Tips to Increase The Reach of Your Jab

Tips to Increase The Reach of Your Jab

Self-Defence 20 Comments

Icy Mike’s recent addition to the Hard2Hurt YouTube channel offers valuable hands-on advice for martial arts aficionados on the somewhat complex art of extending the reach of the all-important jab. Despite being just 5’5” with a previous right bicep injury, Icy Mike doesn’t shy away from the challenge and successfully demonstrates techniques using footwork adjustments, lean methods, arm muscle and an approach he refers to as ‘black magic’. Despite noting his own limitations, Icy Mike engages viewers with an array of viable tactics to optimize jab length, making this video a must-watch for any martial arts enthusiast.



Amplifying Your Reach: Modern Self-Defence Tips from Icy Mike

In a recent video uploaded on YouTube by the Hard2Hurt channel, Icy Mike offered expert insights on developing a more efficient jab – an essential element of modern self-defence. But let’s get one thing straight — when he talks about improving your jab, he doesn’t merely refer to extending its physical reach. Keeping in line with the channel’s commitment to holistic martial art techniques, this video also focuses on psychological strategies blended with this physical movement. In the video, he explains how a simple jab can be compared to a “magic” technique. Some can be sorted into white magic, which represents the basics every martial artist should know. Others form black magic – these include hiding or deception techniques. He also discusses chaos magic – the art of baffling an opponent into questioning their own skill. The first technique mentioned by Icy Mike under white magic involves fluid footwork combined with a non-leaning jab. He warns against the instinctive act of leaning forward for reach – an act actually counterproductive to the idea of self-preservation. A balanced footwork, coupled with a non-leaning jab, permits the artist to maintain a safe distance while remaining agile and ready for the next move. A step jab and a lean jab are also discussed as possible techniques in certain situations. Then comes the phase of black magic, in which the martial artist essentially obscures the jab’s reach. One such approach involves drawing back the shoulder not in action, which provides a counterbalance and increases one’s reach without having to lean in. He also talks about the slight flare of the elbow, which, although viewed as an error by many, might, in fact, give an extra reach in specific situations. Incorporating a slight extension of the jab is another trick to add a crucial 3/4th of an inch to your jab. Then there is the aspect of chaos magic, which essentially capitalizes on the confusion of the opponent. It’s not just about scoring points but also about psyching out the adversary. Icy Mike demonstrates this by showcasing the “dog chain technique,” where the aim is to deceive the opponent about the actual reach of the jab. To sum it up, amplifying a jab’s reach isn’t just about physical extension. The blend of these strategic maneuvers can make your jab a powerful weapon of self-defence. The trick lies in transitioning fluidly between these techniques, camouflaging your real reach, and catching your opponent off guard. By understanding these nuances, one can truly take their jab – and their overall array of self-defence techniques – to the next level, ensuring they stay ‘Hard2Hurt.’

Blablabla



Hard2Hurt is a YouTube channel run by Icy Mike, dedicated to showcasing self-defense and fighting techniques. Icy Mike’s expert knowledge and passion for self-defense shine through in his videos. He provides practical advice and demonstrations in distinctly engaging and accessible ways, making learning both easy and enjoyable.

Self-Defence Block

Categories
Self-Defence
Join the Conversation

20 Comments

  1. in spear fighting my teacher taught me something he called Dog Attack. you show them your range and it is just short. Then you settle in but you are resetting your range by adjusting your feet. Keep the tip of the spear still so they don't know the ranging is different. Next attacks strikes cause it has more range. Wonder if the name comes from the same concept.

  2. I love you I think you’re great, but, are you, …..making this up as you go along…..? We need to catch up, oh yeah I’m in london and Hong Kong not USA :-)))

  3. I just learned yesterday how effective jabbing while stepping in with BOTH feet can be. Before, I was only stepping in with my lead leg, pushing off the back leg. Now I'm stepping with the back leg right after pushing off it. A game changer!

  4. I've been watching for a while now, but this has to be the most chaotic video I've ever seen. Like, even by Icy Mike standards. Like you were casting a chaos magic spell 12 minutes long.

    Still super informative and practical video though! Thanks for the tips, coach. Recently started going back to training after years of health issues. Getting my jabs back in order is a good thing to focus on, and this will definitely help.

    Diminuitive is a hard word! Good job nailing it.

  5. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *