Guard variations for a solid defense.
First, we have a high guard or basic guard. This guard brings your hands up above your eyebrows with the hands against your forehead. You can attack from this guard position. The guard allows you to throw combinations, punches, and kicks. Your body should be slightly angled with your lead guard in front of your rear guard. The chin should be tucked. When under attack the hands can be opened to cover more surface area of the head and body. The guard can be manipulated by shrugging your traps to elevate the guard or depress the guard. You can also move about the shoulders to adjust and block incoming shots to the side. This is a great all-around guard to defend against punches and kicks.
Next, we have the palm guard. This is a variation of the high guard where the palm is facing out. This guard is great for hand control and hand trapping. The guard is elevated above the eyebrows. The shoulders are strong, and the hands are held out in front of your face with the palms facing out. From here, this guard allows you to manipulate your opponent’s hand positions or trap their hands to close the distance and attack. This guard is not as sufficient in blocking punches because the guard can be circumnavigated around or pulled down. However, with good distance control, this guard can be effectively utilized. The outward facing palm can also cause traffic in the punching path or lane when used effectively.
Lastly, we have the Muay Thai long guard. Much like the palm guard, the long guard extends out away from our head and occupies the space and path of punches. Though not as flexible, the long guard is a rigid structure with one arm posting out while the other arm is wrapped around the forehead. This protects you from straight punches and hooks but there is an opening for the uppercut. This guard keeps your opponent at range and can slow them down from attacking you. The posting arm can be used to close the distance or create distance. Pushing the opponent with the posting arm can also create openings for you to attack.