Jab
Type of punch in boxing
ジャブ · 잽
- Type
- Punches
- Martial arts
- Kickboxing, Boxing, Judo
- Meaning
- Thrust punch or jab
- Classified as
- punch
- Listed in
- Kobushi-ate-waza: fist techniques (judo techniques)
- Learning path
- Boxing: step 4 of 23 (beginner), Muay Thai: step 6 of 32 (beginner)
A jab is a type of punch used in martial arts. Several variations of the jab exist, but every jab shares these characteristics: while in a fighting stance, the lead fist is thrown straight ahead and the arm is fully extended from the side of the torso. This process also involves a quick turn of the torso. It is an overhand punch; at the moment of impact, the pronated fist is generally held in a horizontal orientation with the palm facing the ground. This is also called a "front punch."
Jabs are usually aimed at the face or function as a feint, to lead to a second punch. Dynamic muscles involved in the jab include deltoids, triceps, pectorals, and the serratus anterior in the extension of the arm, and quadriceps and calves in the body drive.
Other Kickboxing punches
- Bob and weave
- Check hook
- One-two combo
- Overhand punch
- Punch
- Punching power
- Shovel hook
- Slipping
- Uppercut
- Shadowboxing
- Cross
- Rope-a-dope
- Russian hook
- Hook
- Rabbit punch
- Milling (military training exercise)
- Counterpunch
- Bolo punch
Japanese terms for punches
| Term | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 正拳 | seiken | seiken (karate proper fist); straight punch |
| 四つ身 | yotsumi | cross-grips (situation in which each rikishi has an underarm grip on the other) |
| 引っ掛け | hikkake | hook; gab |
| 腕を返す | kainaokaesu | to place one's arms under those of the opponent and lift them up, in order to prevent an overhand grip on one's mawashi |
| 上手投げ | uwatenage | overhand throw |
External links
Facts from Wikidata Q1547294 (CC0); text quoted from English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22.
Data: Wikidata (CC0 1.0); Wikipedia (English) (CC BY-SA 4.0); Subskills sports technique taxonomy (CC BY 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.