Long guard

Muay Thai

Use the extended guard to control distance and frame.

What coaches agree on

  • Keep your chin tucked behind your lead shoulder or extended arm so your head stays covered while the arm is out front.
  • Use your extended lead hand actively, posting it on the opponent's chest, shoulder, or head to control their distance and balance.
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  • Pair the extended arm with footwork - stepping or shuffling back - to actively manage distance.
  • Treat the long guard as a launching point for a follow-up knee, elbow, kick, or clinch entry.

Common mistakes

  • Camping in the long guard as a static, motionless position gives an opponent time to find a way around it.
  • Letting your hand reach past the opponent, or leaving a gap up the middle, opens the door for the uppercut that the long guard is most vulnerable to.
Why I Don't Like The Dracula Guard
Intermediate

Why I Don't Like The Dracula Guard

Coach's take: Solid comparative reasoning for why the long guard holds up better -- from someone with real pro experience.

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