High guard

High Guard (Palms on the Forehead)

Category: Defensive Position
Used for: Infight protection, absorbing punches, transitioning to clinch or counters
Style Reference: MMA / Panantukan adaptation

Technical Description:

The High Guard is a compact and protective position where:

• Both palms rest flat on the forehead or just slightly in front

• Elbows are tucked in toward the body or slightly forward

• Forearms cover the temples and cheeks

• The head is slightly lowered, with the chin tucked toward the chest

• The eyes stay active – looking over or through the forearms

This guard is not static – it’s part of a dynamic defense system.

Purpose & Application:

• Defense against straight punches (jab, cross)

• Reduces impact from hooks and uppercuts

• Used during forward pressure (entry phase)

• Sets up elbows, slaps, pushes, or clinch entries

• Ideal for protecting in chaotic or close-contact scenarios

Key Benefits:

• Simple to learn, even for beginners

• Maximizes head and temple protection

• Effective against wild or aggressive punches

• Direct transition to counters (e.g., elbows, slap strikes)

• Encourages use of full-body movement, not just arm blocks

Training Tips:

• Practice holding the guard while moving with footwork (triangle step, entry step, backstep)

• Keep elbows tight – avoid exposing ribs or midsection

• Train with head movement while in guard (slip, weave)

• Avoid shoulder tension – stay relaxed and fluid

• Don’t “block” punches – absorb and redirect while staying mobile

• Use the High Guard as a starting point in flow drills

Drill Ideas:

Solo Drill:

• Shadow boxing with High Guard maintained

• Moving through angles while keeping the guard up

• Flow from guard into elbow or slap combinations

Partner Drill (static/passive):

• Partner throws light jabs → you hold guard & absorb

• Walking forward in High Guard → partner provides light pressure or pad contact

Partner Drill (active):

• Guard → Elbow → Push → Exit

• Guard → Clinch Entry → Knee strike