Breaking Down the Superman Jab in Modern Self Defence
The realm of self-defence continues to evolve dynamically with the synthesis of time-tested techniques and innovative adaptations. Among these is the “Superman Jab”, a move discussed and analysed by martial arts expert Icy Mike in his YouTube video titled “The Superman Jab is NOT a Superman Punch”. This unconventional jab has sparked interest in the martial arts community for its perceived efficacy, confusion and the manner in which it is executed. To begin with, it is essential to understand that the Superman Jab is not synonymous with a lead-hand Superman Punch – two manoeuvres that are only distantly related, much like a lead hook and an overhand right. While a Superman Punch might intuitively seem related to the jab variant, the latter is fundamentally different, revealing itself as a quicker and less intuitive technique that is surprisingly potent and deceptive. The Superman Jab looks strange and might even seem impractical. Many, when they first attempt it, treat it as an imitation of the infamous Superman Punch, resulting in awkward and ineffective movements. One of the main reasons the move is often overlooked is due to its initial awkwardness – it just doesn’t feel right when learning it. But there’s a gold nugget hidden in that awkwardness. The trick, as Icy Mike elaborates, lies in mastering the art of intentional imbalances that transition a novice to an intermediate level practitioner. According to Icy Mike, to execute a proper Superman Jab, you need to propel your body forward by lifting your foot up to throw yourself off balance intentionally while shifting your back foot to where the front foot was. In essence, you’re using the fulfilled threat of a fall as propulsion. The punch doesn’t need to be large and overwhelming — it’s better to start small, especially when you’re just learning. Initially, you should aim to launch yourself just a few inches forward, with the punch following naturally. A crucial takeaway is that the punch doesn’t even have to land to be effective, as its primary roles lie in its utility as a set-up tool and its ability to induce a reaction from the opponent. However, the Superman Jab is not an isolated move; its effectiveness heavily relies on the threat of a potent front leg kick. If your front leg presents no danger to the opponent, the effectiveness of the Superman Jab decreases significantly. The more prominent the threat of a front leg kick, the stronger the reaction you can induce when lifting your leg, conditioning the opponent to anticipate attacks and behave predictably. Icy Mike also demonstrated two high-percentage combos off the Superman Jab — the first, a signature of Georges St-Pierre, involving a pivot to a rear leg kick, and the second, a forward step to a ‘pump-pump’ if the jab lands. Both these combinations are indicative of the Superman Jab’s versatility – it is not just an individual technique but a part of a larger, strategic framework in self-defence. In conclusion, mastering the Superman Jab requires overcoming initial difficulties and embarrassments, understanding body mechanics, and seeing its potential beyond just an isolated punch. It is a testament to the infinite possibilities offered by modern self-defence techniques. And most importantly, it reminds us that sometimes, to maintain balance in martial arts, we need to learn how to be off balance intentionally. Knowing not just what to learn, but how to learn it, is the true secret to mastering yourself and, by extension, any martial arts technique.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a unique YouTube channel owned by Icy Mike. Using his experience as a self-defense instructor, security professional, and former MMA fighter, Icy Mike delivers insightful self-defense, fitness, and fighting tips. His practical, no-nonsense approach has made Hard2Hurt an invaluable resource for anyone interested in personal safety.
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You gotta know how to spill your gravity to do moves like that. Most people will NEVER undersstand the fastest way to move your feet is by spilling your weight/gravity headfirst.
how do? your an excellent teacher though ild prefer solid behind kick for max force advantage. there would be situations where such an attack would come in handy, im sure. taztez
The twist can feel counter intuitive. Pulling your shoulder back and chambering your punch on the same side as the knee that comes up helped me, next is having the punch and the kick trade places (back kick goes back, punch goes forward) do that several times and when it feels coordinated add tiny hop. Thanks again for the entertaining, educational, inspirational lesson.
6:42 is there something your trying to tell us?😏
Next video: How to apply a Skip in Uno
I don't know about you but my superman jab is great still room for improvement but it definitely doesnt suck
Thank you a lot
Hey Mike is ti possible to modifay superman punch to use in boxing effectivly
Good video
Fighting techniques are just like Pokémon 🙂
lol the person who said "aye yoo" after Mike said 6 inches is a considerable distance made me laugh harder than i should
keep posting baby lets goo!!!
move like you have a sprained ankle, gotcha
Ooohhhh so THAT’S what Nate hit me with in sparring a few weeks ago 🥴🥴😂😂
A GSP classic. Love it
2 pumps gives you 6 more inches? Hot dog my wife will be happy to hear that
TL DW – "It's like a skip in UNO"
What about the Batman Punch, when he is together with Robin ?
I love the Pokemon/Uno references. It's like there's a NerdyMike chillin' under all that Ice!
The only thing that sucks is you making these kind of videos. Unsubscribed. Go and follow Tony Jeffries for quality and professional advice.
I think maybe a close comparison would be the switch step jab (some what)
I have seen this technique before and i think you are doing a great job of showing it's application for sparring or a fight but I still don't think I would ever attempt this one in the street.
We literally taught this in our advanced class on Saturday because of, and using, this video! Love you Man!
I am one of those non-athletic people who would look really stupid attempting this that you mentioned. I feel like I would I would pose more of a danger to myself than the bag or a potential sparring partner.
@hard2hurt Mike you should check out the edc knucks a lot of people make that are legal (not sure about every state) that just goes on a singular knuckle/finger. Made out of everything from wood to g10. They look practical but who knows. I think you would be the perfect guy to try them out and see if they actually are.
Seems like a good technique to learn and play around with. Being able to work “off balance” in a controlled sense keeps opponents from being able to time you or adapt to your rhythm. But I would be real careful using this against a crowding fighter who steps into the attack or who comes forward in angles like a forward side-step.
Now that I think about it, if you have an opponent that is starting to tire and cover up more, this would be a great way open him up. I’m going to have to mull this around some more.
You know what would break the internet? If you and Dale from Detroit Urban Survival collaborated. I honestly think you guys would surprisingly agree on a lot of stuff once you meet up. Maybe he can visit your academy, or possibly you can make a visit to his in Detroit.
I have a Sensei who loves to do super punches/jabs all the time. I have learned to see this coming for the most part and I feel like move into it covered up shuts it down pretty quick. I do get hit but I’m covered and then I go into a hug for a take down or separation
No gsp did Superman jab lead leg off center line
It looks similar to the footwork for my switch 2… I normally go 1, 2, switch 2, lead uppercut, rear kick, then return too my orthodox stance… tbis could fit in nicely I'll definitely use these combos thanks Mike!
Does cliff has his own YouTube channel? If so I missed it if not he needs one!
It reminds me of the switch punch u did but instead it’s a kick
I suggest for speed if you are in a fight to use this as a switch stance I've been using it this way to switch to an overhand left
Its definitely awkward when first trying to learn it but imma work on it more I love how mike breaks down new techniques to teach up and coming fighters
Gsp did this
Ooooh! It's like a spin in uno!
Hahahahha, never thought uno would be relevant to boxing.
Terrible Tim Witherspoon here. The overhand right was my specialty
That roundhouse was weird to do but immediately felt right once I did
Niiice!!! Thank you!!!
My new favorite channel. Thank you for all of this
Thank you this video was a game changer as a guy with short arms but who's quick and durable my opponents try to use every reach advantage against me. I always wanted a long range jab and this gives me the option now.
so true
I did this in sparring yesterday and when the Superman jab landed they literally reacted just like a fly was in their face! Great video icy mike!
Nice.. my son has thrown these superman punch in some recent tournaments. Good stuff
Great video. Always wanted to learn thus but it always seemed to be too awkward. But the way you explained it was perfect. I can already tell the difference and ima have this move down in no time.
Great breakdown
You could say you are over balancing yourself instead of off balancing yourself. It's that more or less confusing?
This is awesome. I have been trying to get this one, and you just put the final touches on it. I thank you greatly sir, I’m going to try this in sparring this weekend.
I once got hit by it. It worked.