Catch, Swipe, or Swat (Patreon)

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Catching or swiping a front kick/teep is intuitive and can naturally develop from gameplay. However, with safety in mind, some things we don't want to leave to change.

Make sure you cup your hands when you are catching or swiping kicks to avoid injury. If you're wearing boxing gloves, this will naturally happen. Don't try to grab the shin between your thumb and index finger. Having your hand cupped makes it possible to catch a kick as you're swiping.

Think of swiping as the same as swiping on your phone. You're directing something one way or the other. When you catch, you come from below and lift to make contact and hold your opponent's weight. After the initial grip, you can even hold their foot with two hands to pull them toward you for a counter or sweep. You can also use one hand to redirect them or keep lifting. If sweeps are allowed, keep control of the leg and gently guide them to the ground. (Check the module on falling.)

It's not mentioned in the video, but you can also swipe/swat a front kick down, but it's easier and safer with boxing gloves. Without a glove, it's best to swat it down with your palm. Swatting isn't a redirection of energy, it means to strike something away. Whether you do one or the other isn't something you can consciously decide in the moment; it's a reaction based on context and experience. It is not possible to constantly make conscious decisions during live play. You have to trust your experience and your body. When things don't work out, you have to trust that your body will learn from trial and error—because it will. The best way to learn is through constant guided play.

Make sure you don't bend over or reach for a kick, leaving you out of position. Don't break stance. Let the kick come to you; don't go to the kick. If the kick is too far away, it won't touch you, or you're better off moving.

– Sam