A Jab is a Jab, right? Not exactly. Although Muay Thai and Boxing use the same basic punches, the way fighters throw them can be surprisingly different. The biggest reason comes down to their stance.
Kru Bird, a trainer at AKA Thailand, makes this point early in his video on the Muay Thai 1-2 combo.
Side Note: “Kru” (ครู) is the Thai word for teacher. Students use it as a title of respect for their coach.
Why Muay Thai Fighters Stand Square
In Boxing, punches are the only strikes allowed, and the head and body are the only legal targets. Because of this, Boxers often use a more bladed stance, turning their bodies sideways to present a smaller target. This position also allows them to rotate their shoulders forward, adding reach to the Jab.
In Muay Thai, things are different.
Fighters must defend against punches, kicks, knees, and elbows while staying ready to launch their own attacks. This is why Muay Thai fighters generally use a more square stance than Boxers.
A more square stance helps you keep your balance, defend kicks, and strike without big changes to your position. It also keeps your Lead Leg ready to Teep or check a kick without turning your hips back first.
In the first video, pay attention to how little Kru Bird rotates his body when throwing his punches. He turns his hips and shoulders just enough to generate power while keeping his stance ready for the next attack.
If you rotate too far sideways, you can leave your Lead Leg more exposed to kicks. You may also have to readjust your stance before throwing your own kicks or defending against a counterattack.
The goal is to generate power with your punches without sacrificing your balance, defense, or ability to kick.
This is Part 2 of my Straight Punch Series. Part 1 covered making a fist and the basic straight punch.
Watch for these differences in the two short videos below. Kru Bird shows the Jab first, then the 1-2 combo.
Video 1: The Muay Thai Jab
Video: AKA Thailand YouTube channel.
Stand Square, Then Step and Jab
Kru Bird starts with the stance he teaches every time. Balanced and in control.
- Step: A small step forward with your Lead Foot.
- Jab (Mat Krathaek /หมัดกระแทก): Your Lead Hand goes out as the foot lands.
- Twist Your Hand as You Punch: Start with your palm facing inward. As you extend your Jab, rotate your fist until your palm faces down.
Video 2: The 1-2 Combo
In the second video, watch him step in with the Jab, land the Cross, and come back to stance.
Video: AKA Thailand YouTube channel.
Drill #1: The 1-2
- Jab: Step as you Jab.
- Rear Cross: Your Rear Hand fires straight down the center.
- Come Back: Return to your stance.
Drill #2: Double Jab and Cross
- Step in and throw two Jabs.
- Then throw the Cross.
The Double Jab is quick and light. The Cross is the punch that has power behind it.
Drill #3: Jab, Double Jab, 1-2
Throw each one on its own, then reset to your stance before the next.
- Jab
- Double Jab
- Jab, Cross
Remember with every punch, check your stance. Ask yourself: Am I square and balanced, ready to kick? If not, slow down.
For the five mistakes beginners make most with the Jab and Cross, and how to fix each one, see my guide:
Jab and Cross: 5 Beginner Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Practice the Muay Thai 1-2 Combo in Portland
In Muay Thai, your Jab and Cross have to work with everything else you do. Good technique lets you attack and defend without giving up your square stance.
It’s easy to drift into a Boxing stance without noticing. In my Muay Thai private lessons, I watch your stance on every rep, so your hands and kicks work together.
If you’re in the Portland, Oregon area, reach out to me when you’re ready. Use the contact form on TrainWithSean.com.
