Combo 3: Distance Gap Decoy (Fake Jab to Body Kick & Inside Low Kick)

Before you start

• Start out of normal striking range where your initial jab cannot quite reach
• Be prepared to switch stances or legs depending on your orthodox/southpaw alignment

Movement sequence

1. Toss out a fake jab from out of range to close the distance and distract the opponent
2. Throw a cross or upper-cross
3. Switch or throw a left round kick to the opponent's arm/body
4. Follow up immediately with a blast to the inside of the opponent's lead leg

Key points

• Use the initial fake jab purely as a closing-distance and distraction tool
• Notice how the opponent sinks down and gets heavy after absorbing a round kick off the arm
• Capitalize on the opponent's difficulty in transitioning from an arm/cross block to checking an inside low kick

Common mistakes

Overextending on the fake jab and getting countered Failing to follow through with the heavy inside low kick after the body kick Telegraphing the distance closure

Practice notes

Particularly effective against opponents who stand and wait or rely on heavy blocking Can be adapted for southpaws by kicking off the back leg