Answer from Sang H. Kim:

Dear David,

There are two ways to respond in a fight: The first is to respond passively; the second is to do it actively. The former is to just block and hit back. The latter is to counterattack followed by quick bodily movement such as short footwork or weaving the body to avoid the opponent's attack with minimum reaction and then hit back. It happens almost simultaneously.

I recommend you to try the second method since it reduces your mental reaction time as well as physical delay in motion. Here are the steps to practice:

1. From fighting stance (stand with a short walking stance to move fast), slide back 6 to 12 inches very quickly, then move to the side (to the right if you are right handed fighter in 45 degree). Do it 20 to 30 times.

2. From fighting stance, slide back as step1, then make a quick rear leg roundhouse kick to the front. Do it 20-30 times.

3. From fighting stance, side step 45 degree to the right rear, and do the same round houst kick as quickly as possible. Do it 20-30 times.

You need to do these drill 5 days a week for a month. You will see yourself changing in reaction time.

Bottomline:

1. Always think to react quickly in your action and reaction.

2. Make your movement short and fast with maximum control of what you do.

3. Eliminate any unnecessary motion or step in your reaction.

4. Watch how other competitors or masters do in action. (Competition videos or footwork drills are good to begin with)

Sincerely,

Sang H. Kim