Practice the Jab for Self-Defense and Sparring

Are some martial arts techniques more important than others? Yes! And I’d say the jab is number one!

Whether you practice the martial arts for self-defense, fitness, or fun, in this video, I’ll tell you why I decided to practice this basic punch in every training session… and why you should, too.

You can either play the video below or scroll down for the transcript. Happy training!

Practice the Jab Punch

If you’re training martial arts at home alone, you might be wondering—

What move should I work on?
What’s the best technique for self-defense?

The answer—or my answer anyway—is the jab.

Now, let me back up a step. Self-defense should start with awareness, setting boundaries, de-escalation, and avoidance. I even have a video claiming that a smile is your best self-defense weapon.

But if all of those prevention strategies don’t work and you’ve suddenly got a bad guy marching into your space, that’s when you’ll want to have a jab in your toolbox. Here’s why—

FIRST. The jab helps controls distance. Sticking your hand into a bad guy’s face, whether you use an open hand, a fist, or your fingers is a quick way to keep him away from you. He may not stop, but even if he flinches or freezes up for a second, that might be all the time you need to follow-up or escape.

SECOND. The jab is a multi-purpose tool. You can throw it light or throw it heavy. Like a whip or like a wall. You can throw it short or drill it in. That’s why this is not a “How to Throw a Perfect Jab” video, because there is no perfect jab! There’s only the jab you need at any particular moment.

So, find a bag or hang up a towel or just fight the air and play around with all the different ways you can throw a jab.

THIRD. Sticking a jab into someone’s face is the simplest way to set up a combination. Practice following up your jab with a power shot, or throw a couple of punches and add a kick. I’d say every technique you can think of is going to work better if you throw a jab first.

Heck—even if I was a 50 yards away with a rocket launcher, I’d probably still throw a jab before firing it!

FOURTH. An empty hand is great, but if your life is in danger, picking up something to use as weapon will turn your jab into a super jab. Maybe you can pick up a stick or a mallet. A cup of coffee or a pie. Seriously!

Now, one big mistake you don’t want to make is thinking of the jab as a one-handed technique. No.

Your other hand should be up and on guard to protect your head and follow up if necessary. Especially if the bad guy is throwing jabs or pies at you. And what about your feet?

Standing still while you jab is not a great idea. So, move. Practice your jab moving forward and backward, left and right, and circling. I’ve got a two-part video all about basic footwork, so for more information on that, click on the link below.

Basic Martial Arts Footwork

For now, just remember to make your jab mobile. That way, you’ll give yourself the choice to either hit and run or hit and hit again. And again… and again… until you’re safe.

Last thought. You might be thinking that a kick is a better way to keep a bad guy away. I mean, the leg is longer and a kick to the knee is hard to see, right? Yeah, right! So, practice that, too.

In fact, I’d recommend practicing all kinds of techniques if you have the time. But if you don’t have time, then make the jab the first move you do. That’ll help you stay safe in the ring or on the street. 

Until next time, keep jabbing, my friend, and keep fighting for a happy life!