Delayed Sword Self Defense Technique

Delayed Sword Self Defense Technique

Delayed Sword is a self defense technique against a front left-hand lapel grab. This is the first self defense technique the student has to learn and it is part of the Yellow Belt rank. You will find parts of this self defense technique in forms and sets as you learn more about Kenpo Karate.

The moves in this technique are:

• Inward Block
• Front Kick
• Outward Hand Sword Strike

In traditional Karate styles such as Shotokan or Goju-Ryu, practitioners rely heavily on deep, structured stances like the front stance (zenkutsu dachi), horse stance (kiba dachi), or back stance (kokutsu dachi) to generate power, maintain balance, and reinforce strong foundational techniques. These stances emphasize stability and rootedness.

However, in Kenpo Karate, the approach is notably different. Most techniques and combinations are executed from a Neutral Stance—a more upright, flexible position where the feet are shoulder-width apart and the knees are slightly bent. This stance is not as deep or rigid as those in traditional Karate, but that’s intentional.

The Neutral Stance in Kenpo is designed for mobility, speed, and adaptability. By keeping the knees slightly bent and the center of gravity balanced, practitioners can move quickly in any direction—forward, backward, or laterally—making it ideal for self-defense scenarios where fast reaction and fluid transitions are critical.

Unlike fixed stances meant for kata or formal movement, the Neutral Stance is dynamic, allowing you to strike, block, or evade with minimal delay. It’s a reflection of Kenpo’s philosophy: efficiency, practicality, and flow over rigidity.

Delayed Sword Technique Step by Step

Your opponent is in front of you and will attack you with left hand lapel grab. When the attacker grabs he might prepare a punch so is crucial to act as soon as you feel the grab.

Use your left hand to pin the attacker’s hand, now use your right arm to deliver a right inward block. You can also turn this block into a strike to cancel the attack.

Deliver a front kick to the groin to disable and cancel his height, this will have him bring his hands to protect his groin, it will also give you more available targets to strike.

The last move is an Outward Hands word strike to the neck, deliver this strike at the same time you land your right foot, this will increase the effectiveness of it, lastly cover out keeping your hands up and be in a ready position.

Delayed Sword Recommendations

Maintain Proper Posture and Guard at All Times
Always keep your posture upright and stable throughout the technique. Your hands should remain in a defensive position, guarding both your upper and middle body to protect against incoming strikes and maintain readiness for offense or defense.

Avoid Leaning Toward Your Opponent When Striking
Do not lean forward or overextend when delivering your strikes. Leaning can shift your center of gravity and compromise your balance, making you vulnerable to counters or takedowns. Focus on generating power from your hips and core while staying grounded.

Synchronize Your Front Kick with the Inward Block
For maximum effectiveness, aim to execute the front kick to your opponent’s groin simultaneously with the inward block. This dual-action approach defends against an incoming attack while delivering an immediate counterstrike, disrupting your opponent’s rhythm and creating an opening.

Coordinate Your Hand Sword Strike with the Downward Step
As you step down with your right foot, deliver a precise hand sword (knife-hand) strike to your opponent’s neck. Timing the strike with your foot placement adds force and stability, allowing you to transfer body weight into the attack efficiently.

Step Out with Purpose and Keep Your Guard Up
After executing your techniques, be sure to step out at an angle to reposition yourself strategically. Maintain your hand in a ready position, prepared for the next move or to block any retaliation. Staying alert and balanced ensures you stay in control throughout the engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Delayed Sword self-defense technique?

Delayed Sword is a foundational Kenpo Karate self-defense technique designed to deal with a front grab. It teaches how to block, disrupt balance, and counterattack in a clean, controlled sequence.

What type of attack does Delayed Sword defend against?

I use Delayed Sword primarily against a front lapel grab. It also helps build awareness for situations where a grab could quickly turn into a strike.

What are the main movements in Delayed Sword?

The core sequence includes controlling the grab, delivering a front kick to disrupt the attacker’s balance, and finishing with an outward hand sword strike to create space and stop the attack.

What stance is used when performing Delayed Sword?

I stay in a neutral, balanced stance with my knees slightly bent. This keeps me mobile and stable throughout the technique.

Why is the technique called “Delayed Sword”?

It’s called Delayed Sword because the hand sword strike comes after the block and kick. The strike is intentionally delayed to allow proper positioning and control.

Can Delayed Sword be adapted for strikes instead of grabs?

Yes. While it’s commonly taught against a grab, the same principles can be applied to straight punches by adjusting timing and distance.

How should Delayed Sword be practiced safely?

I practice it slowly at first, breaking it into parts before linking everything together. I focus on balance, posture, and keeping my hands up at all times.

What common mistakes should be avoided?

I avoid rushing the kick, dropping my guard after the block, or throwing the hand sword too early. Timing and structure are more important than speed.

What principles does Delayed Sword teach?

Delayed Sword teaches timing, distance, balance, and flow between defense and offense. It’s a great example of how Kenpo uses efficiency instead of brute force.

Is Delayed Sword taught early in Kenpo training?

Yes. It’s usually one of the first self-defense techniques taught because it lays a strong foundation for understanding Kenpo concepts and movement.

Kenpo Karate Techniques

• Kenpo Karate Self Defense Techniques
• Kenpo Karate Stances
• Kenpo Karate Strikes
• Kenpo Karate Blocks
• Kenpo Karate Punches
• Kenpo Karate Kicks
• Kenpo Karate Foot Maneuvers
• Kenpo Karate Parries
• Kenpo Karate Finger Techniques
• Kenpo Karate Sets
• Kenpo Karate Forms

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