Learn how to do a Muay Thai jab. A jab is a straight punch with the lead hand. In Muay Thai, jabs are usually thrown to keep the opponent at the right distance. The animation above shows a jab without footwork. If you want to put more power into your jabs, step forward, put more weight on your front leg, and turn your hips more with the punch. You can also throw a jab while moving backward or to block your opponent when he tries to break into your defense. Find more Muay Thai instructions at the Muay Thai main page. For Muay Thai video instructions, click here.
Execution
Start from your Muay Thai fighting stance with both hands up and your chin down.
Extend your lead hand and twist your fist at the end of the punch so that your palm faces the ground on impact. Make sure your fist is closed but not cramped, and punch with the knuckles. You should impact with your elbow about 90% extended.
Twist your hips and extend your shoulder with the punch. But make sure you don’t cramp your shoulder. Your punching arm and shoulder should also help protect your side while you punch.
Twist slightly on the ball of your front foot and move your knee a little (see animation). If you want to put more power into your jab, shift more weight to your lead leg.
Make sure the other hand stays up and exhale as you punch. Never lower your guard.
Then pull your fist back the same way and return to your fighting stance.
Advice
In Muay Thai, you shouldn’t move your hips or twist on your front foot too much. In Western boxing, hip and leg movement are much more important.
Practice the Muay Thai jab in front of a mirror at the beginning. Practice the jab while walking forward, then walking backward, and then on a heavy bag or with a sparring partner.
Wrap your fists and wear boxing gloves when you train on a heavy bag.
Combine your jabs with footwork.
Consider taking boxing classes.
Videos
Muay Thai Jab
Muay Thai Cross
Muay Thai Fighting Stance
Suggestions
Muay Thai Fighting Stance
Muay Thai Footwork
Muay Thai Shin Block
Muay Thai Main Page
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