In this article, you will find a comprehensive video guide by Jeff Chan MMAShredded, where he shares his top 7 offensive moves and combos for sparring in MMA and Muay Thai. The video covers a range of techniques that Jeff considers his absolute favorites, including the outside footsweep, outside low kick-cross-kick, inside low kick-jab-cross-kick, rear kick-superman cross-kick, hand trap-cross-double step low kick, cross-rear high kick, and jab-step-lead high kick. Jeff breaks down each move, demonstrating proper technique and offering tips on when and how to execute them effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fighter, this video provides valuable insights and strategies to enhance your sparring skills and keep your opponents guessing.
In the video, Jeff emphasizes the importance of timing and precision for each move, explaining how to properly execute them to maximize their effectiveness. He also offers variations and ways to mix up these combinations, allowing you to adapt to different situations and opponents. Whether you’re looking to add new offensive moves to your repertoire or improve your existing techniques, this video will provide you with valuable insights and tips to take your sparring game to the next level. So, grab your gloves, get ready to learn, and let Jeff guide you through his top 7 offensive moves and combos for sparring!
Outside Footsweep
Description
The outside footsweep is a highly effective offensive move in MMA striking and Muay Thai. It involves sweeping your opponent’s leg out from under them, causing them to fall to the ground. To execute this move, you need to aim for your opponent’s lower calf and hook it with your ankle and chin. Instead of simply bouncing your leg back into your stance like a regular low kick, you want to kick through and pull the leg towards you, causing your opponent to lose their balance and fall into the splits. It’s important to note that this move works best when your opponent has all of their weight planted on their front leg, either when they step forward or if they naturally have a heavy front leg due to their stance.
Execution
To execute the outside footsweep, you need to time it correctly and target your opponent’s lower calf. As they step forward or if they have a heavy front leg due to their stance, use your ankle and chin to hook their leg and pull it towards you. Kick through the leg and make sure to apply enough force to sweep them off their feet. It’s crucial to maintain your balance and stability while performing this move. Practice the footsweep with proper technique and timing to maximize its effectiveness.
Variations
The outside footsweep can be executed on opponents regardless of their stance. Whether you are in a southpaw or orthodox stance, and whether your opponent is in an orthodox or southpaw stance, the outside footsweep can still be a scoring move. It’s important to adapt to your opponent’s stance and timing to successfully execute this move. By using your lead foot to do the sweeping on your opponent’s lead foot, you can perform the outside footsweep even in different stances. The versatility of this move makes it a valuable offensive weapon in MMA striking and Muay Thai.
Outside Low Kick – Cross – Kick
Description
The outside low kick – cross – kick combination is a powerful offensive combo that incorporates strikes with both the legs and fists. It is versatile and can be effective against various opponents. The combination involves starting with an outside low kick, followed by a cross punch, and finishing it off with a kick.
Execution
To execute the outside low kick – cross – kick combination, begin with a powerful outside low kick aimed at your opponent’s leg. This leg kick can cause damage and weaken your opponent’s base. Immediately after the low kick, throw a cross punch with your opposite hand. This punch can take advantage of your opponent’s compromised position from the leg kick. Finally, finish the combination with a kick, using either the same leg that performed the low kick or the opposite leg. The choice of the kick can vary depending on your preference and the position of your opponent.
Variations
There are several variations of the outside low kick – cross – kick combination that you can incorporate to keep your opponent guessing. One variation is to mix up the order of the strikes, for example, starting with the cross punch, followed by the low kick, and finishing with the kick. Another variation is to add a hook punch before or after the cross punch to add more power and unpredictability to the combination. Experiment with different combinations and strikes to find what works best for your style and opponent.
Inside Low Kick – Jab – Cross – Kick
Description
The inside low kick – jab – cross – kick combination is a comprehensive offensive combo that utilizes kicks and punches. It is a versatile combination that can be effective in MMA striking and Muay Thai.
Execution
To execute the inside low kick – jab – cross – kick combination, start with a powerful inside low kick aimed at your opponent’s leg. This kick can disrupt their balance and weaken their lower body. Immediately after the low kick, follow up with a jab punch using your lead hand. The jab can be used to set up the cross punch. After the jab, throw a cross punch using your rear hand, targeting your opponent’s head or body. Finally, finish the combination with a kick, using either the same leg that performed the low kick or the opposite leg. The choice of the kick can depend on your preference and the position of your opponent.
Variations
To keep your opponent guessing, you can add variations to the inside low kick – jab – cross – kick combination. You can mix up the order of the strikes, such as starting with the cross punch, followed by the jab, and finishing with the low kick and kick. Another variation is to add a hook punch or an uppercut before or after the cross punch to add more power and unpredictability. Experiment with different combinations and strikes to find what works best for you and your opponent.
Rear Kick – Superman Cross – Kick
Description
The rear kick – Superman cross – kick combination is a dynamic offensive move that incorporates a rear kick, a Superman cross punch, and a kick. It is a powerful combination that can catch your opponent off guard and create openings for further attacks.
Execution
To execute the rear kick – Superman cross – kick combination, start with a rear kick aimed at your opponent’s body or leg. This kick can be thrown with power and speed, using your rear leg. After the kick, transition smoothly into a Superman cross punch, which involves extending your rear arm and jumping into the air, simulating the appearance of flying. The Superman cross punch can surprise your opponent and catch them off guard. Finally, finish the combination with another kick, using either the same leg that performed the rear kick or the opposite leg.
Variations
There are several variations of the rear kick – Superman cross – kick combination that you can incorporate for added versatility. One variation is to add a hook punch before or after the Superman cross punch. This can add more power and unpredictability to the combination. Another variation is to mix up the order of the strikes, for example, starting with the Superman cross punch, followed by the rear kick, and finishing with another kick. Experiment with different combinations and strikes to find what works best for your style and opponent.
Hand Trap – Cross – Double Step Low Kick
Description
The hand trap – cross – double step low kick combination is a strategic offensive move that incorporates trapping your opponent’s hand, a cross punch, and a double step low kick. It is a versatile combination that can be effective in close quarters combat.
Execution
To execute the hand trap – cross – double step low kick combination, start by trapping your opponent’s lead hand using your lead hand. This move involves crossing your lead hand over your opponent’s hand and pulling it down, creating a momentary disadvantage for your opponent. Immediately after the hand trap, follow up with a cross punch using your rear hand. This punch can take advantage of your opponent’s distracted position from the hand trap. Finally, finish the combination with a double step low kick, using either the same leg that performed the cross punch or the opposite leg. The double step low kick allows you to close the distance and create an opportunity for a powerful kick.
Variations
The hand trap – cross – double step low kick combination can be varied to suit your style and opponent. You can mix up the order of the strikes, starting with the cross punch, followed by the hand trap, and finishing with the double step low kick. Another variation is to add a hook punch before or after the cross punch to add more power and unpredictability. Experiment with different combinations and strikes to find what works best for your style and opponent.
Cross – Rear High Kick
Description
The cross – rear high kick combination is a classic offensive move that involves a cross punch and a high kick. It is a simple yet effective combination that can catch your opponent off guard and create openings for further attacks.
Execution
To execute the cross – rear high kick combination, start with a powerful cross punch using your rear hand. Aim for your opponent’s head or body, depending on their position and your target. Immediately after the cross punch, swiftly transition into a high kick using your rear leg. This kick can be aimed at your opponent’s head, creating the potential for a knockout or a significant strike. Make sure to maintain your balance and follow through with the kick for maximum impact.
Variations
The cross – rear high kick combination can be varied to suit your style and opponent. You can experiment with the order of the strikes, starting with the high kick and finishing with the cross punch. Another variation is to add a hook punch before or after the cross punch to add more power and unpredictability. Remember, the key is to keep your opponent guessing and create openings for further attacks. Find what works best for your style and opponent through practice and experimentation.
Jab & Step – Lead High Kick
Description
The jab and step – lead high kick combination is a versatile offensive move that involves a jab punch and a high kick. It is a combination that can be utilized in various situations, allowing you to maintain distance or close the gap depending on your opponent’s response.
Execution
To execute the jab and step – lead high kick combination, start with a quick and powerful jab punch using your lead hand. This punch can be used to gauge your opponent’s reaction and set up the high kick. After the jab, take a step forward with your lead leg, loading up your rear leg for the high kick. The step allows you to generate more power and momentum for the kick. Finally, throw a high kick using your lead leg, targeting your opponent’s head or body depending on the situation. Make sure to maintain balance and follow through with the kick for maximum impact.
Variations
The jab and step – lead high kick combination can be varied to suit your style and opponent. You can mix up the order of the strikes, starting with the high kick and finishing with the jab punch. Another variation is to add a hook punch before or after the jab to add more power and unpredictability. The key is to adapt the combination to your opponent’s reaction and find opportunities to capitalize on their vulnerabilities. Experiment with different variations and strikes to find what works best for your style and opponent.
In conclusion, these seven offensive moves and combinations provide a diverse set of tools for MMA striking and Muay Thai. From sweeps to kicks to punches, each move offers unique advantages and opportunities to create openings for further attacks. Practice and experimentation are key to mastering these techniques and adapting them to different opponents and situations. Remember to focus on technique, timing, and maintaining balance to maximize the effectiveness of these offensive moves. With dedication and practice, you can incorporate these moves into your arsenal and elevate your striking game.