Upper body shifts

Upper body movements are used to make the body a constantly moving target and to camouflage any attacking movement you may make. Do not just around to be moving, move with a purpose. Any movement uses energy and you never waste energy on useless movement. All movements must be natural and flowing, and not predictable. If you move in a predictable manner, your opponent may anticipate the point in space to which you will be moving and attack that location, catching you unexpectedly.

• Ducking. Ducking is dropping the target of an attack below a lateral attack, such as a hook punch. It is primarily used to protect the head. Do not duck a vertical attack, such as an uppercut punch, since you will be moving into the attack. Ducking is not done by bending the neck to drop the head; it is done by bending the knees to drop the entire body, including the head. To duck a punch, keep the head and guard up, bend the knees and move the torso and head downward, over, and then upward in the same direction from which the attack came. Do not move downward and upward in the same direction the attack is moving or you may come up in front of the attack.
• Slipping. Slipping is leaning the head, or the entire upper body as a unit, to the side or backward to avoid an attack. The goal is to move just enough to clear the attack without leaving yourself off balance or vulnerable to a combination attack and to allow you to mount your own counterattack.
• Weaving. Weaving is a rhythmic moving of the upper body (above the waist) from side to side. When the body is in constant movement, it hides any attacking movement you may make.
• Bobbing. Bobbing is moving the head side-to-side and up and down, to avoid an attack or to make the head a constantly moving target. When bobbing always keep your eyes on the opponent. Never lower your eyes or look away unless it is a purposeful glance as part of a deception.