Favorite Combinations
Last night I worked combinations with my students and got me thinking about favorite or preferred striking combinations.
Some of my favorites:
Left Hook Punch, Right Roundhouse Kick: From an orthodox stance the left hook or left shovel hook delivered will keep the opponent focused on the head, while following up with a power roundhouse to either the thigh or floating rib. Done from boxing distancing. If Southpaw fighter simply switch the order.
Double Jab, Plum, Knee Sequence: Double jab can throw the opponent off and is excellent for closing the distance. Jab is the most important punch in one's arsenal because everything is built off of it. After closing the distance and within clinching range, forearm smash on collar bones and plum the back of the head. In Pai Lum we have a knee sequence exercise similiar to Muay Thai, knee, switch, knee, switch, knee, switch, where the knee can target legs, torso, or head. A good plum is key, where the head goes the body will follow!
Shoulder Roll, Right Cross, Left Hook, Right Cross: This comes more from my boxing background but is an effective technique. Shoulder rolls and parry are excellent defenses against straight punches. Often times opponents will mistake their distancing and throw the punch too short. Shoulder rolls and parrys will allow you to get around this punch and deliver a powerful right cross while they are extended and off balance. Follow up with a left hook and another right cross for a good power combination. One of the best tools for parrying, dodging, and evading is the double end ball. I cannot stress this great training tool enough.
Pull the Rope: A staple technique in the Pai Lum system. Start out by taking a side stance with the strong leg or kicking leg in front. You will feint and throw a backfist or jab with the lead hand, with the intent being to have your opponent throw their guard up to protect the head, leaving their body and torso exposed. As the backfist or jab retracts the side thrust kick from the front leg shoots out into the body area. Chamber, kick with the heel while rolling the hip over, rechamber, back to fighting stance. This can be a powerful and deceptive combo when done correctly.
Please feel free to add favorite combinations of yours to this thread.
"The hero and the coward both feel the same thing, but the hero projects his fear onto his opponent while the coward runs. 'Fear'. It's the same thing, but it's what you do with it that matters". -Cus D'Amato