Further Long Guard Countering: A Deconstruction of Muay Thai's "Dracula" Guard

10.09.2025

With just a day left before I conduct my special two-hour private lesson for the teachers of Hinnerup Karate and Zanshin Karate at my gym, focusing on the Muay Thai long guard, it made sense to continue the work I began last week with my longest-standing client. I chose this client again because he has been training with me for the longest time (currently in his eleventh year of private sessions) and possesses the necessary experience; additionally, his lesson lasts 1.5 hours.

We looked at other ways to break down this effective tactic, exploring various dimensions and strategies that could enhance our understanding and implementation of the technique. By analysing the components and mechanics of each sparring round, we aimed to identify strengths and weaknesses in both offensive and defensive maneuvers. This approach allowed us to dissect the effectiveness of the long guard and its applications in different scenarios, thereby enriching our overall training experience.

The long guard, often referred to as the Dracula guard due to its distinctive horizontal cover employed by the rear hand, serves as a highly effective long-range hand weapon in various stand-up striking sports. This guard is characterised by the positioning of the lead hand extended forward, creating a barrier that can deflect incoming strikes while simultaneously allowing the fighter to maintain distance from their opponent. The long guard is not only a defensive mechanism but also a strategic tool that can set up counterattacks and maintain control of the space in the ring. In the realm of boxing, the long guard has been effectively utilized by numerous renowned fighters, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness across different weight classes and fighting styles.

Notable champions who have exemplified the long guard include the legendary Joseph "Sandy" "The Stick" Saddler, a two-time world featherweight and world super-featherweight champion. Saddler's mastery of this guard allowed him to excel in both offense and defense, making him a formidable opponent in the ring. Another prominent figure is "Big" George Foreman, a two-time world heavyweight champion known for his powerful punches and ability to maintain distance from his adversaries using the long guard.

Larry Holmes, a world heavyweight champion famous for his jab and technical prowess, also effectively employed the long guard to thwart opponents and create openings for his own strikes. Additionally, contemporary boxing has seen the long guard utilized by long-range boxers such as Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua, both of whom have achieved world heavyweight champion status. Klitschko, with his towering height and reach, effectively used the long guard to keep opponents at bay while delivering powerful jabs and straight punches. Similarly, Joshua has incorporated this technique into his fighting style, allowing him to control the pace of the fight and dictate the range at which exchanges occur. Dmitry Bivol, the world light-heavyweight champion, has also demonstrated the effectiveness of the long guard, particularly in his ability to nullify his opponent's attacks while preparing for counter-strikes. Interestingly, even some of the most legendary fast-moving out-boxers, who are primarily known for their footwork and agility, have integrated the long guard into their extensive repertoire of techniques. Fighters like Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali, renowned for their speed and elusive movement, recognized the strategic advantage of the long guard. They utilized it not only as a defensive tool but also as a means to set up their signature combinations and counters, demonstrating the adaptability of this guard across different fighting styles.

Furthermore, the multi-divisional champion Gervonta Davis has made a name for himself by using the long guard as a jab nullifying tool. His ability to effectively employ this guard allows him to neutralize his opponent's jabs while simultaneously preparing to unleash his own powerful counters. Davis's application of the long guard highlights its relevance in modern boxing, proving that it remains a crucial component of a fighter's defensive strategy. In conclusion, the long guard, or Dracula guard, is a vital technique found in the arsenal of many successful boxers throughout history. Its effectiveness in maintaining distance, deflecting strikes, and setting up counterattacks makes it an essential skill for fighters in all stand-up striking sports. The legacy of this guard continues to be showcased by both historical champions and current fighters, ensuring its place as a fundamental aspect of boxing strategy.

However, it is within the context of Muay Thai that the guard assumes a significantly more mainstream and practical application compared to other martial arts. The long guard, in particular, has become a fundamental aspect of the sport, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness in various fighting scenarios. Celebrated legends of Muay Thai, such as the renowned Buakaw Banchamek, have not only mastered this technique but have also transformed its use into an art form of its own, captivating audiences with their skilful execution and strategic application of the guard. This technique is not merely a defensive posture; it embodies a proactive approach to striking and countering.

The long guard is widely recognised and utilised across the majority of established Muay Thai styles, each adapting it to suit their specific strategies and preferences. For instance, practitioners of Muay Femur, who are often characterised by their technical precision and tactical intelligence, employ the long guard primarily for its defensive capabilities as well as its interceptive properties. This allows them to effectively block incoming strikes while simultaneously creating openings for counterattacks, demonstrating an advanced understanding of timing and distance.

On the other hand, fighters who specialise in Muay Khao, known for their emphasis on knee strikes, utilize the long guard to facilitate the setup of powerful knee attacks. By maintaining a long guard position, they can effectively control the distance, making it easier to close in on their opponents and deliver devastating knee strikes that can change the course of a match.

Similarly, practitioners of Muay Sok, who excel in elbow strikes, find the long guard to be an essential tool in establishing the appropriate angles and distances needed to execute their techniques effectively. The guard serves as a foundation from which they can launch their elbows, allowing for both offensive and defensive manoeuvres that keep their opponents on the back foot. Moreover, fighters who align themselves with Muay Tae, known for their kicking prowess, have discovered that the long guard acts as an excellent tactile trigger for executing teeps and lead leg round kicks. By utilising the guard to gauge distance and timing, they can deliver precise strikes that maintain the flow of their offensive game while simultaneously keeping their opponents at bay. Lastly, even those who identify with Muay Mat, characterised by their powerful punches, have found innovative ways to incorporate the long guard into their arsenal. This technique not only aids in delivering powerful jabs but also serves as a strategic setup for straight right punches, allowing them to maximise their striking potential while maintaining a solid defensive posture.

In summary, the long guard in Muay Thai is far more than just a defensive mechanism; it is a multifaceted technique that is integral to the various styles within the sport. Each style adapts the long guard to enhance its unique strengths, showcasing the depth and richness of Muay Thai as a dynamic and evolving martial art.

The lesson consisted of a series of structured sparring rounds, each lasting three minutes, designed to focus on specific aspects of combat and defensive strategies. These rounds were meticulously crafted to isolate particular skills, enabling participants to hone their techniques and adapt to various fighting styles. The following outlines the rounds included in our training session:

1. Knees strikes only vs defence (using the long guard to intercept knee strikes): In this round, one participant focused solely on delivering knee strikes while the other practiced utilizing the long guard to effectively intercept and defend against these strikes. This exercise emphasized the importance of timing and positioning when countering aggressive attacks.

2. Defence (using the long guard to intercept knee strikes) vs knee strikes only: The roles were reversed in this round, allowing the defender to apply their skills in a more reactive capacity. This not only tested their defensive capabilities but also provided insights into the effectiveness of the long guard against a dedicated attack.

3. Lead hand/foot only sparring (long guard vs any guard): This round focused on utilizing the lead hand and foot, encouraging participants to explore the dynamics of distance management while employing the long guard against various guard styles. It was a valuable exercise in maintaining control and creating openings for strikes.

4. Lead hand/foot only sparring (any guard vs long guard): Participants switched roles again, allowing them to experience the challenges of breaking through the long guard's defenses while employing their preferred guard. This helped to develop strategies for overcoming defensive barriers.

5. Long guard vs boxing: In this round, the long guard was pitted against traditional boxing techniques, providing an opportunity to analyze the interactions between different striking styles. Participants learned to adapt their defensive strategies when faced with rapid punches and combinations typical of boxing.

6. Boxing vs long guard: The roles were again reversed, allowing boxers to challenge the long guard and test its resilience against high-volume striking. This round highlighted the importance of footwork and head movement in evading attacks while maintaining an effective guard.

7. Long guard vs kicking: This round examined the long guard's effectiveness against various kicking techniques. Participants practiced defending against kicks while maintaining their long guard, focusing on timing and positioning to minimize the impact of the strikes.

8. Kicking vs long guard: Participants engaged in kicking techniques against the long guard, allowing them to explore the vulnerabilities in the guard when faced with different types of kicks. This round was crucial for understanding how to adapt defensive strategies against diverse striking methods.

9. Elbow strikes only sparring (long guard vs any guard): This round concentrated on the use of elbow strikes, with one participant employing the long guard to defend against these close-range attacks. It emphasised the importance of proximity and the effective use of elbows in combat.

10. Elbow strikes only sparring (any guard vs long guard): Participants switched roles again, allowing them to test the long guard's effectiveness against elbow strikes from various guards. This round was instrumental in refining the techniques associated with close-quarters combat.

11. Freestyle sparring: In this final round, participants engaged in freestyle sparring, allowing them to incorporate all the skills and techniques practiced throughout the lesson. This round provided a comprehensive assessment of their abilities to adapt and apply what they had learned in a dynamic and unpredictable environment.

12. Freestyle sparring: A second round of freestyle sparring allowed participants to further explore their instincts and reactions, solidifying the lessons learned and encouraging creativity in their fighting styles.

We are also on a dedicated side-mission to safeguard against hamstring injuries, a concern that is particularly relevant for athletes who engage in high-impact sports and activities. In addition to training martial arts with me, my client is a keen runner who has developed a passion for the sport over the years. However, as he recently celebrated his 50th birthday, it has become increasingly important to focus on injury prevention strategies.

Hamstring strains are a very common occurrence in both martial arts and running, especially as athletes age and their bodies become more susceptible to such injuries. The hamstrings, a group of muscles located at the back of the thigh, play a crucial role in various movements, including running, jumping, and kicking, making them particularly vulnerable to strains during intense physical activity.

To combat this risk, we have incorporated a specific exercise known as Nordic curls into our training regimen. Nordic curls are an exercise that has perhaps the most science-backed research supporting their efficacy in helping to prevent hamstring strains and tears. Studies have shown that this exercise not only strengthens the hamstring muscles but also enhances the muscle's ability to absorb and manage force, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury. The unique nature of Nordic curls, which emphasises both eccentric and concentric muscle contractions, makes them particularly effective for athletes of all ages, but especially for those who are older and may need additional support in maintaining muscle strength and flexibility.

The following protocol was utilised during our training session last week to specifically target the hamstrings and enhance their resilience:

1. **3 x 5 reps Nordic curl hip-hinge with a 5kg plate:** This variation combines the traditional Nordic curl with a hip-hinge movement, engaging not only the hamstrings but also the glutes and lower back, promoting overall posterior chain strength.

2. **2 x 5 reps negative Nordic curl:** This exercise focuses on the eccentric phase of the movement, which is crucial for building strength and stability in the hamstrings. The controlled descent helps to develop muscle fibres that are essential for preventing injuries.

3. **2 x 5 reps partial Nordic curl:** By performing partial repetitions, we can effectively target the initial phase of the Nordic curl, allowing my client to build strength progressively without overstraining the muscles.

4. **2 x 10 reps Nordic curl pulses:** This exercise involves performing small, controlled pulses at the bottom of the Nordic curl position, which helps to further engage the hamstrings and improve endurance in this critical muscle group.

To conclude the lesson, we ensured a comprehensive warm-down and stretch routine that involved a series of full-body static stretches, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretches, and mobility exercises. This cooldown phase is essential for promoting recovery, enhancing flexibility, and reducing muscle soreness after our intense training session. By integrating these various components into our training, we aim to not only improve performance but also significantly diminish the risk of hamstring injuries, allowing my client to continue pursuing his passion for running and martial arts well into the future.

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