Ta Wai

By lifting the Wai arms high, so that the elbows are at face level, you can block a variety of attacks (left or right, it doesn't matter), and by some simple variations, become effective counter attacks that will ensure that you avoid being struck, and follow through with a variety of attacks to ensure that you come out of a dangerous encounter safely. Remember, it's always best to try and resolve any situation peacefully, leaving violence as a last option option. Also, leave the situation as soon as possible, don't hang around. If you do disable the opponent, seize the moment and run away. There's no shame in ensuring your own safety, and by sticking around, you only increase the chance of more violence. Execution Simple defense against punch

1. Start in the standard wai position, with the palms of your hands flat together, fingertips in front of your chin. (your arms should be at about a 45 degree angle)
2. When the opponent punches for you face, lift your hands directly up in front of your face, making sure you fore arms remain at a 45 degree angle, parrying the opponent's arm in an upwards direction. Hook punches should be blocked by the elbow (no change of posture needed).
3. You can then follow up with elbows to the face, knee/kick to the groin etc.

Against punch or grab -  with counter

1. Start in the standard wai position, with the palms of your hands flat together, fingertips in front of your chin. (your arms should be at about a 45 degree angle)
2. When the opponent punches for you face, lift your hands directly up in front of your face, making sure you fore arms remain at a 45 degree angle, parrying the opponent's arm in an upwards direction. This time, rock the upper body backwards away from the opponent, lifting your leg and kicking upwards with you shin or knee (depending on range) striking the opponent in the groin.
3. You can then follow up with elbows to the face, back of the head/neck etc.

Against a long hook punch

1. Start in the standard wai position, with the palms of your hands flat together, fingertips in front of your chin. (your arms should be at about a 45 degree angle)
2. When the opponent swings the punch lift your hands directly up infront of your face, making sure you fore arms remain at a 45 degree angle, this time stepping forward on the opposite side of the attack so that your rear elbow blocks the swinging arm, and the front elbow strikes the opponent in the face (you should need to change the angle of your arms to do this, unless they are much shorter or taller than you!)
3. You can then follow up with elbows to the face, knee/kick to the groin etc.

Note that it's not necessary to start from the Wai position, but it's recommend when you begin practicing. Once you get a good feel for the technique, you can start with your hands by your sides. Remember that this will take longer to raise your arms, so you will need to be more aware, and confident in the technique.