Flinch

It is a natural reaction to flinch and close your eyes when something comes near your face. It is, however, a reaction that can be controlled, to your advantage as a martial artist. It is easy to see that while closing the eyelids can protect the eye from minor irritations such as dust or other small debris, it is no protection from a blow with any force. The ability to avoid a strike by being aware of its trajectory and proximity to your face is all-important to being able to avoid it.

Flinching includes turning away from an attack. I once had a playmate that, when you tossed a ball at her, would turn her head away and the ball would hit her on the back of her head. You cannot block what you cannot see. If you train in a good school, when students spar, they use good control and focus. This means they are not trying to hurt you. Train yourself to face your opponent at all times.