LET'S REVIEW THE FOUNDATIONAL STRIKES IN A BEGINNER'S ARSENAL

By Angela Chang

Sometimes, a Muay Thai class can make you feel like the coaches are speaking another language. Jab? Cross? Roundhouse? What do all of these things mean??

Whether you’ve just started out or you are just beginning to think of going to your first class, here are some terms you can expect to hear. Muay Thai veterans! If I miss anything important, please be sure to comment below with your addition to the list!

TERMINOLOGY: Jab

PAKKALEK (RED) DISTRACTING RODTANG (BLUE) WITH SOME JABS.

The jab is one of the first things anyone will learn. It’s a straight punch from your front hand (so a left straight if you’re orthodox, right straight if you’re southpaw) to the face. It’s often used to set up other strikes and to create distance.

TERMINOLOGY: Cross

The cross a straight punch from your rear hand (right if orthodox, left if southpaw). It is often paired as a follow up to the jab for beginners. Many...