Jab & Cross: The Timeless Power Behind Every Great Fighter 

20 Feb 2025  |  Iylia Haris

Jab and cross—two simple moves, yet the backbone of every great fighter. At Berantai Combat Penang, these are the first techniques our members master, and for good reason. These straight-line strikes launch from the shoulders or jaw, harnessing the power of the entire body—like a golfer’s perfect swing or a hockey player’s winning slap shot.

From Prof Jak's experience, he has seen a well-placed jab end real fights—no flashy spinning kicks or flying knees needed. A solid jab, bare-knuckled, can break a nose, dislocate a jaw, crack ribs, or crush the solar plexus, dropping an opponent instantly. It may be the first technique you learn, but never underestimate its devastating power.

A jab is pure efficiency—direct, precise, and fast. It pierces straight from the shoulder into the target, driving 4-8 cm deep with a sharp 90-degree twist for extra impact. The real force comes from the hips and feet, twisting in unison, sending energy through the shoulder and into the knuckles. Bam! It’s like a lightning bolt straight to the target.

To throw a perfect jab, start with the fist. Curl your fingers tightly, position the thumb beneath the second finger, and clench hard just before impact. Stay relaxed—until the moment you strike. That’s the secret to speed and precision. Land it well, and your opponent will instantly regret their choices.

The Power of the Cross

The cross is the jab’s devastating partner. While the jab is fast and precise, the cross is built for power. This punch comes from the rear hand, utilizing the full rotation of the body to deliver a knockout shot. The key to a powerful cross lies in the hip and shoulder rotation, with the rear foot pivoting to generate maximum force.

A well-executed cross is like a battering ram. It follows a straight path, extending fully and landing with the first two knuckles for maximum impact. The moment of contact should be explosive, driving through the target rather than stopping at the surface. When combined with a sharp jab, the cross creates a perfect one-two combination that can overwhelm any opponent.

Precision and Timing

Both the jab and cross require more than just brute force—they rely on precision, timing, and strategy. A jab sets up the cross by disrupting the opponent’s guard and creating an opening. It’s also an essential tool for controlling distance, keeping aggressive opponents at bay, and setting up further strikes.

The best fighters understand how to mix up their jabs—sometimes snapping them out quickly to gauge reactions, other times using them with more force to shake an opponent’s defense. The cross should always be ready to follow, ensuring that once an opening is created, the power shot lands with devastating effect.

From Blades to Fists

Did you know that the jab and cross techniques stem from ancient Southeast Asian dagger fighting? The mechanics of these strikes mimic the thrusting motions of a keris, a traditional Malay weapon. Just as a skilled warrior drives the blade forward with precision and intent, a trained fighter uses their jab and cross to deliver maximum damage.

A well-executed jab and cross are deadly—but compared to a dagger strike flying at 150-200 km/h? That’s a whole new level of danger. Got the picture?