Welcome to the electrifying realm of Muay Thai sparring, where skill, strategy, and sheer determination converge in a flurry of strikes, evasions, and calculated maneuvers. As a practitioner, you understand that sparring is a vital component of your training, allowing you to put your techniques into practice, test your mettle, and refine your abilities.
Prepare to unlock a new level of proficiency as we unveil the dynamic combinations specifically tailored for sparring situations. These combinations have been carefully selected to offer a balance of offense, defense, and versatility, ensuring that you are equipped with the tools to navigate the challenges of the ring with confidence.
So yes. What we’ll do in this article is review five of the best combinations in Muay Thai, aka Thai Boxing, aka The Art of Eight Limbs. If you’re interested in skyrocketing your fighting abilities, using combinations is where your eyes should be aimed at.
It’s important to note that the combinations we’ll review are specifically tailored for sparring and competitions, which are extremely important in many fighters’ Muay Thai journey. Sparring and competing are also the most difficult platforms to participate in.
Thus, knowing the following combinations is much more important. Without further introduction, let’s dive into the first one!
#1 – Jab-Cross-Teep
The first combination we’ll review is the Jab-Cross-Teep. This is one of the most influential combinations you can learn if you’re interested in sparring and competing. What’s good about it is that you’re not putting yourself in a vulnerable position.
Here’s how to perform this combination:
- Step 1: Start with a quick Jab (lead hand) to gauge distance and create openings.
- Step 2: Follow up with a powerful Cross (rear hand) to exploit any defensive gaps.
- Step 3: Finish with a Teep (Push Kick) using your lead leg to maintain distance and disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
It’s important to note that the combinations I’m reviewing in this article are fairly simple to execute. Thus, you’ll be able to use them soon after learning them, which won’t take long. However, progression and real learning come through putting yourself out there in the gym and working hard on learning the techniques you want to learn.
The Jab-Cross-Teep can be a solid way to transition into even more combinations. This is because of the Teep, which will put your opponent off-balance and ensure you can throw more attacks without putting yourself in an overly-vulnerable position.
#2 – Jab-Cross-Hook-Low Kick
The second combination we’ll review is a 4-technique sequence. It starts with a quick 1-2 (a quick Jab and cross), followed by a Hook and a Low Kick. This is what Muay Thai practitioners refer to as the 1-2-3-Low Kick. In fact, it’s the terminology I had learned when I attended my first-ever Muay Thai class.
Indeed, I learned it in the first class I attended. While some will argue that it’s too early, I would actually like to disagree. The point here is that you can learn this combination, and while you might want to slow down the pace, you’ll be able to dive into deep waters and learn quicker. At least that was the case with me.
- Step 1: Begin with a Jab (lead hand) to set up the combination.
- Step 2: Follow up with a Cross (rear hand) to capitalize on the opening.
- Step 3: Transition into a Hook (lead hand) to attack from a different angle.
- Step 4: Conclude with a Low Kick using your rear leg to target your opponent’s leg or body.
As you’ll see in the demonstration above, the Muay Thai fighter is able to throw quick punches and end up with a fearsome kick. If I were the punching bag in the video, I don’t think I would be able to talk properly.
Furthermore, let’s talk about openings and angles. The Jab-Cross-Hook-Low Kick combination offers versatility in terms of targeting different areas of your opponent’s body. The punches aim for the head and body, while the Low Kick targets the legs or body, enabling you to disrupt your opponent’s balance and inflict damage from various angles.
This is a fantastic reason to start learning this combination right away!
#3 – Cross-Hook-Teep
Following up, on number 3 on our list, we have the Cross-Hook-Teep. You can probably imagine what that would look like already. You should also know why this is a solid combination by this point. In fact, I want you to think about why the Cross-Hook-Teep is one of the best combinations for sparring and competitions. Try to imagine what it would look like.
Now, let’s see how you can perform it properly:
- Step 1: Start with a powerful Cross (rear hand) to create an impact.
- Step 2: Transition smoothly into a Hook (lead hand) to capitalize on any openings.
- Step 3: Finish with a Teep (Push Kick) using your lead leg to create distance and maintain control.
The first reason for its effectiveness is angles, which are the same as the previous one. By combining the Cross and Hook punches, you attack from different angles, making it more challenging for your opponent to defend against or counter your strikes effectively. The Hook can come from the side, adding an element of surprise to the combination.
Another reason is distance management. The Teep is one of the best kicks for distance management. You’d be able to throw your opponent off-balance while pushing him back if you throw it hard enough.
I want you to practice your Teep; if you have it down, you’ll have this entire combo down. So make sure to watch the video below and practice your Teep!
#4 – Jab-Teep-Cross
The next combination we’ll review is the Jab-Teep-Cross. This one is similar to the previous ones we have covered. However, it’s different because your opponent is unlikely to expect the Teep in the middle. In fact, I would argue that following up with a fierce Cross after a Teep is one of the worst experiences you can get your opponent to go through.
Here’s how it’s done:
- Step 1: Throw a quick Jab (lead hand) to set up the combination.
- Step 2: Immediately follow with a Teep (Push Kick) using your lead leg to create space and disrupt your opponent.
- Step 3: Capitalize on the openings created by the Teep and deliver a powerful Cross (rear hand) to exploit any weaknesses.
As you can see, it’s a fairly simple-to-learn combo. It’s also one you’ll be able to perform immediately soon after learning it. Also, it’s a strategic and effective attack sequence, which includes both face and body kick. As you already know, targeting the body and the face in the same sequence will confuse your opponent more.
Let me present you with a relevant example I want you to know about. UFC fighters who use Takedowns sometimes throw a double Jab (one to the face and one to the body) before going for the Takedown. If you think about it, this is such an important lesson. You want to distract your opponent, which will then boost your chances of hitting your opponent.
This is why I love the Jab-Teep-Cross for sparring and competitions so much!
#5 – Cross-Hook-Elbow
The last combination we’ll review is the Cross-Hook-Elbow. Some people might add the Jab in the beginning and make a more complete sequence. However, for sparring and competitions, I prefer this variation. While it might feel a bit odd to you, it’s highly effective, and here’s why.
Throughout the entire attacking sequence, you’re either moving sideways or forward. As a result, your opponent is less likely to counter your offensive attacks or dodge them in the first place. Because of that, it’ll be easier to hit your opponent while continuing with the sequence.
Here’s how to perform it properly:
- Step 1: Start with a strong Cross (rear hand) to create an impact.
- Step 2: Transition smoothly into a Hook (lead hand) to attack from a different angle.
- Step 3: Conclude with an Elbow Strike (using either the lead or rear elbow) to exploit close-range opportunities.
Some people will target the body with the Hook. This creates a far more versatile sequence. However, I would always recommend you to target your Cross to your opponent’s face, as it wouldn’t be as effective otherwise. Continuing with the Hook, you want to change an attacking direction and open up an angle. Do that and your combination success rate will skyrocket.
Lastly, after you open an angle from the side, you can wrap up the sequence by closing the distance between you and your opponent and throwing a powerful Straight Elbow right to his face. If you land all three strikes, even if the Hook will be to the body, there’s a good chance you’ll win the fight right there.
And these are all the most suitable combinations in Muay Thai for sparring and competitions. Good luck practicing!
Final Words
In the heat of sparring, the ability to seamlessly execute these combinations with precision and timing can be the difference between victory and defeat. However, it’s crucial to remember that true mastery comes through practice, experience, and a deep understanding of your own style. So get in the gym and practice!
Remember that the best Muay Thai combinations are not rigid templates, but adaptable tools that allow you to express your unique style and capitalize on openings. Experiment, be creative, and develop your own signature combinations that suit your strengths and capitalize on your opponent’s weaknesses.
If you’re a beginner and want to learn simple Muay Thai combinations that will give you the ability to cause a lot of damage while not getting too vulnerable, follow this link to read another article of mine on the topic.
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