A parry is the defensive technique of deflecting a punch by knocking it in a different direction. The word comes from the French, parez! - a fencing term, imperative of parer "ward off."

Learn these five basic types of parry to protect your pretty face:

1. Catch

1. Turn the hand open.

2. Move the palm forward slightly.

3. Stop the incoming punch.

4. Return to guard.

2. Inward Parry

1. Turn the hand open.

2. Move the palm towards the midline.

3. Deflect the incoming punch.

4. Return to guard.

3. Downward Parry

1. Turn the hand open.

2. Move the palm downward slightly.

3. Drop the incoming punch.

4. Return to guard.

4. Upward Parry

1. Raise the hand, forearm sideways.

2. Flip the elbow upwards slightly.

3. Lift the incoming punch.

4. Return to guard.

5. Outward Parry

1. Turn the hand open, thumb down.

2. Move the palm away from the midline.

3. Scoop the incoming punch.

4. Return to guard.

Check Your Technique

1. Your right hand against their left.

2. Your left hand against their right.

3. Minimal movement.

4. Keep the guard up.

Common Mistakes

1. Using the wrong hand.

2. Overreaching.

3. Dropping the guard.

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