Muay Thai, kickboxing, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) are all combat sports that require a high level of skill and technique, and one important aspect of these sports is the ability to switch between different fighting stances. In traditional Muay Thai and kickboxing, fighters typically use either an orthodox stance, where the left foot is forward, or a southpaw stance, where the right foot is forward. In MMA, fighters usually switch between an orthodox stance, southpaw stance, and open stance (no clear lead foot) depending on their game-plan and the situation in the fight.
The importance of switching stances in combat sports like Muay Thai, kickboxing and MMA lies in the fact that it allows fighters to confuse and disrupt their opponents, making it harder for them to predict the fighter’s next move. When a fighter switches from an orthodox to a southpaw stance or vice versa, it can disrupt their opponent’s rhythm, causing them to miss or react incorrectly to strikes. Additionally, switching stances can also open up different angles of attack, making it harder for the opponent to defend against strikes.
One fighter that has successfully incorporated switching between orthodox and southpaw stances is John Haggerty, a professional kickboxer and Muay Thai fighter. Haggerty is known for his ability to switch between these two stances seamlessly, using his southpaw stance to land powerful strikes from the outside and his orthodox stance to close the distance and strike at close range. He is also able to use this technique to defend and evade his opponents strikes. This versatility has helped him become a top-ranked fighter in the sport.
Another successful fighter who uses this technique is Petchboonchu FA Group, a Muay Thai World Champion. He is known for his fluidity and versatility, switching between stances during fights. This technique confuses his opponents and gives him a tactical edge, also he uses it to bait his opponents into making a mistake and then capitalizing on it.
In MMA, fighters such as Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Israel Adesanya are known for their ability to switch stances and confuse their opponents. Joanna Jedrzejczyk is a former UFC strawweight champion and is known for her ability to switch between orthodox and southpaw stances mid-fight, using her southpaw stance to land powerful strikes from the outside and her orthodox stance to close the distance and strike at close range. Israel Adesanya is a current UFC middleweight champion known for his striking skills and ability to switch stances and find different angles of attack. He also uses his versatility to mimic the stance of his opponents, gaining insight into their striking style and making it easier to defend against their attacks.
Three examples of switch stance moves include:
- The step-through switch: where a fighter will take a step forward with their back leg and switch the position of their lead leg, creating a new angle of attack.
- The pivot switch: where a fighter will pivot on their back leg and switch their lead leg, allowing them to attack from a different angle while also creating distance.
- The slide-step switch: where a fighter will slide their back leg behind their front leg and switch their lead leg, allowing them to strike while also avoiding an incoming attack.
If you’re in British Columbia and looking to improve your Muay Thai, kickboxing, or MMA skills, come and train at Diaz Combat Sports, one of the best combat sports gyms in British Columbia. Our experienced coaches are experts in teaching the art of switching stances and will work with you to master these techniques and incorporate them into your fighting style. We offer classes for all skill levels, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fighter. Our state-of-the-art facilities, experienced coaches and fighters are just what you need to take your combat sports training to the next level.
Come and experience the benefits of switching stances for yourself and see how it can improve your overall fighting skills. Sign up for one of our classes today at Diaz Combat Sports and start your journey towards becoming a better fighter. Don’t forget to follow us on social media, @diazcombatsports on Instagram for updates on our schedule and special events. With our expert guidance and state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll have the perfect environment to hone your skills and master the art of switching stances. With our help, you’ll be able to take your fighting skills to the next level and gain the competitive edge you need to succeed in the ring. Don’t wait any longer, sign up for one of our classes today and start your journey to becoming a better fighter at Diaz Combat Sports.