The best moves

As an instructor in the martial arts for over 25 years, I am often asked: "what are the most powerful techniques?"

It goes without saying that the well-rounded martial artist should know how to punch, kick, throw, escape positions, improve position, maintain advantage positions, and employ good footwork. Those are the most fundamental movements the body must be capable of.

However, when it comes to actual techniques, here are the most commonly used successful techniques:

- Jab
This is the cornerstone of striking training. The jab sets up everything. 

- Cross
This is your power punch. Most KO's in MMA, boxing, kickboxing (including Muay Thai), and other striking arts are delivered with the cross than with any other technique. 

- Round kick
This is the cornerstone kick. Like the cross, it is powerful and it is flexible in use. It combines will with the jab and the cross.

- Double leg takedown (aka: "morote gari")
This is the most commonly used takedown in martial arts and wrestling. Why? Because it works. It also combines well with other, less commonly used, throwing and takedown techniques.

- Hip throw (Ogoshi nage)
The hip throw and its many derivatives are one of the most overlooked throws in the martial arts. MMA competitors ignore the hip throw at their own peril, however - as the use and threat of the hip throw is a distinct advantage.

- Juji Gatame (arm bar)
Juji gatame is the most commonly used arm bar in combat sports. It is widespread in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, SAMBO, and others. It can be applied from every position and every transition.

- Ude Garami (arm lock or kimura/americana)
This is the other most useful arm lock. Combines with juji gatame for great effect. Ude garami and its variations will enable a martial artist to utilize combinations when seeking a submission on a carelessly placed arm.

- Hadaka jime (RNC, naked strangle)
Hadaka jime is the most commonly used finishing chokehold. It is simple, has several variations (among which, I include the "guillotine" due to similar mechanics), and can be used in several positions and transitions. Capable of rendering an opponent unconscious in 5 seconds (or less), hadaka jime is a must for every martial artist's toolbox.

- Sankaku jime (triangle choke)
A choke executed with the legs that combines well when a hadaka jime just won't do. Sankaku gives the martial artist a completely rounded attack when combined with ude garami and juji gatame. Sankaku has three main variations - mae (front), yoko (side), and ushiro (rear).


Honorable mention: If I were still an active competitor, I'd include juji jime (cross choke), uppercuts, hooks (punches), and maybe even kannuki gatame (elbow lock). These are great moves, and should help you complete an even more thorough tool box.

Good training to you!



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