Using A Jab And Defending From It Effectively?

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

There are many videos that talk about defending from a jab and not so many on how to throw one.

Often it is the boxing jab, that different disciplines use as an example towards defending against.

As what is a jab but a quick lead hand straight punch, or is there more to it than that?

Or should I elaborate, that a jab is a fast moving lead hand punch, usually followed up with a few more fast ones, that opens the opponent up for other combinations, that can also end in a jab.

As a jab is not so straightforward to do or defend against, far from it, is this worth further investigation?

With it being widely known as probably, the first punch thrown in a boxing bout, is a jab of some kind, is this a fact or a myth?

A jab has many possibilities and can be utilised it a variety of different ways, as if there is a one method fits all against defending from one.

Do you use jabs in your fighting game and are you sufficiently prepared to defend against them?

This is an exploration on the jab and it's impacts good and bad, for and against, how useful has jabs been for you?

Do you have any opinions or questions about the use and effectiveness of the jab?

bushido_man96 · KF Sensei

I think the jab finds itself most useful in sport MAs, like Boxing and MMA, where you have the time to feel out your opponent and use it for setups later in the fight. I don't think it tends to be as applicable in self-defense, where you want to use the jab to set things up. In self-defense, a jab can be used, but I'd recommend that it is NEVER used alone; the only reason you throw a jab in self-defense is because you have something else coming behind it.
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Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

This is Silat's take on the jab, what do you think?
https://youtu.be/YNCl21xQ5WE

pers · Purple Belt

Jab punch or kizami zuki as its known in karate is a very useful technique both in defence and offence.

Front leg and foot plays a vital role in the quality and effectiveness of this technique.
In self defence it can be deployed once an attack is anticipated by slightly changing the angle and stepping forward into the coming attacker and catching them on the chin or other head targets.
Like everything else timing is very important.
In offence mode it's the lead foot that is the driver of the attack, dynamic push of the front foot and leg is the effective element.
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Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

As you point out pers,
That the jab is useful both in defence and offensive.

Footwork also is an important part of defence and offensive strategy skills.

That lead leg and jab should work as one in conjunction with the hip rotation that also maintains stability.

As Bruce Lee advises start with a jab and end with a jab.

I like that idea as it helps to get in and out safely, more times than not.

As this makes sense in a good way also to close the gap offensivly or make space when defending.

The kick boxer Bill Wallace points out that his jab is similar to a back fist but still is a jab of sorts.

I see jabs as like a can opener, as once used it opens up all kinds of opportunities and surprises to work with.

Seeing how the opponent responds and reacts to a jab, then will follow up appropriately.

A jab can be just a feeler or it can be used as a set up motion or something very damaging as a single stand alone direct attack.

To jab while stationary, arm stretching out, moving backwards, forwards or from any angle, quick flicking or stabbing, each individual can adapt it to their own special requirements or needs, fast or slow, soft then hard, in conjunction with other strikes.

JR 137 · Black Belt

The jab may well be the most versatile strike. It’s used offensively, defensively, from the outside, can be used on the inside, etc.

As Bushido man was stating, in a SD situation it’s not going to have the same effect as in a sport/sparring scenario. In SD, there’s no “feeling out your opponent” and/or setting him up for later rounds. You get in and end it as quickly as possible. But the jab is still quite effective in SD; use the jab to get the opponent’s hands where you want them. Get the opponent backpedaling. Get the opponent off balance. Throw the jab and follow it up with what you really want rather than throwing haymakers right off the bat. Throw the jab on your way in, then throw a hook to the body followed by the same hand uppercut or hook to the head. Throw the jab then initiate a clinch. Double up on the jab then follow it up. Stuff like that. Just don’t fool yourself into think you’ll be able to throw individual jabs and dance around like Sugar Ray Leonard in a true SD situation. Maybe against a truly uncommitted attacker you’ll be able to, but that’s about it.

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

For me I use the JKD mindset of strike with the weapon closest to the target on the opponent; just automatic reaction takes over, as I can concentrate on keeping, balance, structure and alignment whilst attacking theirs.

The way I use a jab is to make openings and immediately follow up on what I can feed on, which could be another jab but harder, if the opponent doesn't react to the first one.

One street (gang) fight in particular, I had when alot younger, was with a tall guy, he just used jabs against me, he had a good sense of timing, accuracy and speed.

Trading punches wasn't a good idea on my part.

Although his punches all landed I just had a fat lip for a few days.

Today I would deal with the same senerio differently, as in doubling up on footwork movements perhaps, covering up shielding with elbows, going for an arm and neck control, attacking his balance and looking to control and not to trade.

As the gym I work out in, has many personal boxing trainers, I get to see it all, many things from an advantage point looking for strengths and weaknesses in their techniques.

Some Jabbing appetizers, for starters:

Jab tutorial in self defence
https://youtu.be/0LSeVgrZWeg

Boxing tutorial jab variations
https://youtu.be/1rPs112Vw9g

The jab in different martial arts
https://youtu.be/4BCjLQmf0XY

sensei8 · KF Sensei

Having a very effective jab can be the very difference maker in a SD situation. Training the jab might be one of the most important technique that one can never be a waste of training time.

As JR states...

Alan Armstrong · Black Belt

sensei8 · KF Sensei

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