If the suspect is punching in guard and attempting to stack you, which sequence completes the counter?

• A. Bridge & Roll Escape
• B. The Hip Drill Retreat
• C. The Forward Block Sweep
• D. The Forward Block to Hip Drill Retreat

Answer: (D)

When someone is punching in guard and trying to stack you, the priority is to interrupt the strike and create space so you can move safely to a better position. Starting with a forward block gives you an immediate line of defense against the incoming punch, stopping its momentum and preventing it from driving you off balance or past your guard. That defensive moment is crucial because it neutralizes the threat at its closest point and keeps your head protected.

From there, transitioning into a hip drill retreat is about reorienting your body and adding distance. The retreat tightens your stance, moves your hips and feet off the attack line, and puts you on a safer angle so the opponent can’t easily pin you or stack you further. It also preserves your guard, so you’re ready to respond to any follow-up without losing control of the situation.

Together, the forward block followed by the hip drill retreat combines immediate defense with a strategic repositioning. It addresses both stopping the punch and escaping the grip so you can disengage cleanly. The other options either focus on a move that doesn’t address the initial strike, or try to reorient without first stopping the attack, which can leave you vulnerable to being driven into a worse position.