Issue 148

December 2016

Making your opponent flinch is the key to unlocking a tight defense.

Rafael Cordeiro teaches you masterful Muay Thai with Fernando Bettega

1 - Fernando starts his combination with a jab, which Rafael defends.

2 - Rafael also defends Fernando’s follow-up right cross.

3 - Fernando doesn’t have any success with a left hook either

4 - To cause Rafael to react, Fernando fakes a kick by lifting his right leg.

5 - Rafael checks the kick, but Fernando kicks his right leg back and hops with his left foot.

6 - Taking advantage of Rafael being off balance, Fernando throws a right elbow to the head as he closes the distance.

TOP TIPS:

STUDENT:

Turn your shin outwards to block a kick. It’ll hurt, but it’ll hurt your opponent more.

KRU:

Throwing fakes at your opponent can cause them to flinch and compromise their defense.

MASTER:

If you’re opponent often lifts his leg to block, you can also kick underneath his lead foot to sweep his standing leg.