Page 24 - Pat O'Keeffe Combat Kick Boxing

Combat Kick Boxing

The cross is a straight-arm punch
delivered with the rear hand to a range
of targets on both the body and the
head. It is a very powerful blow capable
of ending a fight on its own,
particularly when it hits the target
accurately.
My army sergeant summarised the
difference between a jab and a cross
thus:
‘The jab is the can-opener and the
cross is the spoon that digs the meat
out.’
I used this quote in the first book
of this series and I make no apologies Fig 15
for using it again, so succinctly does it
describe the role of each of these
punches.
To throw the cross, rotate your body
quickly towards your assailant and
throw your right hand, keeping your
chin down. Your rear foot advances
half a pace to place your body weight
behind the punch. Your left arm
comes up to guard the left side of your
head and body. (Figs. 15 and 16)

There are a number of variations on
the cross and you should refer to Kick
Boxing – A Framework for Success, Fig 16
Chapter One, for a more complete
explanation. Use a combination of
‘snap up’ focus pad drills and the bag
to turn this punch into the big decider
that it should be.
The best target options for a cross
are the chin, jaw, throat, temple and
eye on the head, and the solar plexus,
liver, lower abdomen and kidneys on
the body.

The Hook

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