniques chapter
2CitationLichtenstein, Y. The Book of Krav Maga: The Bible.
[1] Lichtenstein, The Book of Krav Maga, Defense Techniques chapter
Community
Athletics
Requires
reaction speed, ability to move feet while deflecting
Key muscles
deltoids, forearms, legs (stepping offline)
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of my forearm should I use to defend against an outside punch?
You should defend with the lower part of your forearm, not the higher part, because the lower part carries significantly more strength when moving to the life side of your opponent.
Should I block first and then strike, or do both at the same time?
According to Krav Maga instruction, it is crucial that you strike your opponent at the same time as defending—it's not a separate block and strike. You should strike immediately without rotating your shoulder, as that rotation consumes valuable time.
What are the most common mistakes people make with the outside block?
Common mistakes include incorrect block angle (coming outside the body, too high, too low, too short, or too long), not crossing the block on the outside of the arm, and bending the wrist forward instead of keeping it straight and aligned with your body.
How should my wrist be positioned in an outside block?
Your wrist should always be pointing up and kept straight in alignment with your body, not bent forward. This alignment allows you to transition directly from the block into a punch or another strike.
How does the Outside Defense work?
The Outside Defense is a Krav Maga defensive technique where the defender uses the forearm or open hand to deflect an incoming straight attack (punch, knife thrust) by sweeping the arm from inside to outside, redirecting the attack away from the centerline. Unlike traditional martial arts blocks that stop the attack, Krav Maga's outside defense deflects while simultaneously stepping offline, creating an angle for an immediate counter-attack.
Where does the Outside Defense come from?
The Outside Defense is part of Krav Maga's foundational defense system developed by Imi Lichtenfeld for the Israeli Defense Forces. Krav Maga's defense philosophy prioritizes deflection and simultaneous counter-attack over static blocking.
Is the Outside Defense legal in competition?
Krav Maga competitions: Legal: legal — fundamental defense; Unified MMA: Legal {src:Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025|/sources/Unified: legal — MMA-Rules-August-2025.pdf}
How dangerous is the Outside Defense?
Danger rating 1/10. Minimal — defensive technique.
How do I set up the Outside Defense?
The standard setup chain: Deflect punch with outside defense → immediate palm strike to face → knee to groin → disengage → Against knife thrust → outside defense + control the hand → knee + disarm.
How do I defend against the Outside Defense?
Standard counters include: N/A — this IS a defensive technique..
What are the variants of the Outside Defense?
Common variants: 360 outside defense (full circular deflection for hook punches); Outside defense against straight knife (controlling the weapon hand after deflection); Outside defense against bat/stick (deflecting while stepping back); Low outside defense (deflecting low kicks or low punches).
How effective is the Outside Defense in competition?
Krav Maga is a self-defense system, not a competition sport. These techniques are tested in scenario-based training and military/law enforcement contexts rather than regulated competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Outside Defense?
Top errors to watch for: Blocking in place without stepping offline — remains in the line of attack / Reaching too far to deflect — overextension creates new openings / Not following up with an immediate counter — Krav Maga requires continuous combat / Using only the hand to deflect — the forearm provides a larger deflection surface.
What are other names for the Outside Defense?
The Outside Defense is also known as Autosaido Difensu, Outside Block, Outside Deflection, Krav Maga Outside Defense, 360 Outside Defense.