Boxing Fundamentals Article

The Jab In Muay Thai Sets Up Different Techniques Than Boxing - So Make Sure You're Not Ducking Into A Knee By Learning Defense The Thai Way

Some of the defensive tactics for the jab in Thai boxing are similar to boxing but some boxing defensive tactics can get you knocked out in Muay Thai. Slipping the punch in Western boxing means that you bob and weave your head down and forward to escape the jab and put you in better position to counter strike.

You cannot do this in Muay Thai because of the greater chance of getting kneed in the head. This happened to me in my first Muay Thai fight which allowed grappling and knees and I ended up losing a tooth; so don't do it.

The techniques that do work in Muay Thai defense can be summed up in five ways; move out of the way, shielding, grabbing the weapon, neutralise with your own attack, and parrying.

For the jab only four of these work.

1. You can use footwork to get away or leave your feet planted and lean your head and body out of the way.

2. You can shield against the jab by keeping your hands up palms to your face and keep your elbows together. The jab hits your forearms instead of your face.

3. You can neutralise your opponents jab with your own attack which is just as quick but longer reaching (eg. footjab).

4. Or you can parry which is a redirection of the jab with your cupped hand.

Start with keeping a good stance and your hands up nice and high.

As the punch comes just lean back slightly away from it and use either the front or back hand to redirect the jab past your face.

This video shows the use of the front hand but I find that leaves you open to a right cross if the opponent is throwing a one two combination.

Also the jab is a fast punch so its easier to try to parry when it's closer to you. You can also simultaneously jab your opponent with your front hand as you are parrying his jab past your face with your rear hand.