Ironically enough, the first self-defense maneuver you will typically learn in karate in how to avoid a fight. The next move you learn is how to avoid getting hit. If you can block a punch from an opponent, it will make him vulnerable to a counterattack that might be able to finish the fight very quickly. Before following these tips it is important to have the right gear and karate uniforms so that you are adequately prepared to fight.

Get away from a right-handed punch from your opponent by side-stepping to your left and letting the punch go right by you on your right side. Avoid a left-handed strike by stepping to your right. You can defeat a jab by stepping back or simply moving your head to the side so it is out of the range of the punch.

Duck under haymakers, which are punches that come from the side, and quickly move behind your opponent while he or she is off-balance. To deflect punches, move your open hand in a circular motion from the outside to the center of your body to parry your opponent's arm and move the punch to one side.

Slap your opponent's arm with an open hand to stop a punch's forward motion and force the arm down. Hold your hand in front of your face and move it from the center of your body to the outside to strike your opponent's forearm with yours, deflecting the punch.

Catch the punch by wrapping your hand around your opponent's fist. This block is pretty difficult, but it does have the advantage of discouraging and surprising your opponent.

When an opponent throws a vicious punch that does not connect, he may find that he has injured his shoulder or elbow in the process. Essentially, the fight can be won by you taking a single step. Stepping to the side forces your opponent to turn his or her back to you as he follows through on his punch. You can counterattack with a kick to your opponent's knee or a punch of your own. Always move so that both your opponent's arms are on one side of your body. Never move in the other direction or you might sway into a punch with the other hand.
Deflecting punches leaves you in range of your opponent's other hand, so be sure to counterattack quickly. Although a block with an open hand allows you to move swiftly, it can leave your fingers vulnerable to an injury. Keep your fingers held together and just use enough force to effectively deflect the punch.