Want to know how to stop a sucker punch? Trick question! You can’t stop a sucker punch.
A sucker punch is a sneak attack. A surprise. That means you won’t see it coming. Which can happen to anyone! Heck, I’ve been sucker punched, sucker grabbed, sucker shoved, and sucker choked.
So, forget about stopping a sucker punch and instead, work on surviving a sucker punch. Here are three tips that might help. Watch the video or read the summary below.
Be careful out there!
Sucker Punch Self-Defense Tips
When it comes to self-defense, preventing trouble is always the best strategy. And if you want to prevent being sucker punched, instead of hanging out at a sports bar at two in the morning with a bunch of angry, drunk dudes, consider heading over to your grandma’s, locking the door, and knitting yourself some fancy mittens.
But watch out!
The truth is even when you spend time in safe places, hang out with people you trust, and pay attention to what’s going on in your environment, you can still get sucker punched. When that happens, here are three three tips to help you bounce back.
Tip #1: Put one foot in front of the other.
I have a buddy who got sucker punched the other day while waiting in line. Like most people, he was standing with one foot next to the other.
Ever been in line or at a concert and had some goofball bump into you and spill your drink? Of course. With your feet together, you’re basically asking to get knocked down.
But by simply setting one foot in front, you not only have better balance, you take up a little more space… which is great for self-defense!
It’s like driving a car. When you drive, you should always keep a safety cushion around your vehicle. More space means more time to see what’s happening and make decisions. A safety cushion also makes it harder for people to crash into you. So—
Practice defensive driving and defensive standing.
Here’s another way to think about it… if you see a punch coming, you’ll probably drop into some type of fighting stance and place one foot in front of the other, right? So, why wait for a punch?
Adopt a secret fighting stance wherever you go. Make it a habit to always stand with one foot in front of the other.
No, I’m not saying you should shuffle around in a fighting stance at the supermarket—that’s crazy. But by keeping one foot in front of the other, you’ll have a better chance of staying on your feet so you can run or fight back when you get blasted by a sucker punch.
It may sound crazy, but I even stand with one foot forward at the urinal. Do you know why? Because I once got shoved at a urinal. I hit my head on the wall and ruined a nice pair shoes.
Don’t let that happen to you! Practice defensive standing and keep your shoes dry.
Tip #2: Keep your hands free and up front.
If your hands are down, behind you, or in your pockets, you’re basically opening the door for a clear shot to your head. Stop that!
When you watch police officers, security guards, and bouncers, you’ll see that they all keep their hands free and up front. That’s because they know a situation can go bad any time and they want to be prepared to protect themselves and take control.
Now, you might think you don’t work in a high-risk situation, like a police officer or a bouncer, so you don’t need to worry about getting attacked, right?
Wrong! Life is a high-risk situation. Prepare accordingly.
Keep your hands free and up front.
Tip #3: Dress for success.
In this case, I mean wearing clothes that will allow you to defend yourself successfully.
For example, you’ll never catch me wearing a hoodie. Why? Because a hoodie is a perfect weapon… for the other guy. Any idiot can grab a hood and pull it over my head, swing me around, or choke me out.
Look—I’m the last guy to give fashion advice, but as a martial artist, I should also let you know that I don’t wear flip flops or those skinny jeans that hang down around your butt. Why, you ask? Well, first, because I’m over 40. Second, because I always want to be ready to run or kick.
I can’t imagine anything more embarrassing than walking down the street with my wife, getting jumped, and ending up on the ground in a pool of drool, wearing one flip flop, my pants around my ankles, and my own hoodie wrapped around my neck.
But, hey—you wear whatever you want. I’m just suggesting you wear clothes that can’t be used against you or keep you from defending yourself.
Final thought. All this talk concern about getting sucker punched might sound a little paranoid. You don’t want to live your life in a constant state of anxiety. Me either!
Here’s the good news—
When you make safety a habit, you don’t have to worry about it. You know that whatever life throws at you, you prepared yourself the best you could.
So, focus on preparation not paranoia. Put one foot in front, keep your hands free, and dress for success… then go find something else to worry about!
For more tips on surviving a sucker punch, check out How to Take Punch.
I am in tears once again with your advice!! So perfect. Pull myself together…I’ve been sucker punched twice, recently by A FRIEND. btw, he is no longer a friend, not after the first punch in my own home. Then he did it again ON THE DANCE FLOOR! Where I thought I was safe. I think everyone should be punched…at least in the gut to know what it is like. Not so much a great idea in the face. Otherwise it is completely foreign. People that have been punched in the gut are far more in tune and able to avoid getting punched or at least can get their next move in order. And they also know that although it isn’t a deal breaker, not going to die it is also a wake up call! Expect to be paralyzed for at least 5 seconds. The more you know what is happening and know that the only thing lost is air and altitude…gotta bend over. No way can someone get punched in the gut and continue standing. A sucker punch means you couldn’t have known what was coming and stiffen your gut to protect yourself. You will bend over and that could be a good thing. Make it part of your act to bide time and think about the next move. I mean on the DANCE FLOOR in a well lit room, on a stage with an audience?? Happened so fast not a single person knew why I was bent over. I ‘played’ along and as he came up to me I turned away and hooked his foot with mine and dumped his ass on the floor. Now people did see that and I am the bad guy. Tough. He didn’t like me showing him up dancing I guess. It is indeed paralyzing. Just remember that you can do the same if it is a surprise and have time to get away…with honor and no more shenanigans.
Wow, Sharon. Sorry that your friend turned out to be a fiend. But your sucker sweep in response to that sucker punch is 100% awesome! 🙂
I agree that everyone should be punched… as part of deliberate practice. You’re right– most nice people aren’t prepared for the shock, even if there is no damage. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone trained in the martial arts? Sigh…
Keep dancing! 🙂
Simple and sensible – very nice. And it made me think of something: I carry a handbag with a long strap that I often sling diagonally so I don’t have to worry about “carrying” it. I also figured it would make me less of a target for a purse snatching (been there, done that, not pleasant). But that puts me in the same situation as your hoodie – a great way for someone to yank me right off my feet. Now I have to go lie down and rethink my whole life….
HA! Sorry for making you rethink your whole life, RoseAnne! 😉
I suppose it’s all about priorities. You are more important than your purse or anything inside your purse. So, if someone wants to grab the purse, okay. But no one should ever grab you!
Let it go! (Unless it’s one of those really nice Coach purses. Then wrap it around your neck!) 😀
Ossu!
Great advice as always! I hadn’t thought about standing with one foot in front of the other – thanks!
OSU!
One simple adjustment and you’re better prepared for everything! Thanks for the comment, Karate Mama! 🙂
Hi Sensei Ando, this is great advice as always! Re. the picture of you under Tip 2, I know someone who works in a care home, and that’s exactly the stance he’s been trained to use in challenging situations. As well as the point you make about having your hands ready to defend yourself, it was also explained to him that it’s a non-threatening, even quite friendly stance, which is good for (ideally) de-escalating the situation. Whereas if you went into a more aggressive “martial arts” guard-type stance, e.g. with your fists up, you could be more likely to escalate things . . .
Hi Kai!
Many people don’t realize that caretakers and nurses have to deal with unruly and even violent behavior on a regular basis. It makes defending yourself even trickier when you don’t want to hurt the other person! So, I’m glad your associate has had training in keeping himself, and those under his care, safe from harm.
It is also important to realize the effect we have on someone when we take up a stance. There are times to stand up and attack and times to step back and yield. Mastering both extremes is ideal!
Always happy to hear from you! Happy training! 🙂
Makes 100% sense, that is why you are a sense iii , Thank You very much
Hi Jorge! Thanks for the kind comment! Stay safe out there!
Hey this is Ian from SenseiIan.com and I just wanted to say that you have a wonderful blog. Thanks for posting, I look forward to reading each post! If you’re ever looking for a guest blogger, I’m more then interested.
Hi Sensei Ian!
Nice to meet you, sir! And congrats on your website. I look forward to hearing your point of view on martial arts matters as well!
Keep fighting!
Oh no… I love hoodies. Hahaha!
Anyway, awesome tips, Ando! Simple but effective when combined. Can’t believe I missed it.
I’m scheduling it into Way Of Ninja’s tweets.
No, no, no… you go ahead and keep wearing hoodies, Logen. In fact, I’d love it if EVERYONE wore hoodies! 🙂
Thanks for your support, sir!
really useful. It’s kind of punches that very hard to handle because it’s quick and spontaneus
We can’t see everything coming, but we can try! Stay safe, Brian!