IFMA :: International Federation of Muaythai Amateur

Stance.

There are different ways to stand in the ring depending on the situation but some basics are common to all. Camps may have slightly different names for example Jod Mauy or Lube Jod but he principle remains the same.

In international-style boxing, it is referred to as the guard as the fists are the main focus of attention but in MuayThai we must pay attention to the whole body. If the stance is not tight enough to protect all parts of the body, the fighter is at a disadvantage already.

Development of the Stance.

The art of MuayThai was first described in the "Thai book of War" Soldiers studied the art of unarmed combat in addition to their weapons skills. At times of special celebration, the City Governors or the King would hold competitions for display and entertainment. The influence of the weapons’ training can still be seen in the stance of these old-style fighters – i.e. crouching and the fists held as if holding a spear as the art gained more popularity, the stance changed accordingly.

Type of MuayThai stances.

Captain Nerng Sukultana-sorn (Nor Wongthanu) has differentiated between the 2 MuayThai stances in his handbook :-

Jod Narh( front stance)

Here the body is exposed to the opponent with the fists and arms at right angles. The advantage is that the fighter ahs a long reach from both arms and legs and can defend at a distance. The drawback is that he is presenting a large target it is good if used in defense or retreat during a fight.

Jod Bahng ( side stance)

Here the fighter stands at a 45-degree angle to the opponent with arms and fists tightly to the side and front. This limits the exposed areas. I it is good for fighting in close and can be used in attack and defense. For newly trained boxers, this will give the best protection. We can further break these down in order to learn – into left, right, front and side angle stances. Right angle stance; In this position, the fighter stands diagonally to his opponent with the right fist and foot placed behind the left fist and foot.

Left angle stance.

In this position, the fighter stands diagonally to his opponent with the left foot and fist placed behind the right foot and fist.

Right Angle Stance
(Side View)

Right Angle Stance
(Front & Top View)

Left Angle Stance
(Front & Side View)

Front angle stance.

In this position, the fighter exposes his body to the opponent. It is good for fighters who are strong with frontal weapons such as the feet and fists.

Side angle stance.

Here the fighter presents as small a target as possible. It is suitable for fighters who are good at fighting in close with the knees and elbows.

Right & Left Angle From Korat

As already mentioned, camps will vary in their instructions to the boxers. Now, we will look at some other traditions.

MuayThai stance from PraNakorn, Sornkwai Camp, Bangkok. The stance according to Mr. Sa-lep (camp master) is to stand with the feet quite a distance apart using the right angle stance. The right foot should point forward with the left almost perpendicular to it. The right arm is extended forward with a slight upward bend. The left is bent at the elbow and tight to the upper torso to protect this area. This stance indicates the fighter is strong with his left side.

MuayThai stance from the Nor Wangthanu Handbook, Bangkok.

Nor Wongthanu has collected information from history to add to his own formidable store, he has performed for the King.

1. Stand upright with the heels at a 45 degree angle.
2. Slide the left foot towards the opponent, keeping your body-weight on the right foot.
3. The right arm should be bent at the elbow with the fist below the ear and about 4 cm away from the cheek.
4. The left arm is also bent and the fist about 6sm away from the left eyebrow with the elbow about 6sm from the rib cage.
5. Tuck the left side of the jaw against the shoulder. Look straight at the middle of the opponent’s body – not directly at the eyes.

South-paws should follow the same instructions but from the opposite side.
MuayThai stance according to the MuayThai book of Korat.

The stance according to Kru Bua Wat-Im puts the weight on the front leg with the rear leg bet slightly at he knees while standing on the ball of the feet. When the right leg is forward, so is the right fist and vice versa.

Both fists can be held at chest level or slightly higher. The body faxes the opponent in the right angle stance.

To change the stance, the rear leg slides to the front to change the body weight and the fists move in a circular motion.

MuayThai stance from the MuayThai book of Chaiya.

Master Khet Sriyaphai recommends the following:

The stance must be compact and practiced to achieve victory.

If you are right-handed, the right foot must be placed at least one step in front of the left. Raise the left fist to be between the center of the eyebrows and at least 12 inches away from the face with the elbow tucked into the side. The right fist should be placed between the left fist and elbow so that the elbow acts as a protection. So now the fighter is protected from the waist to the head.

As for the lower body, the legs should be bent for balance and standing slightly on the balls of the feet .

This stance may feel unnatural in the beginning but the fighter will adapt to it with practice.