Inside Defense Setup

The inside defense begins with proper stance and positioning against a direct punch to the face. The defender establishes a basic fighting stance with hands positioned to protect the centerline while maintaining mobility.

Core Principle: Avoid Power-on-Power

Rather than meeting force with force, the defender steps offline to evade the incoming attack. This principle forms the foundation of efficient Krav Maga defense, prioritizing movement over strength.

The Offline Step and Hand Interception

As the attacker commits to their punch, the defender executes a lateral step away from the line of attack while simultaneously reaching toward the incoming wrist. This coordinated movement prevents the punch from reaching its target while positioning the defender for a follow-up response.

Wrist Capture and Shoulder Control

Upon contact with the attacker's wrist, the defender slides their hand forward along the arm toward the shoulder. This transition from interception to control maintains pressure and limits the attacker's ability to reset their position.

Exploiting the Opening and Counterattack

With the attacker's arm extended and controlled, their rib cage becomes exposed. The defender exploits this vulnerability by striking directly into the ribs before the attacker can close the distance or recover their stance.

Footwork Drills: Side Step Mechanics

The defender practices lateral stepping in rhythm with a partner's strikes. This drill builds timing and consistency while developing the muscle memory necessary to automatically move offline under pressure.

Integrated Defense Sequence

The defender combines the offline step, wrist interception, and slide into one fluid motion. The non-striking hand returns to protect the face immediately after the defensive movement is complete.

Adding Counterattack Strikes

Once the fundamental defense becomes automatic, the defender integrates controlled counterpunches into the sequence. The strikes are performed with proper pivoting and rotation to maximize power while maintaining defensive positioning.

Increased Speed and Pressure

The drill progression moves from slow, controlled repetitions to higher-speed exchanges with an attacking partner. This variation helps the defender adapt their technique to realistic attack intensity and rhythm changes.

Inside Defense against Punches, Part 2 | Krav Maga Defense

Howcast

Inside Defense

2 min read·9 key moments·PT2M51S video

Key Takeaways

•Inside Defense Setup
•Core Principle: Avoid Power-on-Power
•The Offline Step and Hand Interception
•Wrist Capture and Shoulder Control

Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLALQuK1NDrhbNpRSUEAloceyNEMzcKzN - - Like these Krav Maga Tutorials !!! Check out the official app http://apple.co/1MpyDY0 Want more techniques for Contact Combat? Mastering Krav Maga (Volume I): http://amzn.to/1VHIavC Krav Maga: Real World Solutions to Real World Violence Paperback: http://amzn.to/1VHVRjy Krav Maga for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide: http://amzn.to/1G0yZVe Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide: http://amzn.to/1htaEvv Krav Maga: An Essential Guide to the Renowned Method: http://amzn.to/1VHImeo Watch more Krav Maga Self-Defense Techniques videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/509332-Inside-Defense-against-Punches-Part-2-Krav-Maga-Defense Inside defense against punch to the face. Here's my defense, just like always we do not work power on power, therefore we are always going to step out of the line of attack. My hand will reach the minute I see him run, I can take him from the wrist and glide into his shoulder. One more time. Combining the two motions together, I'm going to end up right here, from here because the ribs are open. I'm going to strike first into the ribs and open gap if I'm not continuing to strike forward. One more time slow. Thank you. Please, basic stance, take your left hand and open it just a little bit more to the side, from here we do a side step one. Back, one, back, here comes your hand, it's going to hit the wrist and slide forward. One, back, one, back, one, back, one, stay there, hit. I'm reminding you that this hand is going to come back to your face to provide protection before you're hit. Again, one, two. Again, one, two. Again, the whole thing in one smooth and one. Again, one. Again, one. Go ahead, Adam punch first five times slow. Again, slow. A little bit more pivot for the right punch, slow. Change places. Let's go a little faster. Hit. Again, again. Very nice.

Related Techniques

Outside Defense Defence Against Hook Punch Defence Against Uppercut Inside Defence Against Straight Punch Krav Maga 360 Defence

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about inside defense?

This video covers inside defense setup, core principle: avoid power-on-power, the offline step and hand interception. It provides detailed instruction from Howcast.

How long does it take to learn inside defense?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.