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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. |
