Jab

How to throw it

Fire the jab straight off your lead hand, extending fully and rotating the fist so the knuckles land flat, then snap it back to your guard on the same line it went out. Keep your rear hand glued to your chin and your chin tucked behind the shoulder as the arm extends. A small step in with the lead foot adds reach and closes distance without over-committing your weight.

When to use it

The jab is your range-finder, so you lead with it to measure distance, disrupt your opponent's rhythm, and open the door for the heavier shots behind it. On the bag it sets the timing for almost every combination you build.

Common mistakes

• Dropping the rear hand or letting the lead shoulder sag while you punch, leaving your chin exposed to the counter.
• Pushing the jab out slowly instead of snapping it, which telegraphs the shot and kills the sting.
• Winding the hand back before you throw, tipping the punch off before it leaves.

Combos using this move

• Jab → Cross → Rear Low KickEasy
• Jab → Cross → Lead Hook → Rear Low KickIntermediate
• Jab → Rear KickEasy
• Jab → Cross → Switch KickIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Lead Horizontal ElbowIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Rear Body KickEasy
• Jab → Cross → Rear Uppercut → Rear Low KickIntermediate
• Jab → Lead Body Hook → Lead Hook → Rear Low KickIntermediate
• High Low HighAdvanced
• Cross → Jab → CrossEasy
• Jab → Lead Low Kick → Rear Low KickIntermediate
• Double Jab → Lead TeepEasy
• Jab → Cross → Lead Knee → Rear Horizontal ElbowIntermediate
• Jab → Lead Horizontal Elbow → Rear Horizontal ElbowIntermediate
• Jab → Lead Body Hook → Rear Uppercut ElbowIntermediate
• Rear Parry → Jab → CrossEasy
• Double Jab → Weave Lead → Lead HookIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Lead Hook → Rear Body KickIntermediate
• Jab → CrossEasy
• Jab → Cross → Lead HookEasy
• Double Jab → CrossEasy
• Jab → Cross → Lead Hook → CrossIntermediate
• Jab → Rear Uppercut → Lead HookIntermediate
• Jab → Body Cross → Lead HookIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Lead Body Hook → Lead HookIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Rear Head KickIntermediate
• Jab → Rear Side KickIntermediate
• Jab → Cross → Lead Hook → Rear Head KickAdvanced