Muay Thai Frame Defense - Firas Zahabi

[@MrLucasBS]

I see Buakaw doing this all the time !!!

[@sunny19886]

Problem with blocking is that it's hard to predict what they will do first, especially for a newbie. I just started learning this and it's really tough but am looking forward to more lessons

[@ryanagar7498]

if you push someone in chest like this, no matter what strike is coming alot of the power will be taken out of it, it's kinda like jabbing every time someone comes into give a combo

[@hmt-0764]

@@ryanagar7498 will that help me to defend against knees and elbows

[@thufirhawat3838]

@@hmt-0764 With some modifications, yes.

[@anklebreaka03]

Thank you so much for sharing Mr.Zahabi, you truly are one of the great minds in mma. I appreciate you always sharing such high quality stuff with us, no bullshit. I've always been fascinated by this guard when I saw this as basically Baukaw's only means of defence in his early days in K1. In a league with such horrific striking prowess, this guy was defending against heeaattt with that guard, then firing off his own incredible techniques. The uppercut is a clear hole in the guard, so I am very happy you included the fact that the tight hand should be with the elbows facing down, something Buakaw rarely is ever did and ate many uppercuts for it, but man did he tuck that chin in hard. An excellent guard to use in mma too, I notice how Rory has been including that in his recent outings, and looking the best hes ever been. I look forward to what you share with us next, thanks again

[@CoachZahabi]

Thanks and yes your right Buakaw ate some big upper cuts. I think it is mostly because in Thailand they don't see upper cuts that often. In K1 elbows are not allowed. Why uppercut on the inside when you can elbow. Im a big fan of the upper cut but a lot of Thai's I've notice don't use it so much. Danny Bill won the world championship in Thailand with the blocking system. All he did was block and throw knees. Buakaw like you mentioned is another great example of this.

[@dobermann64]

EXCELLENT thanks so much firas for this one. I worked a lot lately on xblocks, long arm defense...but here you bring it to a much more powerful level explaining difference of sides and uppercuts. Best defence for tall strikers

[@petercarlson811]

This was a great explanation of something which is very often overlooked by many instructors.

[@fabian13333]

Firas is a genius coach, thank you for the free videos

[@tmhhow8053]

firas has always been a favorite to learn grappling from this muy Thai lesson was a real treat thx coach

[@cehinton]

I have seen a few frame blocks and a technique called "cut and cover" which is similar. But this exact technique I haven't come across yet, but I love what you're instructing here. I'm definitely going to insert it into my practice. Looks great!

[@Rafan_Cermik]

Thank you from Czech Republic

[@obicross]

now this is more what i want to see in muay thai! technical and skill! great stuff sir!

[@MrPivot9]

Again, you are helping me a lot with these video's. Pleas keep posting!

[@killerkdawg88]

+Tristar Gym The frame defense works like a charm :) I used it in my last fight against a guy who threw a right uppercut to my face, and he didn't wanna punch me with that hand afterwards ;)

[@CoachZahabi]

+Kyle Hugely excellent!!! Great to hear!

[@combatfitness7092]

hello, nice video.. i got a question. how do i defend myself from punches when my opponent throws combinations.. i like the frame defense.. but everytime i block the right hand, an uppercut comes.. like maybe he throw a right hand then left uppercut.. or all the different types of combinations .. or even body shots.. so end up, i have to abandon the frame defense and do the regular shell defense.. which limits my vision.. and its hard to predict when an uppercut will come.. so what do i do?

[@NakMuayify]

Excellent drill for teaching cross blocking. Question: These frame blocks are great for single punches. However, for example with the cross, if the opponent is throwing a cross-uppercut, the rear hand covering over the top seems a bit open. If I am practicing this should we be working the follow-up punch too? It seems to be a non-issue for kicks, elbows and knees because of the posting hand but the punches from the opposite hand still seem viable. In summary 1. Should we practice blocking the opposite punch after the first is blocked? 2. Should we drill where we try to catch the partner with the opposite punch? Thank you! Great video. Excellent explanation of how the frame block works and how to drill it.

[@timmy101able]

Great video and great channel! I can't believe I am the first subscriber to Tristar!! That's the first time i ve ever been first to anything..

[@whoknows8223]

Please more videos like this. Great stuff for learning during quarantine. Thank you for the great content shared.

[@TheEdamus]

This awesome, I like the push so if any follow up is coming it gets interrupted. Very JKD-esque. How do you cope with the temporary blindness caused by the frame of the left side (in orthodox)? Thank you, sir!

[@CoachZahabi]

your vision should not be obstructed when you frame. Adjust your arms so you can see just fine threw the frame.

[@suicyde240]

Firas I can't believe I've never known you even had a channel! Your videos are thoroughly informative and I've subscribed. I was wondering if you could do a video on setting up the elbows! And thank you for all the efoort you put in your videos!! Hope Rory recovers soon!!

[@mr.goodday3586]

Man I love these videos feels like u are training me all the way from Florida 😁. Thank you coach.

[@jamesc4196]

Yo Firas, your videos are great, really appreciate it! you've given us alot of tools can you give us an indepth video on tricks and techniques to go southpaw vs orthodox. the angles with the same sided jabs/hooks, plus stepping in with the left, and how to pivot out etc when they attack with their hands and kicks... i just started sparring again after 3 years and i am gettin ownt. An indepth breakdown of yours would be great.

[@MegadethMiller]

Just curious, what are you suggestions for boxing a taller fighter with much more reach but equal speed? I found success ducking punches and landing shots to the ribs but had trouble actually connecting to his face as he kept a good guard up.

[@ihavetreefiddy]

I'm no fighting expert but I do believe does body shots do deadly damage if they add up. Head shots I would have to say straight up jabs and follow with another under ducking and counter to a body and repeat. Spared with a 6'3 tall dude and I'm only 5'8, but there probably more efficient techniques.

[@MegadethMiller]

Rhapzodic Found success with body shots, had trouble landing shots without getting countered. I watched another video that suggested angling off after striking, so I will try that next time

[@nohbdy1122]

Closing the distance would be your best bet since having longer reach becomes a disadvantage once you'r in your comfort zone. In my experience using parries as opposed to blocks generally makes closing the distance easier, and another very useful skill that you can practice is using footwork and striking and/or parrying simultaneously since most boxers plant their feet when they strike. Once you get inside, having a fluency in elbow strikes work wonders when you go head hunting and as you've probably already noticed hooks and uppercuts are great for body shots. Another thing you can practice with hook punches is getting close enough and aiming the fist to strike them at the temporal bone behind the ear as opposed to aiming for the jaw. This can slip through guards a lot more easily and a lot of knockout strikes happen in MMA when they get hit there because it transfers the impact directly into the source of the vestibular sense which is responsible for judging your head's location and orientation in space which vastly influences a person's sense of balance and ability to stay upright.

[@nicksmith5400]

counter off their punch cause then they are in your range (take a hit to give a hit, or slip/party into range) low kicks/feints to distract and close distance, idk. I'm 5'7 and I've always tried to spar guys 6'+ to work on that issue and usually you just gotta get hit, but it's hard when they start kicking too cause ducking and slips can get risky.

[@lufah234]

Set up the right cross to the body with a jab, keep doing it until you can make the read that your opponent anticipates it, as he starts to drop his guard to block your body shots, switch your right cross up to the face. Also practice

[@diasspeed]

For me this was the most usefull lesson on defence that I have seen, on the internet and in gyms. Please some more lessons about muay thai defence! Also a question: how can I protect my left ribs (extended hand side) from hooks the the body? Seems to me that this is the only part that is not much protected in frame defence. Thanks again

[@mrbouncelol]

It reminds me of the Wing Chun idea of simultaneous defense and offense

[@nohbdy1122]

Yeah, the technique itself looks a lot like Pak Dar as well

[@billgates555]

Me too, but the Wing Chun guys apply it in a "wrong" way, I think

[@wallacelux]

Great video ! Thanks so much , but at full speed In a fight seems a little not practical sometimes ?

[@russell7520]

this seems very good for singular attacks because afterwards you are kinda open ... would you recommend to engage and counter after the frame defense or take a step back not to get hit where you are open?

[@TheJakenesbit]

hey firas this is awesome thank you. do you think you could do a video on basic mma guards/ and blocks ? i cant find any on youtube

[@Josh_Godspeed]

Awesome video ! Im definetly gonna need/use those moves thank you very much for sharing firas!!

[@abcdef-kx2qt]

stand up wrestling moves listed. hand fighting - neck wrestling . clinch definitions and nomenclature in english for all to learn. wrestling by pass- SLIDE BY . snap down bumping sagging collar ties - single and double elbow pass duck under shrugs and level changes. some very good throws to be done from the clinch . 1 ) Under hook to Pinch Headlock Attacks 2 ) Pinch Headlock To Twist throw. 3 ) Push pull bump throw muay thai. 4 ) LATERAL DROP !! 5 ) POWER TWIST THROW . 1 ) elbow pass wrestling move 2 ) wrestling slide by 3 )wrestling duck under 4 ) wrestling snap down drills. 5 ) pummeling and hand fighting 6 ) single and double collar tie wrestling. 7 ) Wrestling- Under hooks & Over hooks.

[@elitediamondgamming34]

After blocking, what should you do next? In the context of this video.

[@ahmedyoussef7272]

Love your tutorials. One question-with this style of blocking, could you be left open to body kick after blocking a punch? It seems like you may be open if your opponent throws a right cross, right body kick combo. Thanks, and please keep posting more videos.

[@CoachZahabi]

The shove will off balance his and make kicking very difficult. Also keep in mind you are always goal tending. So if you see a kick raise your leg and block with your shin.

[@ahmedyoussef7272]

Makes sense. Thanks for the response.

[@crazynugget6789]

Great video. I love your tutorials. What blocking technique would you recommend for fighting a much taller opponent?

[@hasithshanilka9229]

Very effective worked for me . I love you man

[@Tesch5]

fantastic video Mr. Zahabi. Will you be going over different defensive styles, like the philly shell? I've noticed Rory's defense has been getting much better.

[@CoachZahabi]

Yes I love the Philly Shell! Stay tuned its on the list

[@1BratOK]

Hey Firas, Thanks for the amazing videos. I've learned a lot from watching them. I'm excited to practice this technique in my next sparring sessions. I have a question about the using the frame when defending the left hook. Doesn't extending your left arm (as the defender) across your opponents center line put you at a disadvantaged angle from any follow-ups on the left side of the defender's body? Typically, I prefer to defend by catch, parry, step back and angle off to evade jabs/left hooks or counter from an orthodox/orthodox fighting position. Sometimes, I extend my RIGHT arm like the frame but rather than aiming for the shoulder, I aim for the inside of the left elbow, which often transitions to a long thai clinch. Do you have some suggestions for defending against an opponents to mix up their jabs and left hooks? Sometimes I try to catch or parry thinking it's a jab and expose my jaw to receive a left hook. Keep up the great videos, I look forward to moving to Montreal one day and training at Tristar in the future

[@spencerdean4181]

how do you get into a clinch from the frame defence

[@theguy4115]

@tristar gym when you do the cross block for your head that you show at about 0:30 is this only good for big gloves, or would this be applicable to MMA gloves or even bare knuckles?

[@nicksmith5400]

if you can punch the guys shoulder surely you could jab them in the face or body instead? so wondering, why hit the shoulder when those targets should be open instead? easier timing?

[@khoalacake]

Could you make a video on how to fight taller opponents?

[@rainieram7873]

How do you counter or go over the Muay Thai frame? Since Connor use this a lot during his fights. And what if your sparring partner uses this technique?

[@timmy101able]

Where are you located also? I would love to join your gym if i m close to you.. It would be amazing!

[@IceCold11235]

Do you have any videos about defending with this technique and then countering?

[@sharamrock2580]

Beautiful technique bro.

[@JoeG75]

beautiful, cant wait to use this one in sparring

[@asredeye3820]

Unbelievably awesome

[@nikolager23]

What about southpaw stance? Do you still block the same way where the right hand goes over? Or is it the opposite

[@Christian-Rankin]

Very nice, do you find yourself or others missing and staunching the wrong side or is that a non-issue. It seems that while I'm not a fan of the "traditional" boxing blocks, at least they don't have as much room for error; even though they provide less coverage/defense, you can't fuck up just putting your wrists on you forehead... Also, is this effective vs your fighters/style i.e. no telegraphing, very quick... One more thing, what if they feint a lot (right straight feign to overhand right maybe)? Just turn it into a jab to the face? Thanks for your time.

[@andrewferris4539]

When you stiff arm the opposing shoulder aren't you wide open to a Cross or your back getting taken? My boxing coach was always adamant about your left hand to his right shoulder or head, but never your left hand to his left shoulder for that reason.

[@subjer0]

So if you want to be really nasty and its a street fight, frame and push your attackers chin?

[@bombastikderteutone6858]

Istn an overhand right designed to come around that barrier/ frame? Or would you combine therefore lateral movement away from the powerhand?

[@Hawkifyed]

These vids are great! Is this as effective with 4 oz gloves? I train Muay Thai but i do it for MMA, is this something i should focus on?

[@CoachZahabi]

Yes it works great with 4oz gloves it covers even better the standard western boxing blocks. Give it a try it takes some time to get comfortable with.

[@lemuelrivera9810]

Can this also be used as an offensive punch? Since Turing the the elbow up naturally places your shoulder next to your chin, can't you just punch the same way to simultaneously hurt the the guy while defending from any punch he might throw at you?

[@CoachZahabi]

Yes most definitely! I will cover counter punching in future videos. The reason for sometime choosing blocking with the frame over counter punching is that sometime is off and you don't feel you can counter. Sometime the angle is off and it's better to just block. Counter punching is always better offensively but like always comes with its risks. Every offensive maneuver comes with risk. I have also alway found that the better the defense a fighter has the easier it is to teach him counters.

[@dolphinton]

Thank you brother..most excellent

[@jambomambo3808]

How about the hands forwards defense from Bas Rutten? Seems to be more efficient?

[@i_amscarface_the_legend9744]

I saw Buakaw usually do this, but i have a question what if the opponent combine this with a powerful middle kick in the side of the advanced hand ?

[@lark4k]

Hey Tristar Gym ! Can I apply this defense in MMA the same way ? Can you also show some counter punching ideas to this in the future ? You are doing a great job firas! I've been watching all of your videos and learned many great things. Keep it up :)

[@lark4k]

Hey! Stupid question! saw that it been asked many times before me :)

[@landonbuenconsejo2856]

This is the best shit ive seen in a long time!! Great video Boys. 2 thumbs up all the way from Hawaii 👍👍

[@tplayer23424]

this looks more useful than the normal boxing guard

[@7Phoenix1]

Brilliant technique!!

[@deneshbhaskar222]

Im in edmonton would go to tri star def best gym. Firas is a G. BEST TRAINER. I can see why rory is going win the title. Firas has made him way more technical

[@tjsmoove83]

great video i think muay thai is best for the street

[@JoosWulfe]

can you use the frame to prevent or avoid the thai clinch ?

[@christopheclugston]

Benny Urquidez was doing this in all his Japanese fights

[@dudewait462]

I hope you dont think its a dumb question, but would this block be less effective with a shorter man vs a taller man, due to the length of the taller mans arms?

[@blackhoodie4170]

this works for both tall and short guys

[@perryypp3]

What if they throw a combo or counter while your arm is outstretched like that?

[@L1EN7]

I understand nowwThank you so much Firas:)))

[@coolwaterdvr]

Nice! tnx for sharing.

[@weissderteufel]

Hi, does it also, work against bigger opponents?

[@mrrrl795]

how much carryover does this have in MMA?

[@shinwook5145]

how does the frame against the right hand change with mma gloves, and no gloves?

[@caligulamaximus6186]

I think Jose aldo actually uses this, though I may be mistaking this for something else.

[@agleb1146]

what about this same defense but instead of puting the hand on the shoulder i put it in his face . that would limit his movement

[@laytonhoughton2056]

This defence is hard to work against I like this defensive tactic

[@reelinanrockin]

After you defend with this technique you are set up for your own leg kick to his lead leg or mid section.

[@theguy4115]

is this effective for stifling punches to the body?

[@chrisXDfull]

would this be effective for shorter people against taller people. Im only 5'5

[@Docinaplane]

IMO reach makes a difference, rather than height. If the attacker has a significant reach advantage it would make this frame cutting off the power defense less effective.

[@confettihunterminus1]

Does this work if you’re shorter than your opponent

[@dancingskeletons4791]

Very good.

[@josedominguez6834]

I don't see this working with a combo of a high level boxer for example that can trow 3 to 4 punches in 1 second.

[@Epig420]

I mean its vulnerable to uppercuts because the hand position is different for the hook and the uppercut, but all techniques have pros and cons, I do think in pure striking where most strikes are allowed, this is really effective

[@mongolchiuud8931]

any vids of pure boxer beating a thai yet?

[@gamalierbravo8536]

I agree

[@micvili7527]

@@mongolchiuud8931 Francios Botha south african boxer beat jerome leban world champion muy thai boxer but yes it was a muy thai rules

[@mongolchiuud8931]

@@micvili7527 Botha has 17 kickboxing fights and lost 14 of them. He also according to his profile trains in kick boxing. Nice try though, he's not a pure boxer.

[@mrmete]

Awesome stuff

[@MrKinggodzilla]

Does this work with MMA Gloves or no gloves at all?

[@DexterHaven]

Aha, so that is what 'framing' means. If I were a young fighter I'd train with him & give him another star to develop. ;)

[@ACE_858]

Thanks

[@dmoeller0]

I think this is also known as "figure four" block/defense

[@JN-kk4nk]

Very nice 👍

[@jmcynwa]

firas would this be useful in mma or would it have to be altered a bit?

[@CoachZahabi]

It works great for MMA!

[@kenpachizaraki4184]

Here's Tyrone spong using it in his MMA fight. I've seen joe schilling and buakaw use this for kickboxing also. media.giphy.com/media/5yLgocn8Y19SuSqNSSY/giphy.gif

[@jesus97640]

How should southpaw do this

[@psilocybinenhancedmonkey187]

Are begginers allowed in TriStar ?

[@anderson12ization]

I have to say if I had the option to put my hand anywhere it wouldn't be on his shoulder or would simply by to counter, if my hand can reach his should it can reach his face.

[@driver3899]

@mikebalko The thing about JKD though is its also lame, not as lame as wing chun but still not great

[@TheKruRosu]

Buakaw vs Masato...uppercut went thru the guard

[@anonymous-zp5mh]

Awesome👊

[@lishaplayss]

Brill good technique

[@cliffvecera4715]

what about the 1-2 on a half beat

[@yugen]

More Yodsanklai stuff :)

[@Andrian.Nilsen]

Thank you! :)

[@anathamon]

Frame then elbow?

[@ryanbleich1808]

Can this work southpaw vs orthodox ?

[@CoachZahabi]

+Ryan Bleich Yes

[@ryanbleich1808]

+Tristar Gym Thanks. I hope one day I can train there.

[@yli8922]

+Tristar Gym How is that done? I can see it working well against jabs, extending out your jabbing hand. But if you extend out the front hand to frame block the cross, you're right open for their hook.

[@spokesmandwala]

+Tristar Gym if you block like this in mma can you get a finger in the oppents eye ??

[@karloli9455]

I've been thinking about that as well. I get confused whenever I try to integrate orthodox vs orthodox techniques with a southpaw stance.

[@davidcordova1773]

thanksss

[@jerryng2997]

Jason gaethje did this perfect against Tony Ferguson

[@KaizenLife]

masato KO'ed a couple thai fighters using this with swift uppercuts. I think it's still very useful and will practice it. Just watch out for angled uppercuts.

[@GSt035]

I think Rory used this defence against wonderboy

[@GeorgeOu]

Would you shove a real opponent in the face too? I realize this is a training session so it's not a good idea to shove him in the face.

[@piercetaylor9944]

the idea isnt to disorient or hurt your opponent, this is a defensive technique designed to cut off the power from their punch. So a shove to the head would be less effective than to the shoulder.

[@mimiwaiwai]

That's georgio petrosyan