Tips on How You Can Sharpen Your Defense

Whether you are a professional or an amateur Muay Thai fighter, you have to keep in mind that attacking is not the only way to win. In fact, there are many cases where the aggressive fighter gets beaten by his or her opponent thanks to effective defensive skills.

If you really want to become a good Muay Thai fighter, then you need to learn how to sharpen your defensive skills. By doing so, you will be able to become a more effective fighter and increase your chances in winning or even knocking down your opponent and end the match early.

So, here are tips on how you can sharpen your defensive skills in Muay Thai.

The first is by practicing reflex drills. As the name suggests, this training regimen will focus on speeding up your reflexes on any given action. You need to keep in mind that the key to a strong defense is to build up your reflex to attacks. By reacting fast to attacks, you will be able to thwart your opponent’s attacks and even possibly let you prepare for counterattacks.

One great way to practice your reflex is to have your sparring partner throw mid level roundhouse kicks at you and over you. Your main objective is to block every single one of the kicks with the proper technique. By doing this over and over again, you will be able to gain muscle memory and your body will be able to naturally react to this kind of kick.

The next tip is to develop your pattern recognition. Much like studying your poker buddies for “tells”, you need to be able to see what gives off your opponents when they are going to attack. For example, some Muay Thai fighters move their shoulders before they throw a punch. By being observant, you will be able to know your opponent’s next move, which will help you prepare for the attack.

The third tip is to use a mirror. In order for you to perfect your defensive technique, you need to be able to see how your body moves when you execute the techniques. With a mirror or a video camera, you will be able to see what moves you need to work on or improve.

Another tip is to repeat a movement numerous times. Always keep in mind that everything should be automatic in Muay Thai. There is no time to think what your next move should be. By repeating your defensive technique over and over again, your body will be able to react automatically to attacks.

Lastly, you have to take care of your eyes. Always keep in mind that the ability to evade an attack is tied directly on your ability to see. In Muay Thai, one blink or flinch is enough to let your opponent throw a knockout blow. Train your eyes to stay open and relaxed even when your opponent attacks you.

Always remember that the hardest punch is the one that you don’t see. So, try to train your eyes to stay open during all the action.

Remember these tips and you can be sure that you will be able to perfect your defensive technique and evade attacks from your opponent. By doing so, you will be able to counterattack more effectively and win more fights. 
