We have all been mesmerised by the incredible knockout highlight reels and deadly spinning kicks that we have witnessed of the top fighters competing against one another in the ring. However, it isn't the fancy kicks that win you the bouts; it's the basics.
With plenty of practice and training, you'd be kicking up a storm yourself (pun intended), but at the end of the day, it isn't the fancy kicks that win you the bouts. After you have mastered those, you will have mastered the art of combat.
This article will list the basic kickboxing combos that will put you ahead of your competition and give you an advantage over your training partner. So let's get into it.
Learning the appropriate fancy skills is widely acknowledged as the most enjoyable aspect of the process; after all, who doesn't enjoy picking up new tricks like the spinning shit? But, regardless of how often you hear it, the fundamentals are what win bouts; hence, you ought to focus most of your training and practice on the fundamentals.
Because of this, we concluded that it would be beneficial to compile a list of the five most fundamental kickboxing combinations that you can use during your pad work or sparring sessions (all of these combos are written as though you are an orthodox fighter, but they can be easily modified for southpaws as well!).
3 Advanced Kickboxing Combos to Add to Your Training
COMBINATION ONE
Jab - Cross - Lead Hook - Slip Left - Lead Hook (Body) - Rear Low Kick | 1 - 2 - 3 - Slip L - 3B - R Low Kick
- To begin, assume an Orthodox position.
- Start with a jab, follow it with a rapid cross, and then finish with a lead hook.
- Move your body forward and to the left, and throw a lead hook at the body.
- Complete the combination with a low kick to the back.
COMBINATION TWO
Front Kick - Step - Cross - Lead Hook - Rear Elbow - Lead Hook - Rear Kick | F Kick - Step - 2 - 3 - R Elbow - 3 - R Kick
- To begin, assume an Orthodox position.
- Start with a lead front kick, then transition into a floating step.
- After that, from the inside, execute a short cross, followed by a lead hook.
- Start with a rear elbow strike, transition into a quick lead hook, and finish the combination off with a rear kick.
COMBINATION THREE
Jab - Switch Kick - Cross - Lead Hook - Hop Kick | 1 - S Kick - 2 - 3 - Hop Kick
- To begin, assume an Orthodox position.
- Deliver a right uppercut, then follow it up with a swift switch kick to the liver.
- After that, you should use a cross and a lead hook.
- The combination is finished off with a jump kick.
- The hop kick is a variation on the more common round kick but with a few key distinctions. First, when doing a hop kick, it is important to stride across the bag with your back foot in the lead position so that you may develop momentum.
You now have Aaron's three advanced kickboxing combos, which will help you take your striking game to the next level and enhance your kickboxing game overall. Before attempting to integrate striking methods into the complicated sequences seen above, the goal is first to become proficient in each technique individually.
Then, when you are getting stronger at each kickboxing combo, you should concentrate on eliminating unnecessary movements, such as additional steps between blows; as soon as your foot impacts, your punch should hit.
Are you prepared to take on the last test? As soon as you feel comfortable doing so, you can string them together and become an expert combo striker like Aaron. A kickboxing combo comprising 16 strikes is the pinnacle of striking memory games.
Easy Kickboxing Combinations – You Must Know
10. Jab→Cross→Headkick
It is something I utilise quite often in sparring, and it is effective virtually all the time. You will employ the jab and the cross to force your opponent to stop moving and cover up. You'll be able to generate an angle by stepping out with your lead leg if you do that, so make sure you do that.
Enabling you to deliver the kick without the opponent having a chance to anticipate it. Hence, the jab and the cross attempt to draw attention away from the kick. As a result, it is okay to place them with the utmost force. Just give the impression that you are fully invested in your actions.
9. Body hook→Lead hook→Low kick
This specific combination works well. When you first go to the body with the rear hand, your opponent will lower his hands just a little bit, allowing you to sneak in with the lead hook to their dome.
After that, I followed up with a leg kick that landed low on the thigh. Next, you create an angle by ducking as you approach the body, stepping out and forward with the lead leg. After that, you deliver a lead hook to the head, then turn your entire body to the side to deliver a low kick.
8. Jab→Body cross→Jab→Head kick
This technique is quite efficient and should be included on any list focusing on simple kickboxing combinations. You begin by jabbing them in the head, and then you duck under them and take a step forward so that you may cross them in the body. After that, you go back up to the head with the jab, and at the same time, you charge up with a kick that will land immediately after the jab.
Finally, you go back up to the head with the jab. Although I don't make extensive use of it, the trick is. If you carry out these steps correctly, you will probably only have to carry out these steps once.
7. Overhand→Body kick
It is a fairly straightforward method that results in a significant increase in one's overall power. You will channel the energy of the punch behind you to generate force in your hips as you throw the rear hand.
As a direct consequence, a very strong kick was produced. So step by step. Before you throw the overhand, you should take a step forward with the leg that is leading. Then, move backwards with your back leg so that your foot is pointed outwards, and deliver a powerful kick to the gut.
It's astonishing how much power you can generate with these two things, and I use them frequently.
6. Body cross→Lead hook
The cross to the body followed up with the lead hook, is a move known for its high level of effectiveness. This combo will force your opponent to defend his body, allowing you to move in for the kill with a hook to the head.
If your opponent commits with a cross, this is also a good counter-attack for you to use. The next stage is to duck under, stride forward to land the body cross, and immediately go for the kill with the hook.
5. Easy Kickboxing Combinations – Cross→Switch kick
I had to include this particular one when discussing the fundamental kickboxing combinations. A technique that is both fundamental and extremely effective. You begin by throwing a cross, followed by a switch step that causes you to adjust your stance, and then you instantly go for the high kick.
When you go at this speed, you can catch your opponent completely off guard with the high kick. And a few helpful hints on the switch stage. Don't jump in one movement, but do it like a 2 step instead. As you throw the kick, both your balance and the power of the kick will dramatically improve as a result of this.
When people leap to change their stance, they forfeit the momentum they had built up to that point. So instead, it would help if you worked to make it flow to keep the energy from the first strike intact.
4. Lead uppercut→Cross→Leg kick
The lead uppercut, cross, and leg kick is a very effective kickboxing combo that should be added to the list of easy kickboxing combinations. You begin with an uppercut to the lead. Then you go for a cross while stepping forward with your rear leg and pointing your foot outwards to hit a lead leg kick.
I normally give my opening punches practically my whole commitment, which causes my opponent to respect my power and cover up, leaving a complete set of ribs open for the kick.
3. Easy Kickboxing Combinations – Jab→Cross→jab
The jab, cross, and jab combination is an extremely fundamental technique that, when executed correctly, can be quite dangerous. One of the combinations that are utilised the most frequently in martial arts. When you throw all of your weight behind the punches, you will almost certainly cause a significant amount of harm to your opponent.
Timing, however, is the most important aspect of this combination. You will take your opponent by surprise if you can time your attack to occur just as they are about to throw a punch.
An example of this maneuver may be seen in the following video, a mixed martial arts battle between Chris Leben and Anderson Silva. Please take note of the way that he moves his entire weight forward. And as a result, land the blows with a huge amount of power.
2. Body jab→Body cross→Lead hook→Low kick
This one is a touch more difficult than the last one. But it's not a bad idea to give it a shot. You begin by jabbing, crossing low to the body, and working your way up. After that, you'll either go high with the hook or to the body with the hook. After that, you give complete attention to the back leg low kick.
This one has the potential to cause a significant amount of harm. If you've ever been struck hard in the belly, you'll understand what I'm talking about here. In addition to it, a leg kick was delivered. This combo can reduce even the strongest men from sobbing on the floor.
1. Easy Kickboxing Combinations – Lead leg body kick → Cross
It is one of my top picks. Because you employ the "recoil" of the body kick to produce power, it simply enables you to land the cross with such force as it would not be possible otherwise.
As I perform this combination, I produce force for the cross by bringing the lead leg to the body, then quickly returning it to its starting position while twisting my body with the leg. As a result, it will nearly always get through the opponent's defences.
I've compiled a list of the most effective kickboxing combinations that can be learned, and I hope you've found it helpful.
Ensure you also look into the most effective self-defence skills you may master.
Five Basic Kickboxing Combos To Use In Sparring
Jab — Cross — Left Hook — Low Kick
This kickboxing combo is one of the most fundamental combinations, and it's possible that if you're like many people, it was the first real combo you were taught in class. The jab-cross will force your opponent to raise their guard, while the left hook will keep them looking for your hands, shift some of their weight to their front leg, and load up your hips so that you can twist back into a powerful low kick.
Inside Kick — Cross — Left Hook — Right Body Kick
This combo begins switching between levels, keeping your opponents guessing what moves will come next. The objective of the onside kick is to get them thinking on a lower level.
As soon as you throw it, drop your weight forward onto the leg as you land to put more power into the cross, and then follow up with the left hook quickly (similar to the jab-cross-left hook-low kick combo, this keeps your opponents' focus high and sets up a right kick), and finally, fire off the right body kick to finish off the combination.
Cross — Left Hook — Cross — Left Body Kick
Once more, this combo's success depends on fooling your opponent into thinking that you are concentrating on punches while concealing a body kick. Then, as they brace themselves for more blows by raising their guard and increasing their punching speed, you can swap stances and score a knockout blow with a left-body kick before they can respond.
Double Jab — Cross — Left Body Shot — Low Kick
Another combo that combines different levels and, in the process, puts up some punishing shots. You can determine the distance between you and your opponent and look for weaknesses in their guard by beginning with a double jab. Follow up with the cross to expose any weakness and keep their guard up, but take a tiny step forward before you throw it.
It will help you avoid being caught off guard. After that, you should immediately follow up with a left body shot, taking advantage of their high guard to land the shot directly on the floating rib. Because twisting into the body shot will cause your hips to load up, you should swing back around and finish the attack with a low kick instead.
Double Jab — Right Hook — Left Kick — Left Kick
This combo lines up your opponent for some strong hands, including a double jab and a right hook, which flow into a double left kick by loading up your hips and positioning your opponent. This combo also has some heavy hands. Make sure your kick is as quick as possible to prevent getting caught and having your own counter attempted against you.
5 Basic Kickboxing Combos to Use In Sparring
Jab + Cross + Left Hook + Low Kick
This kickboxing combo is the most fundamental one, and it's possible that it was the very first effective one you learnt in class. The jab-cross will force your opponent to lift their guard, and the left hook will force them to continue looking for your hands, move some of their weight to their front leg, and load your hips for a big low kick.
The combination of an onside kick, a cross, a left hook, and a right body kick.
This combo starts by alternating between levels to keep your opponent guessing what moves they should expect next. The purpose of the onside kick is to urge people to think on a lower level. Next, drop your weight forward onto the leg as you land to increase the power of the cross. Quickly follow up with the left hook (this keeps your opponent's focus high and sets up a right kick, similar to the jab-cross-left hook-low kick combo), and then finish the combo with the right body kick to the right side.
Cross + Left Hook + Cross + Left Body Kick
Convincing your opponent that you are concentrating on punches while concealing the body kick is essential to the success of this combo. Change your stance, and then attack them with a left-body kick before they can react. Your blows should be rapid and powerful to get them to raise their guard and anticipate more punches.
Double Jab + Cross + Left Body Shot + Low Kick
Another combo that not only reshuffles the tiers but also sets up some heavy shots. Beginning with a double jab allows you to gauge the distance between you and your opponent and enables you to search for holes in their defence. Follow up with the cross, but quickly step forward as you throw it.
It will allow you to exploit any hole they may have while keeping their guard up. After that, you should follow up with a left body shot that capitalises on their high guard and lands directly on the floating rib. Your hips will be weighted when you twist into the body shot; therefore, you should finish the attack with a low kick.
Double Jab + Right Hook + Left Kick + Left Kick
Like the previous one, this combination gives your opponent some heavy hands to deal with. By loading up your hips and lining up your opponent. Then, you can flow into the double left kick with the double jab and the right hook. Again, make sure your kick is as fast as possible so you don't get caught and face a counterattack.
Before you move on to sparring, make sure you have all of the proper safety gear on and have honed these combinations to the point where they are second nature to you on the bags. You do not want to put your training on hold because of an unwanted injury, especially one that can and should be avoided.
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Beginner Kickboxing Combinations
Punching Only
Jab, Jab, Straight Right Hand
Establishing the Straight Right hand can be a challenging endeavour. First, you might distract your opponent by jabbing at them a couple of times with your jab so that your straight right can catch them off guard.
Jab, Straight Right, Left Hook
As your partner is defending your right hand, it is time to throw the finishing left Hook. After avoiding the punch from your right hand, your opponent will be in the ideal position for you to land a left hook on them.
Jab, Left Hook, Straight Right
The intention behind your Left Hook is to coerce your opponent into protecting the side of their head. As a result, the middle of their face will be completely exposed for your straight right.
Straight Right, Left Hook, Straight Right Hand
You are compelling your opponent to cover their guard by utilising your Left Hook. However, as your partner defends against your left Hook, they leave themselves vulnerable to your straight right.
Jab, Straight Right, Left Uppercut
Your Straight Right compels your opponent to lower his head to better fight against it. They are now immune to the attack from your right hand, but they are wide open to the uppercut coming from your left.
Straight Right, Left Uppercut, Straight Right Hand
When you execute a successful left uppercut, you are, in effect, bringing your opponent's head closer to your own. Therefore, while your partner's head is up, the optimum time to throw your Straight Right Hand is when you can.
Jab, Jab, Straight Right Hand To The Body
It is necessary to set up a body shot in advance to succeed. When you pump out your jab, you simultaneously raise your partner's hands. As a result, the door is wide open for your Straight Right to penetrate your partner's torso.
Advanced Kickboxing Combinations
Left Foot Jab, Jab, Straight Right Hand, Left Hook Kick (Roundhouse)
When you first enter the ring with your left foot jab, you immediately distract your opponent with your right jab and cross. However, they leave themselves vulnerable to your left hook kick since they raise their arms to defend themselves from your blows.
Left Hook Kick (Roundhouse), Jab, Straight Right Hand, Right Hook Kick (Roundhouse)
When you begin with the Left Hook Kick, your partner will drop their arms to cover the kick you are about to deliver. However, after that, the combination of your jab and right hand will surprise them. Hence, preventing them from taking the defensive position necessary to counter your right kick.
Left Hook Kick (Roundhouse), Jab, Straight Right Hand, Right Foot Jab
When you begin with the Left Hook Kick, your partner will drop their arms to cover the kick you are about to deliver. However, after that, the combination of your jab and right hand will surprise them. Hence, preventing them from being defensive against your right foot jab.
Jab, Left Foot Jab, Jab, Left Hook Kick (Roundhouse Kick)
You are using linear strikes with your jab and your left foot jab. It means they aim for the centre of your partner's body as their objective. When your partner uses their hands to protect the middle of their body and face, they will leave space on the sides of their body for you to attack. Now, you should enter for the finishing blow with your left kick.
Сonclusion
Learning the appropriate fancy skills is widely acknowledged as the most enjoyable aspect of the process; after all, who doesn't enjoy picking up new tricks like the spinning shit? But, regardless of how often you hear it, the fundamentals are what win bouts; hence, you ought to focus most of your training and practice on the fundamentals.
For you to put them to use during your pad work or sparring sessions (all of these combos are designed as though you are an orthodox fighter; however, they can easily be adapted for southpaws!)
Attacking in combination is one of the most exciting and effective methods to practice kickboxing. It doesn't matter if you're engaging in sparring, hitting concentration mitts, or just putting in rounds on the heavy bag.
As you are performing these combos, the most important thing to remember is to emphasise smoothness and fluidity more than power.
Frequenly Asked Questions
Can kickboxing combinations be adapted for different body types and sizes?
Yes, kickboxing combinations can be adapted to suit different body types and sizes. It's important to focus on techniques that maximize your strengths while considering your unique attributes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Utilize range advantage: If you have longer limbs, emphasize techniques that allow you to maintain distance, such as front kicks and keeps.
- Work on agility: If you have a smaller frame, focus on developing quick footwork and evasive techniques to avoid being an easy target.
- Capitalize on power: If you possess greater strength, emphasize techniques that allow you to utilize your power, such as hooks and strong low kicks.
- Customize combinations: Modify combinations to fit your body type, emphasizing techniques that feel most comfortable and effective for you.
- Adapt to your opponent: Analyze your opponent's style and adjust your combinations accordingly, exploiting their weaknesses and using your strengths to your advantage.
How can I increase the power of my kickboxing combinations?
Increasing the power of kickboxing combinations requires a combination of technique, strength, and conditioning. Consider the following tips:
- Develop proper technique: Focus on proper body mechanics, balance, and weight transfer to generate maximum power in each strike.
- Strengthen your core: A strong core helps generate power and stability in your strikes. Incorporate exercises like planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws into your training routine.
- Build overall strength: Incorporate strength training exercises like squats, deadlifts, and kettlebell swings to enhance your overall strength and power.
- Improve explosiveness: Incorporate plyometric exercises like box jumps and medicine ball slams to improve your explosive power.
- Train with resistance: Utilize resistance bands or weighted gloves while practising combinations to add resistance and increase power output.
Are there specific kickboxing combinations for beginners?
Yes, there are several kickboxing combinations suitable for beginners. Here's an example of a basic combination to get you started:
Jab (left hand) - Cross (right hand) - Left hook (left hand) - Right low kick.
Remember to maintain proper form, focus on technique, and gradually increase speed and power as you become more comfortable with the combination. It's important to start with simple combinations and gradually progress to more complex ones as you gain experience and skill in kickboxing.
How can I create effective kickboxing combinations?
To create effective kickboxing combinations, consider the following tips:
- Start with a strong foundation: Begin with basic strikes like jabs, crosses, front kicks, and roundhouse kicks.
- Mix up your techniques: Combine different punches, kicks, and knee strikes to keep your opponent off balance.
- Vary your angles: Incorporate angles and footwork to create openings for your strikes.
- Practice timing and rhythm: Develop a sense of timing to transition between techniques seamlessly.
- Consider your range: Adapt your combinations based on whether you are fighting from a long-range or in close quarters.
How can I improve my speed and accuracy in kickboxing combinations?
Improving speed and accuracy in kickboxing combinations requires consistent practice and focus. Here are a few tips to help you enhance your skills:
- Shadowboxing: Practice your combinations in front of a mirror or imaginary opponent, emphasizing speed and precision.
- Focus mitt drills: Train with a partner or coach using focus mitts to improve your targeting, timing, and speed.
- Heavy bag training: Utilize the heavy bag to develop power, speed, and accuracy in your strikes.
- Incorporate agility exercises: Work on footwork drills and agility exercises to improve your overall coordination and quickness.
- Practice in real sparring sessions: Apply your combinations in controlled sparring sessions to simulate real fight scenarios and sharpen your skills under pressure.
