Сергей Заяшников
Win in the fight! Encyclopedia of Fight: Muay Thai, MMA, Kickboxing (Part I: Muay Thai, reducted ver)

Introduction.

Whatever we say, we always aim for the victory!

Especially if it is a martial arts fight. Nowadays Muay Thai, MMA and K-1 are the clear favorites among the professional fights shows. This the first volume (part) of the “Encyclopedia of fight” tells about Muay Thai.

2007-11-30. Moscow (RUS). Luzhniki stadium. Promoter S.Zayashnikov.

There are two versions of this book – the full one (~400 pgs) and the reducted, promotional version (~100 pgs). This is the reducted version.

This book is a classical and fullest studying guide for Thai boxing. From the moment of its first edition more than 20 years ago, this book has become the tutorial for many generations of Thai boxers, and it is quoted in nearly all texts about Muay Thai.

You see here the 5th edition of the book, and during the time passed, the material was significantly re-worked and enlarged. The book covers almost all sides of the subject: history, traditions, technique, methods, personalities and rules of Thai boxing. The newcomers to Thai boxing world can use this book for better understanding of the technique, while experienced Thai boxers can use it as helping guide.

The important feature of this book is illustration of theoretical material with “live” pictures from my personal archive that were gathered by me during more than 25 years of fights organization (Muay Thai, MMA, K-1). This allows not only to study the basic skills, but also to see their use in a tense atmosphere of the fight. On many pictures, you will see the boxers who are now legendary, but at a time, just like you, they were getting nervous before their first professional fight.

Many documents and pictures are published for the first time.

2010-07-28. Moscow-Sity. VIP-RAMTL GYM – Al Iaquinta (NYC, USA).

I will be glad if this book will help you at least a little bit to succeed in severe and beautiful world of martial arts!

Sergey Zayashnikov, WBL (MT) president. Moscow – New-York, 2017.

Chapter II. Thai boxing technique.

2005-02-08. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Thara Abataev (RUS) vs Marsel “Sailor”Adzhiniyazov (RUS).

Main guidelines.

Thai boxing art consists or various techniques: attack and defense with use of hands, legs, knees and elbows. Initially most of them were included into 30 main Muay Thai techniques – 15 professional and 15 additional ones.

Some of the techniques used to include hand holds, throws and other actions that are forbidden by modern rules. With introducing the gloves and the new rules a lot of them were forgotten, a lot of them were abandoned.

All the techniques of Muay Thai can be divided into 5 main categories:

Footwork;

Punches, kicks and strikes;

Defense technique;

Clinch techniques;

Combined technique.

While describing all the techniques we took a typical left-hand stance as a base, and all the moves start from this position.

Everyone who wants to start the Thai boxing training should understand that entire preparation system aims to teach fighting according to modern Rules.

When studying this very book, please remember that it describes the classical Thai boxing technique. It means it shouldn’t be blindly copied and followed, but taken as base while minding individual needs.

The ones who are looking for “super-secret” strikes and believe in the invincibility of the Thais would be disappointed. Nowadays, after large amount of studies and scientific works, it is clear that there is no secret. What is really there is the coach, the fighter, and his fighting career – nothing else simply counts.

Kicks.

Kicks is the technique most often used in Thai boxing fight. Its big advantage is the possibility to attack from the long range, being out of punch, knee or elbow strike reach – and also the impact that they have thanks to the weight of the leg.

2006-09-30. Moscow (RUS). Luzhniki stadium. Marsel “Sailor” Adzhiniyazov (RUS) vs Anat “Rambo” Samnakdhi (THA).

Front kicks and push kicks («types»).

1994-02-05. Nobosibirsk (RUS). Arthur Kerar (UZB) vs Pavel Badin (RUS).

Front kicks are used most often during the attack or preventive counter-attack in a long range, and they target the head. These kicks often reach their target since cover-ups against head punches do not work against the kicks.

When doing right front kick YouTube.com →

, the boxer moves bodyweight to the left leg together with moving right leg (bent at the knee) forward-up and drawing the shoulder forward. The moment right thigh points up, right leg unbends at the knee, sending the foot up-forward towards the target. To make the kick stronger, the boxer moves hip forward.

The kick is done with the ball of the foot, under the toes; the foot is expanded, fingers point up. The moment the foot touches the target, it tenses to the maximum, all joints are blocked. In the end of the kick, the torso is turned to the opponent with its right side, the right shoulder is drawn forward. Left palm or left elbow cover the head from a counter-punch.

Left front kick YouTube.com →

can be done in two ways: when lead leg starts moving from the right stance, or without changing the stance.

When done from the right stance, the boxer makes a step forward with his right foot, or changes the fighting stance through the jump. Left kick technique is similar to the right one.

When done without changing the stance, the boxer transfers his bodyweight to the right leg. Then left thigh moves up together with unbending the knee, and foot travels up-forward towards the target. In the end of the kick, the leg is straightened, the torso is turned with its left side to the opponent, left shoulder is drawn forward, right hand palm covers the head from a potential punch.

Defense against front kick:

Step to the side (usually together with leg gripping or picking up);

Step backwards (usually together with parrying and following pick up of the attacking leg);

Pulling back

2004-11-30. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’”. Yury «Prince» Bessmertny (BLR) vs Marat Gereev (RUS). On the right photo: A. Abdulbasirov, M. Gereev, Z. Samedov, Y. Bessmertny.

Depending on tactical goals and fight situation, front kick can be used in the attack, preventive attack or defense. It is rarely used as a counter-strike.

In the attack, front kick can be used as a stand-alone kick, or part of the series.

In a preventive attack, it can be used against the opponent that attacks with hands, round kicks or low kicks.

In a defense, it can be used as a foot cover-up, landing the food in the thigh or calf of the opponent, who attacks with round kicks or low kicks.

Main front kick mistakes:

No hip rotation;

No rear foot rotation;

Vertical torso position.

High

kicks

/

push

kicks

.

YouTube.com →

YouTube.com →

High kicks can be classified as a push. It is an unexpected kick, and Thai boxers are usually struggle to defend against it (the only possible defense is footwork).

Right push kick can be done with the leg moving upwards from the left or from the right. From the fighting stance, bodyweight is transferred to the front left leg. Right leg, slightly bent at the knee, is drawn up slightly to the right or to the left from central axis.

When reached maximum high position, the left moves down, unbending at the knee. Thus, the move is both kick up-downwards and push forward. The kick is done with the heel or with the foot, targeting the head, the collar bone or the upper chest.

Left push kick is done after moving bodyweight to the right leg. After that, the technique is similar to the left push kick.

Types of push kicks.

Leg pushes are very effective in the preventive counter-attacks against kicks and punches.

When doing right push kick forward, bodyweight moves to the left leg, right thigh is drawn forward. Together with the thigh move, right foot moves forward along a linear trajectory towards the target. The leg, unbending at the knee, makes a push move forward.

To make the kick stronger, the hip moves forward. The push is made with the ball (under the toes) or with the sole, targeting lower or upper part of the torso, or the thigh. In the end of the kick, the torso is turned to the opponent with its right side, right shoulder drawn forward. Left palm or left elbow cover the head from a counter-punch.

Left push kick forward is the fastest type of kick, since lead leg is close to the opponent. It is used after either step or jump, either from the fighting stance. From the fighting stance, bodyweight is transferred to the right leg. Left thigh is drawn up, foot moves towards the target, following the curve trajectory in the beginning.

To make the kick stronger, the hip moves forward. In the end of the kick, the torso is turned to the opponent with its left side, left shoulder is drawn forward. Left palm covers the head from a counter-punch.

2004-09-07. Moscow (RUS).“RAMTL in the ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Dmitry “Bayloong” Sachuk (RUS) vs Arthur “Don Arthur” Gasanov (RUS). On the right photo: A.Gasanov.

Side kick YouTube.com → is used in case if the opponent is positioned sideways. From the frontal position, the bodyweight is moved to the left leg, the right thigh is drawn upwards. At the same time, the foot starts moving to the right, following a circle trajectory in the beginning, and linear trajectory in the end. Then the leg straightens at the knee, making the push. The push to the left side is done in a similar way.

Back kick YouTube.com → is used when the opponent is positioned behind. From the fighting stance, the bodyweight is moved to the left leg, while the right leg (bent at the knee) moves upwards. Then, the foot moves to the target along a linear trajectory (making a curve in the beginning). The leg, unbending at the knee, makes the push. In the end of the push, the right side of the torso is half-turned to the opponent, the foot is parallel to the floor. Push kick to the back with the left leg technique is identical.

2016-04-28. Moscow (RUS).“FIGHT RAMTL – IX”. Hasan “Cobra” Hudayberyev (Moscow) vs Anton “Hurrican” Edemiller (Noginsk).

Round roundhouse kicks.

2008-12-07. Moscow (RUS). Luzhniki stadium. Arthur “Viking” Gasanov (RUS) vs Sean Hammer” Hinds (NYC. USA).

Round kicks are the ones most often used in Thai bo xing fight. Thanks to big rotation radius (distance from the rotation axis to the target) and significant weight of the leg, this kick is the strongest kick in Thai boxing. Round kicks can target body, head and legs.

2005-01-18. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino. Andrey Kotsur (BLR) vs Shahbulat «Assassin» Shamhalayev (RUS).

Low roundhouse kicks.

пусто

Right low roundhouse kick.

YouTube.com →

This kick is very dangerous: if it lands on the thigh or slightly higher than the knee, it can paralyze the opponent. Many fighters who begin to practice Thai boxing are afraid of these kicks, as well as elbow and knee strikes.

2013-11-19. RUS. Dagir Yangaliev (RUS) vs Ivan “Koshey” Busarov (RUS).

Right low kick to the leg is done after left foot turns to the left (with a step or without it) and bodyweight moves to the left leg, slightly bent at the knee. The kick is made with lower calf and targets the leg of the opponent.

Execution. The left foot turns to the left, bodyweight is transferred to the left leg (bent). Then, hip and right shoulder rapidly turn to the left, followed by right thigh being drawn forward along a circle trajectory.

The moment right side of the torso gets close to the central axis, the leg unbends at the knee and travels to the target along a circle trajectory. The kick is made with a calf and targets the inner and external part of the opponent’s thigh, as well as calf muscles and Achilles tendon. The kick can be done with both right and left foot, from the basic position or with the step forward, or while changing the position through step back or jump.

2015-06-26. Moscow City (RUS). “RAMTL FIGHT-IV”. Rustam “Thong-Po” Ataev (UZB) vs Alexey “Spear” Kostikov (RUS).

Important note. Torso, right shoulder and left arm cover moves are similar to slipping to the left. The right hand is freely dropped to the right (opposite to the kick direction). This way, while making the kick the boxer slips to the left and protects himself from counter-punches – and makes the kick stronger through bending the left leg.

Depending on the tactical goals and the fight situation, low kick can be used in the attack, preventive attack or counter-attack. In the attack, it can be used as a stand-alone kick or as part of the series.

In a preventive attack, it is used against the opponent that attacks with punches (especially with straight punches) or the opponent who prepares to attack with the hand or leg, moving entire bodyweight to the leg (this leg will be targeted by counter low-kick).

2015-02-27. Moscow City (RUS). “Federation East” Tower. 31 floor, “RAMTL FIGHT-I”. Abdulvadut “Hammer” Eldarkhanov (RUS) vs Nikita “Lyon” Bushuev (RUS).

In a counter-attack, it is used after the boxer defended himself from the opponent’s punch.

Main roundhouse low kick mistakes:

The rear foot doesn’t rotate on its ball;

The kick is made without slipping, which makes it lose strength and lack cover from the counter-punch;

No left or right hand cover;

The rear leg is not bent, which makes the kick lose its strength;

Pulling back – it makes the boxer land a kick with his instep: this is inefficient and increases risk of injury;

In general, the instep should not touch the target, and the ball doesn’t have to be too expanded (further details on the ball position in “Defense from low kick”); the distance should allow to reach the target with a calf easily.

Defense from low kicks.

Calf cover-up;

Left foot step back;

Jump back;

Blocking front kick with left or right leg, that targets the thigh or to the hip.

Calf cover-up.

The cover up against right low kick should be done with the left calf. While executing the defense, the boxer puts upper part of the calf under the kick (in knee area).

In the basic position, the boxer quickly elevates his left leg, turning its ball as much as possible to the left. The calf is at right angle to the floor, the ball expanded. Left leg is tense while doing this defense, and hands cover the head from the punches.

That said, some Thai boxing schools have the opposite opinion about the ball position and presume it should be expanded upwards as much as possible.

The right calf cover-up is done is a similar way.

Main cover-up mistakes:

Left leg is bent in a sharp corner, or is not tense, or is raised too high. This mistake makes the opponent to get through the defense and land a kick on the inner thigh part, or the calf muscle, or the right knee;

No hand cover-up;

Left leg ball is not turned and left leg moves upwards, not left-upwards. This mistake can make the kick land on left calf muscle, which can lead to injury.

2004-10-12. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. ___ (THA) vs Ekaterina “Madonna” Tsepeleva (RUS).

After cover-up defense, the boxer can do counter attack with a round kick, low kick or punches (“one-two” combination of straight head punch).

Left roundhouse low kick.

YouTube.com →

2004-10-26. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Sergey Shish (BLR) vs Elbrus Dzhumakov (RUS).

Left low kick is done in a similar way. In that case, the left leg is positioned behind. The boxer can land a kick on a right leg of the opponent regardless of the stance (right or left).

Middle roundhouse kicks.

YouTube.com →

YouTube.com →

2004-11-16. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Wirochai Suhachen (THA) vs Marsel “Sailor” Adzhiniyazov (RUS).

While doing right body middle kick, the boxer transfers bodyweight to the left leg. After that, right shoulder, and then the hip are drawn forward, making circle movement to the right around vertical axis that goes through the left leg. At the same time, the shoulder goes ahead of the hip, and hip goes ahead of the thigh – which makes torso muscles, front part of the hip and front part of the thigh stretch.

Simultaneously, right leg elevates from the floor, left leg slightly pushes up on its ball, and the right hip starts the rotation from right to left along a circle trajectory. While moving to the target, the leg unbends at the knee. The kick is done with the lower part of the calf. In the end of the kick, the torso is turned to the opponent with its right side, right shoulder is drawn forward. Left leg is fully straightened, slightly pushed up on its ball and slightly turned to the left. Left palm covers the head from a counter-punch.

.

2004-10-26. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Vitaly Gurkov (BLR – Vitaly Hurkou) vs Tagir Magomedov (RUS). On the picture on the right: ___, T. Magomedov, V. Gurkov, A.Zelenevsky

Important note. Almost in all the pictures illustrating the kick, left leg is bent. Not to get confused, you should remember that left leg should be fully straightened at the knee. Moreover, left leg move is rapid and strong – it pushes up on its ball, calf muscles are working – and it should not be weakened by the bent knee.

Left pam covers the head from a counter-punch. Palm defense can be easily broken though with a counter-punch. That is why the defense should be made with a forearm, or even better – with the elbow (covering nose and chin), because the opponent would not even try to punch the elbow.

2015-04-03. Moscow City (RUS). “RAMTL FIGHT-III”. Ramazan “Hero” Gasanov (RUS) vs Dmitry “Sheriff” Adbullin (BLR).

Defense against middle

roundhouse

kicks.

2004-11-30. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Yury «Prince» Bessmertny (BLR) vs Marat Gereev (RUS).

2015-10-23. Moscow City (RUS). “RAMTL FIGHT-V”. Sher “Sher-Khan” Mamazulunov (UZB) vs Valery “Gentleman” Pashkovsky (RUS).

2004-11-16. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Dmtry Kachinsky (RUS) vs Mikhail Glavinsky (RUS).

2004-09-21. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino. Anton “Barguzin” Babushkin (RUS) vs Roustam “Wolf” Dzhavatkhanov (RUS).

High roundhouse kicks.

YouTube.com →

YouTube.com →

When doing right high kick, calf has a very large amplitude of the movement. The kick is made with the foot or lower part of the calf, and targets the head or the neck of the opponent.

2004-11-02. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Dmitry “Sheriff” Abdullin (BLR) vs Osman “Shrek” Magomedov (RUS).

Execution. Bodyweight is moved to the left leg, the hip and right shoulder rapidly turn to the left thanks to the rotation of the rear leg (that is straightened and rotates on its ball). Then right thigh is rapidly drawn forward in a circle trajectory; the moment right part of the torso reaches the central axis, the leg rapidly unbends at the knee, the foot travels to the target in a circle trajectory, targeting the head or the body of the opponent.

In this kick, the leg should not be bent at the knee, which means that hips are turning together with the thigh, united in their movement. Left elbow or palm are covering the head from the punch, right shoulder is turned inwards, right arm is moved behind the back along the torso.

Note. One of the round kick types kick is a diagonal kick. The kick follows a circle trajectory, pointed at approximately 45 degrees to the floor. It targets the forearm or the head.

2015-12-11. Moscow City (RUS). “RAMTL FIGHT-VI”. Sher “Sher Khan” Mamazulunov (UZB) vs Valery “Gentleman” Pashkovsky (RUS).

High kicks main mistakes:

Foot is not turned on its ball;

The ball of the striking leg is not expanded;

No hand cover;

The hip goes “behind” the thigh, and does not turn together with it.

Depending on the tactical tasks and the situation in the fight, high kicks can be used in the attack, preventive attack or counter-attack.

When used in the attack, high kicks can be done as a stand-alone kick or part of the series. For instance, they are often used together with straight punches.

When used in a counter-attack, the boxer throws high kick immediately after the defense against the opponent’s kick. Usually, Thai boxer answers to a kick with a counter kick.

Right high kick can be done after step with the left foot to the left or forward-left. Similarly, left high kick can be done after right foot step to the right or forward-right.

These moves are mainly used against the attacking opponent. Moving to the right or to the left, the boxer gets away from the opponent’s attack and throws a counter high kick.

Defense against high kicks:

Calf cover-up;

Shoulder, forearm or glove cover-up against head high kicks;

Elbow cover-up against high body kicks;

Pulling back;

Jump back;

Leg push stop;

Step back with leg moving backwards. When defending against right high kick, back foot makes a step back while right hand parries the kicking leg from left to right.

2016-02-11. Moscow City, “Imperiya” Tower. 54th floor.“RAMTL FIGHT-VII”. Beybola “Head” Samedov (AZB) vs Alexander Krupnov (RUS).

2016-03-24. Moscow (RUS).“RAMTL FIGHT-VIII”, Abakar “Joker” Muratbekov (RUS) vs Roman “Vulture” Koshin (RUS).

Calf cover-up.

The boxer puts up his leg bent at the knee, blocking the opponent’s kick with his calf. The foot points down and lead elbow is firmly tucked against inner knee side. The elbow and the calf create the protection wall, fully covering left and right sides of the torso.

2004-11-16. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino. Virachai Sukhechen (THA) vs Marsel "Sailor" Adzhiniyazov (RUS).

Main calf cover-up mistakes:

No hand cover-up;

Left foot is not turned in its ball and points upwards, not left-upwards.

After the defense, the boxer can go for a counter-attack with right high kick, low kick or punch, for instance, “one-two” combination of straight head punches.

Defense against high

roundhouse

kicks with shoulder, forearm or glove backside cover-up.

The defense against right high kick technique. In the fighting stance, the boxer draws up left shoulder to cover the chin. He presses the downside of the left glove to the side of his head. This way he protects the head from the side with a glove, the elbow and the forearm.

Specification. Often, the judges do not consider forearm and arm defense to be a defense, thus the opponent’s kick is fully counted. Though there are more vulnerable places on the body, several good kicks can be enough for the opponent to not be able to defend himself with “beaten” forearms or punch with “beaten” hands.

2004-10-26. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Sergey Shish (BLR) vs Elbrus Dzhumakov (RUS).

Pulling back defense against high

roundhouse

kick.

The technique of this defense is very simple: the boxer quickly pulls back, bending backwards in the lower back.

Leg grip defense.

To defend against right kick, the boxer steps left-right, softening the kick impact, and grips the leg with his left hand either from the outer side, taking a kick into the body, either from the inner side, taking the kick with the forearm.

Semi-circular kicks.

Diagonal kick technique is similar to the high kick, the only difference being that kicking leg goes along a circle trajectory, with approximately 45 degrees to the floor. The kick targets the forearm and the head of the opponent. Usually this kick is used as a counter attack responding to the punch of opponent.

Spinning heel kicks.

YouTube.com →

Thanks to the big amplitude of the leg move and its big weight, it is a very strong kick, however not easy to execute – and that is why it is used relatively rare in Thai boxing fights.

2016-03-24. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL FIGHT-VIII”. Abakar “Joker” Muratbekov (RUS) vs Roman “Vulture” Koshin (RUS).

Before right circle kick, left foot steps right-forward, at the same time turning to the right. Then the torso makes a strong rotation to the right, moving bodyweight from right to left leg; shoulders go ahead of the hip, and hip goes ahead of the thigh – which makes back muscles and back side of the thigh stretch.

Vertical rotation axis goes through left leg and left shoulder. Right foot leaves the floor and starts rotation movement towards the target along a circle trajectory. The kick is made with the heel and targets upper body, head or neck of the opponent. In the end of the kick, the torso is turned to the opponent with its right side, right shoulder is drawn forward. Left palm and left elbow cover the head from a counter-punch.

2015-12-11. Moscow City. “RAMTL FIGHT-VI”. Danila “Nerd” Goldinov (RUS) vs Igor “Tikhon” Tikhonov (RUS).

Since left round kick is too visible due to its large right step, it is rarely used as a stand-alone kick in a fight. More commonly, it is used after missing the target with a right round kick, or in the situation when the right leg ends up being in the front.

2015-10-23. Moscow City. “RAMTL FIGHT-V”. Rasul Vaisov (UZB) vs Arslan “Lion” Yallyev (RUS). On the left photo: A. Yallyev, T. Dzhemaliev.

Left round kick technique is similar to the right round kick technique. The only difference is that the step before the kick is longer (step with the right leg forward-left). All moves are done to another side.

Jump

kicks

.

2015-10-23. Moscow City. “RAMTL FIGHT-V”. Hariton “Wolf” Tuktaev (UZB) vs Elbrus “Sheick”Kaziev (RUS).

Punches.

It is a mistake to think that in Thai boxing punches are secondary. Enromous amount of fights end before the final gong just because of the punch effects – even in Thailand, where boxers are traditionally strong in kicks, elbow and knee strikes techniques.

2011-06-23. Moscow (RUS). VIP-RAMTL GYM. Radu Sprighel (NYC, USA) hold at pads.

Though not being equally strong as kicks and knee strikes, punches are more precise and can reach a very vulnerable area – the lower jaw.

Straight punches (jab, cross).

YouTube.com →

YouTube.com →

YouTube.com →

YouTube.com →

Head jab.

Jab is used to gauge the distance and probe the opponent’s resistance, coordination and defense ability. Jab disrupts the opponent and prevents him from focusing. A lot of attacks start with jab.

Execution. Body weight is transferred to the front leg, left shoulder turns to the right until reaches central torso axis, and then the hand rapidly straightens along a direct trajectory. When reached the target, the fist makes a punch through rapid quarter clockwise rotation, having palm pointed down.

When doing the punch, the boxer focuses all his strength on the forward hand movement, however when put back, hand travels relaxed and without any tension. In the position when the hand is straightened forward, left shoulder covers the left side of the chin, while right hand covers right side of it.

Jab can be combined with left footstep forward or right footstep backwards (left footstep backwards is rarely used).

Note. When punching, the fist is pointed thumb up: this will make the punch longer, however in that case it will be harder for the opponent to use his shoulder to cover the chin from the right punch.

2005-01-11. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Juri Zhukovsky (BLR) vs Zaur “Samurai” Abdusalamov (RUS).

Head jab options.

Light repeated head jab.

Jabs of such type are made quickly and lightly. They are done one after another and are combined with step forward.Specific feature of these types of punches is their lightness. There is no need to rotate the torso while doing it – the punch is made through quickly unbending arm at the elbow and shoulder. Tactical purpose of it is to disorient, confuse the opponent, open him up.

Upper head jab.

The difference it has with the basic jab is that punching fist is pointed down (fingers pointed down), elbow is slightly drawn left up, which prevents right counter-punch or parries it.

This is a power punch and it can be used both while offensive and preventive counter-attack.

Lower head jab.

This jab is strong and quick. It is hard to protect from it due to its unpredictability and unusual direction.

2007-05-19. Moscow (RUS). Luzhniki stadium. Dzhavatkhan Atakov (RUS) vs Pavel « Kayman » Zhuravlev (UKR). Photo on the left : ____, Mike Sheppard (VW, USA), A. Vinnichuk (UKR), P. Zhuravlev (UKR)

Lower head jab is done from the position that is formed after slipping to the left, parrying to the right, rotating body to the left – not from a fighting stance. It can be done from the fighting stance only if the opponent is tall and erect.

Execution. Boxer rapidly sends fist to the target from initial stance or, for instance, after slipping to the left – which leads left hand to be a little bit behind and lower than the opponent’s head level. At the same time he rotates the torso from left to right. Left elbow is drawn down, thumb looks up. Everything else is done the same way as it was described in the basic jab. This punch is made mainly as a preventive blow and is done without stepping forward.

1993-09-02. Novosibirsk (RUS). Alexander Sokolov (RUS) vs Sergey Alles (RUS).

Head jab with move backwards.

This punch is used as a counter-punch against aggressive offense of the opponent. The boxer transfers his body weight to the right leg, throws his fist along direct trajectory towards the opponent, his torso rapidly rotates from left to right in a left hip. Everything else is done in a same way as the basic technique.

If the opponent is particularly aggressive and moves forward to attack, this punch can be combined with step backwards or side step, during which the boxer throws a counter-punch.

Short head jab.

In many cases, boxers end up fighting in a close range. This can happen on purpose or unexpectedly.

In that cases when jabs are thrown, the boxer either does not have time to straighten the arm or does not straighten it on purpose. When touching the target, he rapidly tenses muscles of his wrist, forearm and shoulder and for a second leaves the tensed hand in a position as it was touching the target. This is how so-called short jabs are done.

Except for above described difference, these punches technique doesn’t differ from regular jabs: same hand coordination, same legs and torso moves, and same covers.

That is why we will list only short left head jabs:

Short head jab (similar to basic jab)

Short upper head jab

Short lower head jab

All these jabs can be done with step forward, step backwards or without one. As for the lower head jab, it is a punch interim between jab and uppercut, and the initial position for it can be both fighting stance and positions connected to turning and slipping.

Main jab mistakes:

The head is inclined to the side, pulled back or turned

Elbows are drawn forward, opening the torso and deforming jab trajectory

Hands are dropped down after being put back into initial position

Right elbow drawn to the side, not covering the face

Body jab.

Left body jabs allow the boxer to gain points, get away from head punches, and prepare right counter-punch. There are not a lot of variations for this punch.

Execution. Left body jab (basic) is done from the main position with a step forward or without it. Torso bending forward right is the base of the movement. Bodyweight is transferred to the left leg, directing the hand to the target in a straight line. The fist is pointed fingers down, right hand covers the head from a counter-punch.

This jab is used in the offensive (with step forward) and as a preventive punch against the attacking opponent (without the step). When used in a close range, these jabs are done without inclining and become short jabs. This jab is particularly effective when combined with right footstep forward right.

Head cross

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2008-12-07. Moscow (RUS). Luzhniki stadium. Arthur “Viking” Gasanov (RUS) vs Sean “Hammer” Hinds (NYC. USA).

Cross is used mainly as a counter-punch. It never opens the attack since while doing it the torso opens a lot of vulnerable places, which are hard to cover. It can only be used in the attack when the opponent is opened up.

Execution. From the fighting stance, the bodyweight is transferred to the left leg, while left side of the torso forms a straight line. Then right hip and shoulder rapidly rotate in the direction of a punch and right hand rapidly straightens. Fist moves in a straight line at the shoulder level, and when touches the target, it does a rapid quarter counter-clockwise rotation so that in the moment of punch the palm points down.

In the last phase of the punch right shoulder covers the chin on the right, left fist covers it on the left and on the front. The hand is retracted in the same way as in left jab.

Cross is used to weaken the opponent and make him drop the hands.

What provides this punch its strength is a rapid torso turn to the left around left leg, and simultaneous body throw to the left leg thanks to bending right knee. Right hand starts to straighten when right shoulder reaches the level of left foot. The torso is constantly following the hand. The hand straightens along a linear trajectory from the shoulder to the target.

Depending on the tactical goals and the fight situation, head cross can be used in the offensive, counter-attack or as a preventive punch.

Since attacking cross is easy to notice, it is used in the attack only against very weak or very tired opponent. It is usually prepared by fake or real jabs.

As a preventive punch, head cross can be used against both jabs and crosses. In the first case, the boxer makes a step (half-lunge) left forward to open up the opponent. In the second case, he makes a slight slipping to the left to avoid the punch and directs the hand straight to the head of opponent (for that, he needs to target his left shoulder: the opponent will inevitable move to the left and the punch will get him in the head).

2015-10-23. Moscow-City (RUS). “RAMTL FIGHT-V”. Roman “Vulture” Koshin (RUS) vs Beslan “Nomad”Nasyrov (TKM).

When used as a counter-punch, it is made after slipping to the right, parrying to the right and stepping to the left.

In all the cases the boxer covers his head with a left hand (open glove).

Head cross options.

Upper head cross.

While doing this punch, the boxer raises lead elbow up so that the fist is moving almost along a spiral trajectory. As a result, left hand of the opponent will be parried with a lead shoulder or a forearm if he strikes.

2015-12-11. Moscow City. “RAMTL FIGHT-VI”. Sher “Sher-Khan” Mamazulunov (UZB) vs Valery “Gentleman” Pashkovsky (RUS).

If the elbow is raised higher, this punch will become an interim between straight and side punch. To make upper cross more powerful, the boxer can raise on its toes before throwing it.

Lower head cross.

The initial position for this punch is as follows: slightly inclining to the right, rotating torso to the right. Everything else is identical to the basic technique.

Short head cross.

The moment boxers get close to each other, right crosses become short punches (same way it happens with jabs). The technique is similar to basic upper and lower crosses. Short crosses are very strong and impactful for the opponent.

2005-01-18. Moscow (RUS). “RAMTL in the ‘Capitalism’ casino”. Victor Berezovsky (BLR) vs Tagir Magomedov (RUS).

1994-02-05. Novosibirsk (RUS). RMTL tournament. Dmitry Plyasetsky (BLR) vs Alexander Sokolov (RUS).

Short lower crosses can be done not only after the slipping, but also from the fighing stance.

Body cross.

Body cross should be done the same way as basic cross: rotating the torso and the right hip while making step with the left foot. This punch has three options: with slipping, without slipping and jumping cross.

When doing the cross with slipping to the left, the boxer should make a small lunge and secure head through the slipping. On top of that, the head is covered from a counter-punch with right shoulder and left glove.

2016-02-11. Moscow-City. “Imperiya” Tower. 54th floor. “RAMTL FIGHT-VII”. Beybola Samedov (AZB) vs Aexander Krupmov (RUS).

2. Body cross without slipping is a very strong punch. It targets heart area. To get to the target, the boxer makes a deeper lunge forward-left. The head is covered with the left glove.

3. Jump cross is made in a long range fight. To get closer to the opponent, before punching the boxer makes a sliding jump on his right leg: moving bodyweight to the right leg and slightly pulling back, the boxer jumps on his right foot and lands on the left.

The jump should not be headed up, it should be sliding. After the jump, the boxer throws a cross while stepping with the left foot. The jump makes this punch extremely powerful.

Short body crosses.

Short body crosses are used in a short range. They are very impactful and can be done together with moving bodyweight on the right or left leg. Short body crosses are done with the elbow drawn down and the fist pointing thumb up.

Defense against straight punches.

All known defense techniques in boxing are divided on 3 groups:

Hand defense

Footwork defense

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