Source: http://www.nerdcoreboxing.com/category/sparring/
I believe that one of the biggest arsenals that a fighter can use in his bucket of moves is the infamous jab. The jab can be used in several different ways. One reason it would be used is for the obvious attack, another for a counter, and finally for the use of a set-up. I will go over these various views separately so you can understand them in three different ways.
- First, we will see the view of the attack. The Jab is the quickest attack that your body can accomplish during a fight. The jab is commonly known as a punch with your forward arm that is with the forward leg. From this we can see why the jab is the quickest. If we are able to view the power vs. speed ratio of a jab from a front leg front kick, we are able to see that the jab is the faster of the two. Unfortunately, the jab does lose the aspect of power compared to the kick, but it makes up with speed and precision. The jab is a perfect attack while in a fight, and if you have a long reach it can keep your attacker at bay.
- Secondly is the counter view of the jab. When we say counter we mean that it can be a useful tool in a fight when an attacker has finished his attack (we will say he used a front leg front kick), that is unsuccessful and has left him open at his ribs as he drops his leg in front of him causing the force of the kick to expel more energy towards his front leg, which leaves him partially unbalanced for a few seconds. In those few seconds you are able to fire a quick jab. The counter philosophy comes from the idea taught in the famous book “Sun Tzu’s Art of War” written Sun Tzu himself. This book teaches you to strike the opponent before or after their attack. Since the Jab is the quickest in your arsenal your opponent is less aware for a brief second in which you are able to deliver a successful blow.
- Lastly, is the set-up view. Additionally the jab can also be used as a set-up for another attack. It is a way to trick your opponent into thinking you are going to use this maneuver but in reality you are setting them up for a different attack. For example, you can do a quick jab or leave your hand in the jab position to confuse the opponent to think that you are going to jab again and then quickly do a spin back fist, spin back kick, or even a front leg front kick. A really good combo that I like to use is called the “double-jab reverse punch.” This entails a quick 2 jab sequence to catch the opponent of guard. Then immediately on the return of the second jab, you throw the reverse punch. This sequence can count as an attack if you successfully land the jab, which is always good. Ironically, if you are unsuccessful in landing the jabs you set yourself up to deliver the reverse punch.
Of course, I am briefly discussing some of the main points of the Jab. There are many other practical uses for this defensive technique. This article will has given you a good understanding that can be used to study and learn how to use the jab effectively into your style of fighting. The unique thing about Martial Arts is that you can make your own style and switch to see what feels right for you.
Improve your jab to your expertise! Everyone’s body is different and it takes awhile to get to a good feeling of where you can comfortably and effectively jab with precision and quickness at the same time. As I always say…PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE….
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