[Deleted User]

I am a rookie so I could be off base here, but it would seem that neither is more or less effective. They both are valuable or they would not even exist. I think a more useful question would be which could be less effective in a given circumstance. There is more instructional value in that. We would need context to ask that. So please provide scenarios.

More experienced practitioners feel free to school me on this.

[MikeC]

Say, the attacker throws a left punch at your head. Could a Pak Sau block the attack without making you vulnerable for a counter attack? Could a right hand Pak Sau block the attacker’s left punch, to the left, and make it harder for them to counter? Of course you could follow up with a left punch to the attacker.

[Gary]

IMHO you should prefer to flank your assailant, a pak sao is a horrible defence against a hook or overhand punch, doubly so for an inside pak; but if someone throws a left straight punch you are in a much better position if you outside pak with your right, try to turn them away from you by being rooted better and also move to your right a little – now you have contact with their closest arm, you are out of range of their right hand, and you have your left hand free. Lots of good options from here.<div>

Alternatively, if you inside pak their straight left with your left hand, you have put their right hand in range of your head and it’ll be hard to recover and catch their followup right hand attack, presumably with your own left hand after giving up your existing contact with their left. You’ve put yourself in the pocket between their fists (and knees). Not the end of the world, especially if you can get a neck grab, or keep them off balance with chain punches…. But, me, I’d rather be on the outside with both of your assailant’s arms covered.

[MikeC]

Thanks!

[MikeC]

I have had prior Martial Arts instructors advise to try to think at least three moves ahead in attack situations.

[Ruben]

Interesting points…my only input would simply be that “your position” at that moment, is probably the best indicator for what the best response would be. Depending you position, different responses would likely apply

[Ruben]

One last note:

Many of the answers to such questions can be found in our Dragon “Concepts”…. it’s a really informative.and helpful resourse.

Hope you guys all have a wonderful day