Ultimate Fighting Systems

Over the years I have learned, drilled and taught numerous combinations. The majority of which, begin with the Jab.

This is the most important tool, together with footwork, in your Muay Thai technique arsenal.

This applies both, when on the offensive and the defensive.

If you have not got a Jab, then you had better spend the time and effort to develop one, as its versatility is unmatched by any other strike in martial arts fighting systems. This is something I discuss in detail in my Online Thai Boxing Course which can be found here.

With that point made, I would like to make the point that a single jab, used as the set up strike in a combination, is of very limited value.

I would like you to think for a moment about how many single jabs have you ever landed, as an attack and particularly as the set up strike of a combination.

One instance, in which a single jab does work well, is when it is used as a stop hit which interrupts the opponent’s movement forward and/or committed attack.

When setting up an opponent with a jab, as the opening strike of a Boxing or Muay Thai combination, or using the Jab to interrupt the opponent’s attack, and then setting up a counter-attack; using a single Jab will usually result in the opponent moving back or stopping at a range, that an immediate follow-up strike will require another set-up strike

In order to make this a fluid part of your fight game you need to drill multiple Jabs.

The Jab

Here are some tips on developing more successful setups with your jab:

• When training your combinations, work them with multiple jabs and fluid footwork.
• Train them to flow from the jab/ footwork setup.
• Practice varying the speed, length and tempo of the jab, so that it is difficult for the opponent to time it.
• Certainly, when first learning and developing your combination repertoire, train the combination with it’s basic sequence.
• Then, once the combination is learned and you can perform it fluidly, add multiple jabs, with footwork, to improve your setup execution and consequent success.
• Utilize the jab both on the set up and during the recovery, once the attack has been completed; this is where the retreating Jab is of value.
• Spend a lot of time honing the timing, speed, precision and fluidity of your Jab.
• Develop the ability to use it, while moving in any direction.
• Train it so that your body maintains a well balanced posture, that will allow you to immediately follow up with a combination, if the set up is successful and puts the opponent in a vulnerable position, or allows you to retreat or move on an angle should the opponent counterattack and force you on to the defense.

In summary:

If you want a complete fight game in whatever striking martial art you practice then you must develop a good jab.

Single jabs have limited value except as a stop hit to interrupt an opponent with a committed intent to attack and/or move forward.

Train your jabs with footwork moving, forward, back and sideways.

Throw multiple jabs and train to vary the speed, rhythm and length as they are thrown.

For a detailed breakdown of the jab and for the best online Thai boxing instruction available check out my Online Thai Boxing Course at http://www.muaythaitrainingsite.com/