Cutting Off

Cutting off is the term used for the motion of constantly moving toward the opponent's off side, or mirroring the opponent's movement and not following the opponent's movements. This prevents the opponent from "setting" and putting extra power into a punch or kick. If the opponent has the left foot forward, the opponent's off side is toward the opponent's left, and vice versa. When you keep moving to the opponent's off side, the opponent is unable to "set" for an attack. You are moving away from the opponent's power side (the rear hand or foot), which will weaken their striking force, and you are angling toward the outside of the opponent's weak side (the front hand or foot), which weakens their striking force.

The cut off is used to slow down and contain a fighter so you are able to score. You are taking the ring away from the opponent, so he or she is unable to stick-and-move or fight you at his or her favorite range. You are controlling movement within the ring to your advantage. When you control the ring, you control the action, and you control your opponent. A controlled opponent will get frustrated and start making mistakes. Be ready for openings and take advantage of them; this will frustrate the opponent even more.