Long Guard Basics

The Long Guard is a very useful tool in Muay Thai - it limits your opponent's vision, can do a great job of blocking head punches of all types, and creates a frame and wind-up for attacks.

In this video, we go over some basics of how to go from "regular" guard with your gloves on your face to a long guard:

• Extend your lead hand - you can use the palm of your glove to “feel” distance to your target. Rear glove stays on your face.

• Step forward just a little bit with your front foot.

• Keep even weight distribution in your feet - if your weight distribution becomes lopsided, you’re not using the long guard correctly and it will open you for more attacks than it helps you to defend.

Next week we'll put this technique in context and show how to use it in your shadowboxing routine or your heavy bag rounds.