You have all the standard boxing defenses- in addition to the ones you mentioned, you also have catches, shoulder rolls, step backs, side steps, smothers, cuffs, and stops- but some are used less frequently because of the danger from leg attacks, as you mentioned. However, range makes a difference. Ducking under a hook punch generally doesn't carry that much risk because you're too close to be hit with the lead leg (about the distance of an elbow strike) and because you end up on the outside of the opponent's body, you're VERY unlikely to be hit with their rear leg, unless they try a very high-arc spin kick. You can slip outside a power jab and not get hit with a kick because their weight is on the lead leg, and so on.
Again, the same thing more or less applies to MMA; it's all circumstantial. If I know my opponent likes to throw a rear round kick after throwing a rear straight punch, an outside slip of that rear straight punch is just asking for trouble, while an inside slip takes me away from his favorite follow-up weapon and gives me an angle to catch him with a stiff jab. If I know he likes to set up a clinch or shot with a rear overhand, then slipping/side stepping outside of that punch is a better idea than leaning back from it.
You teach beginners the most utilitarian stuff first. As they advance, you teach them more advanced techniques. I don't know how long you've been training, but maybe you'll be taught the other defenses later.
Punch defenses in a bareknuckle setting? Passive weapons destructions, if I get my way. In other words, interposing my elbow or even crown of the skill between his fist and a softer target. He stands a good chance of injuring himself, while I have at least one limb free with which to counter. Obviously there's more- pretty much everything I've just gone over- but again, it's circumstantial. There is no "one size fits all" defense.
Check out Kwonkicker's YouTube
He's been posting some lengthy punch defense for MMA and kickboxing videos lately
Blocks work, check out the one that Lyoto Machida used against Ryan Bader when he blocked and then knocked him out
I prefer chinese hand trapping as a defense. Not specifically boxing defenses.
All ive been taught is parry, lean back, and block.
Is that it? Is that all they use?
Are all slips, ducks, weaves, etc ineffective because of knees and head kicks?
What about MMA what punch defenses would you recommend here? It seems it would be the same as Muay Thai but even less because blocks are ineffective and knees and high kicks are still dangers and Im not sure but im pretty sure the lean back would make you vulnerable to a take down.
So for MMA it seems the only punch defense is parrys!
I wonder what punch defenses on the street would be in a no rules environment with no gloves!?
