In Part 1 of Class 3, we introduced you to basic combinations and started laying the foundation for timing and defense. In this continuation, we’re going deeper: refining those combinations, sharpening your sense of rhythm, and building reliable defensive habits that will stay with you throughout your Muay Thai journey.
The Goal of This Session
At this stage, it’s not about learning more techniques—it’s about making what you already know sharper, cleaner, and more dependable. A good Muay Thai fighter doesn’t just throw strikes; they know when to throw them, and how to stay safe in between.
Refining Combinations
- Jab – Cross – Round Kick
- Focus on flow: no pauses between strikes.
- The jab sets range, the cross commits your weight, and the kick seals the combination.
- Drill it on pads or bag until it feels like one smooth motion.
- Cross – Hook – Low Kick
- Rotate your shoulders and hips on the hook to keep balance.
- Aim your low kick to land just above your partner’s knee on the thigh—controlled, but with intent.
- Practice exiting after the kick, stepping back into stance.
- Jab – Teep – Round Kick
- The jab establishes distance, the teep pushes your opponent back, and the round kick punishes them as they try to reset.
- This combination teaches you to control rhythm and frustrate an aggressive opponent.
Timing and Rhythm
- Pad Drills: Have your partner call the strikes randomly instead of in order. React quickly and stay calm under pressure.
- Bag Intervals: Work 20 seconds high volume (fast strikes) followed by 40 seconds slower, precise combinations. This mimics fight tempo changes.
- Defensive Counts: After every two or three offensive combinations, finish with a block, parry, or slip to reinforce defense as second nature.
Defensive Maneuvers (Refined)
- Parry and Counter
- Lightly redirect the jab with your rear hand, then immediately fire back a cross.
- Check the Kick
- Raise your leg with the shin turned outward at a 45-degree angle. Don’t just lift the leg—angle the shin to absorb impact.
- Slip and Pivot
- When slipping a cross, move your head just outside the line of attack, then pivot out to your angle for a counter strike.
Common Mistakes
- Rushing combinations: Students often speed through without full hip rotation. Slow down until the form feels smooth.
- Forgetting the guard: Every strike should return to your guard position. Dropped hands invite counters.
- Overcommitting on defense: A slip or parry is a small motion—don’t over-exaggerate, or you’ll be off balance.
Drills to Practice at Home
- Shadowbox your combinations in front of a mirror, paying attention to form and hand position.
- Use a timer app: 2-minute rounds, alternating offense (combinations) and defense (slips, checks, parries).
- Practice footwork drills: step in with the jab, step out after the kick, always reset to stance.
Coach’s Final Notes
Class 3 Part 2 is about polishing. These combinations are the bread and butter of Muay Thai. If you can throw them with balance, timing, and defense built-in, you’ll already be more effective than most beginners. Don’t underestimate repetition—every clean rep builds habits that will protect you later in sparring and competition.
Remember: technique before power, balance before speed. Master this now, and your future classes will feel natural and fluid.
