Issue 167

May 2018

Go from toe-to-toe to land a damaging blow.

Rafael Cordeiro

Head coach at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California, teaches you masterful Muay Thai with Fernando Bettega

1: Rafael and Fernando begin their striking combinations by throwing their jabs at the same time.

2: Both men follow up straight away with simultaneous crosses straight down the middle.

3: As soon as Rafael throws a left hook, Fernando rolls under it to his right by bending his knees – not ducking his head.

4: As Fernando moves laterally, he lands a hard kick to the inside of Rafael’s thigh. He can also attack the body.

TOP TIPS

FARANG

Try to slip to the side while keeping your guard up to avoid straight punches while you’re throwing your own.

THAI

Try to anticipate the strikes your opponent will throw next based on their habits throughout the fight.

KRU

Overreaching on the hook could leave your opponent exposed to a takedown.