A Combination Structure for MMA (diary entry)

        24.08.16   The nineteenth lesson in my client’s second course on Mixed Martial Arts for Martial Arts Cross Training concerned devising combination structures for different ranges. Modern Western Boxing serves as a good basis for MMA combination work. This is largely due to the speed and accessibility of punching. Punches work well tactically to set-up other techniques when initiating an attack and also encourage faster movement from the other ranges. Obviously certain adaptations need to be made so as not to weld on techniques. The western boxing stance is largely unsuited to MMA due the way it exposes the lead leg, but the hand movements, footwork and adjusted upper body movement is excellent.   Everything was worked off a simple four punch combination concept taught me by Mo Teague, building techniques off jab, jab/cross, jab/cross/hook and jab/cross/hook/cross. Beginning with boxing, I incorporated two evasive techniques off the lead hand – slipping with the jab and rolling with the lead hook. Next we moved onto Muay Thai, adding an opposite side round kick on each progressive combination – jab/rear kick, jab/cross/lead kick, jab/cross/hook/rear leg and jab/cross/hook/cross/lead kick. We then used the combination for the double leg takedown. From the mount position we used jab and jab/cross to set up for an arm triangle.