Fight Glossary

The lead-hand straight punch. Fast, low-commitment, used to measure range, set up combos, and disrupt the opponent's rhythm.

Heard in: 'Jab' or 'Jab, cross'

The rear-hand straight punch. Bigger weight transfer than the jab, throws power down the centerline. Sometimes called the 'two' in 1-2 combinations.

Heard in: 'Cross' or 'Jab-cross'

A curved punch thrown with either hand, traveling across the opponent's guard. Usually lands to the side of the head or body.

Heard in: 'Hook', 'Lead hook', 'Body hook'

A vertical punch traveling upward, usually through a gap in the opponent's guard or under the chin. Devastating in the pocket.

Heard in: 'Uppercut' or 'Body uppercut'

A target call — the coach is asking for a strike to the body, not the head. Pair it with any hand or kick.

Heard in: 'Body, body, head'

A hook aimed at the ribs or liver instead of the head. Often the punch that ends fights.

Heard in: 'Cross, body hook, hook'

The Muay Thai push-kick. Used to control range, interrupt the opponent's forward pressure, and set up bigger strikes. The English speller is misleading — it's pronounced 'tip', not 'teep'.

Heard in: 'Teep', 'Lead teep', 'Teep cross'

A round kick to the opponent's leg — usually the lead-leg thigh or calf. The cornerstone of Dutch-style and Muay Thai striking.

Heard in: 'Low kick' or 'Jab-cross, low kick'

A round kick thrown by your lead leg after a quick stance switch — usually feet hop in place to load the lead-leg kick. Lets you throw a power kick off the front leg.

Heard in: 'Switch kick' or 'Switch'

A round kick aimed at the opponent's head — usually the temple, jaw, or ear. The most dramatic finish in kickboxing and Muay Thai.

Heard in: 'Head kick' or 'Low-low-head'

A strike with the knee, usually from clinch range. Targets the body, thigh, or — at full extension — the head. Iconic Muay Thai weapon.

Heard in: 'Knee' or 'Clinch, knee, knee'

A strike with the elbow — slashing, chopping, spinning, or spear. Muay Thai's clinch-range answer to the punch.

Heard in: 'Elbow' or 'Clinch, elbow'

Movement cue — close the distance with a small step forward. Often a setup for a punch or kick, sometimes a feint.

Heard in: 'Step in, jab' or 'Step in, switch kick'

Movement cue — break range with a step away. Used to evade, reset to neutral, or set up a counter.

Heard in: 'Step back' or 'Cross, step back'

Stance change cue — flip your stance from orthodox to southpaw or back. Changes your power side and the angles available.

Heard in: 'Switch' or 'Switch, low kick'

Generic movement cue — get off the centerline. Usually means pivot, angle out, or break range. The coach is reminding you not to stand still after a strike.

Heard in: 'Move' or 'Cross, move'

Return to a clean neutral stance — guard up, weight balanced, feet under shoulders. Said between bursts so the next exchange starts from a clean position.

Heard in: 'Reset' (end of most combinations)