Dying Light 1: grapple mechanic supposed be this easy? [PC]

Just holding grapple button (default: alt) and a direction button (w/a/s/d), the enemy will get countered by a grapple whenever they attack me in any way. Apparently the grapple counter requires zero reflexes, at least for me, and that's why I doubt it's intentional design. Is it just me or does it work like that for everyone?