Since MK began, whenever a character blocked, they’ve blocked with their hands and arms. I’d like to see characters using the different parts of their bodies to block. So low attacks could be blocked by the legs rather than having to suddenly lower yourself and crouch block.

Some characters also have armour and I think it’d be cool if shin pads and any other armour on the opponents legs or knees could be used as a defence. They would be used more against weapon attacks. They would simply raise their leg slightly in order to block the weapon blows with this armour. In raising their leg, they could also parry with it knocking the weapon away and kicking the opponent in the face or chest at the same time.

Now for some styles, defense is all apart of the movement. Wing Chun will be the example I use. In it, low attacks are not always blocked. Instead they are stepped over. It would be nice if this kind of movement was put into MKD and you could step over the opponents low attack and then attack or send them off balance. Also, high attacks are usually caught or deflected.

A typical scenario when using the stepping over defence can be shown if you play against Kung Lao in MKDA. In Mantis he has a low kick attack called the Toppling Kick (b+3). This kick sees Kung Lao turning to his side and stretching his leg in order to kick. If blocked or avoided, the kick has a serious lag time. Using the stepping over movement, you could either step over his leg and then going into a combo attack, or you could bring your own leg up and trip him up sending him onto his back. You could also do the latter by stepping away and swinging your leg and tripping him up.

Also, instead of launching into a combo after stepping over the low attack, you could simply attack from the side or maybe lock the opponents leg or arm in between your own as a way of punishing them for their mistake.

As for deflecting or catching high attacks, these are more a means of parrying the opponents attacks from Wing Chun. You wouldn’t be able to launch into a full combo, but you have enough time to launch a damage attack after sending your opponent off balance or knocking their attack away. A quick but punishing jab would be effective here. And then you’d need to be quick and be on the defensive again from your opponents incoming attack.

Using these techniques would allow you to block or rather evade attacks without taking any damage but you can retaliate and hurt the opponent.

Your thoughts?