How to Guard in Muay Thai – From Green to Red Alert

How to guard in Muay Thai to level up your protection, while downscaling your cognitive load – a winning combination for any fighter! In this episode, we explore my dynamic 3-level system for guarding techniques. We unravel the complexities of guarding in a manner that’s both enlightening and easily digestible. Whether you’re a seasoned combatant or a fresh face in the ring, mastering the 3-level system for guarding can be a game-changer. I’ll take you through the GREEN, AMBER, and RED Alert levels, each tailored to a specific range of interaction with your opponent. Starting with GREEN Alert, you’ll uncover the secrets to maintaining a poised stance while vigilantly monitoring your opponent’s manoeuvres out at kicking range. As you progress to the AMBER Alert stage, where punches become a factor, we’ll equip you with techniques that ensure smart self-defense. But there’s more to uncover. The RED Alert level zooms in on close-quarters combat – envision hooks, uppercuts, and elbows. I’m here to demonstrate how you can maintain an unwavering guard and sharpen your awareness, even when the action gets up close and personal. I also share my personal perspective on gaze and focus. By mastering where to direct your attention, you’re not only elevating your physical defense but also your mental clarity for battle. Whether you’re keen to refine your existing guarding techniques or grasp the psychological underpinnings, this episode has got you covered! Further notes and resources at And if you enjoyed this video, hit subscribe to stay up to date with our latest Muay Thai performance tips every Friday! We’d love to have you on the team… We help ambitious fighters and coaches take their game to the next level by bridging the gap between Strength & Conditioning, Performance Science, and Muay Thai. You’ll find all our Muay Thai performance videos, podcasts, articles, and guides at Join us: