The left and right of it all...

[Big Kahuna]

Hi! Just started taking MT and I love it. In my previous styles we learned each technique from a left and right side perspective. In MT, it seems that I learn the techniques based on my fighting stance - left leg forward. What I am getting at is I always jab with my left while in class. There doesn't seem to be any indication that I should learn the jab from a south-paw position.

So, should I practice in both stances or does MT focus on your natural positioning?

[Khun Kao]

As a beginner, you should NOT practice from the different sides! When you first start MT training, you should choose one side to be your lead side and STICK WITH IT. Learn to fight entirely from that one side!

In MuayThai, there are a lot techniques and strategies that are based off of lead vs. rear techniques. The reason why you only want to practice from a single stance is, quite simply, due to human nature....

Lets say that you stand in an Orthodox fighting stance (left lead). You want to kick your opponent with your left Roundhouse Kick. I have found that those who have not trained to fight from one stance and stick with that stance have a tendency to SWITCH their stance, bringing the left leg to the rear so that they can kick with more power.

No matter how fast you may be, switching stances telegraphs your intentions and gives your opponent PLENTY of time to react.

Also, there are techniques designed to be used exclusively from the lead side. Usually these are techniques designed for speed and deception. If you switch stances often, you will likely lose out on mastering the finer details of the technique.

In my experience, there are EXCEEDINGLY FEW people (even experienced fighters I've met and trained under) who can successfully fight from both sides.

I think I've only met one, and he doesn't even stress training from both sides.

[Big Kahuna]

Thank you Kru Brooks! That's what I thought, but I didn't want to make any assumptions and always forget to ask in class.

[pittbulldog]

I agree. Ajarn Chai once told me that he is left handed, but prefers a left lead stance.

[gregimotis]

Just in case anyone wanted a third opinion:



I'm southpaw naturally, I've tried hard to develop both sides - It seems like a good idea, but it doesn't work out.

Besides the things K. Brooks pointed out, you also tend to forget (when under presure) which stance you are supposed to be in and your footwork falls apart.

[seppuku]

so general opinion is to leave the other side alone.. thats a shame. does changing stances really matter that much? i tried a jab cross skip knee drill in the wrong guard (ive got cuts on my right knee atm, didnt want to hit with it) and it went pretty well on the whole. when i spar i get slightly confused when i change stances tho, so i expect when/if i finally get into a ring, the same thign could happen...

[Oreomeister365]

Don't ingnore the other side, thats just purposeley gimping yourself.

However, like the people here said-theres no need to get extremely fluent with both sides, what it is important for however is for circling your opponent, stepping in for your kick, etc, lots of footwork works considerably better with one side or the other (and also which direction you plan on going), so just keep that in mind, for example, if you are doing a circle step to one side then it will be considerably more fluid and less likely to throw you off balance if you switch your stance to that which will lets you circle easiest, even if just for a second or two.

if you get my drift.

[Khun Kao]

oreomeister is correct....

You don't IGNORE any side. You simply don't train to fight from both leads. It is actually detrimental to most peoples game..... and when I say "most people", I really do mean 99.99% of people in the serious fight game.

As an example, I am right-handed. I fight from the Orthodox stance (left side lead). I do NOT ignore my left side. As a matter of fact, I favor my left side in that close to 75% of my attacks actually come from the left. They are faster and sharper. I attack with my left until I see the opening, then I unleash some fury from my right side.

When I spar, I simply *LOVE* people who switch stances! Once I figure out which side is dominant, I simply wait for them to switch to the other stance and start teeing off on them! There will be a dominant side, even if you do train both evenly. All your opponent has to do is figure out which is your "comfortable" stance and bait you into switching out of it.

As the opponent, its not very difficult to figure out which stance is an opponents dominant stance....