Unusual Stance - Right hand Southpaw

[PandaJab]

I've been training Muay Thai in an orthodox stance for a short time now and I've only been able to throw my right kick perfectly a few times. When I throw my left kick I always have perfect form and motion going through it. I do not have any power difference in my left or right hand, so I am wondering if it would be better to work and learn my basics in a Southpaw Stance?

I am right handed, but I was told when I was little I was forced by my mom to use my right hand instead of my left.

EDIT: I've tried training in a Southpaw stance and it felt comfortable, but I went back to orthodox because the person I was doing padwork with would screw up a lot, so I just went back to orthodox.

[chaos_36]

The easiest way to figure it out is whatever hand you throw a ball with should be your rear hand. I'm left handed at most things but fight mainly orthodox.

[Adorkami]

i'm right handed and prefer south paw when it comes to boxing. the idea that the punch im throwing most often has more power is appealing to me...

[kenmuaythai]

I would learn orthodox first if it's more difficult for you, it will be an advantage if you can switch to southpaw and be just as comfortable as orthodox, either way you will learn to switch stances as you advance

[textwarrior]

Originally Posted by PandaJab

I've been training Muay Thai in an orthodox stance for a short time now and I've only been able to throw my right kick perfectly a few times. When I throw my left kick I always have perfect form and motion going through it. I do not have any power difference in my left or right hand, so I am wondering if it would be better to work and learn my basics in a Southpaw Stance?

I am right handed, but I was told when I was little I was forced by my mom to use my right hand instead of my left.

EDIT: I've tried training in a Southpaw stance and it felt comfortable, but I went back to orthodox because the person I was doing padwork with would screw up a lot, so I just went back to orthodox.

Didn't Bruce Lee switch his stance as people circled? I think using both would be ideal if you could. But, if your orthodox, but have a better left leg....perhaps, this makes you unique in striking? You could develop interesting left kicks.

[JohnBergman85]

If you can do both, then do both. Some people can't though.

[Roxxo]

I'm ambidextrous but still use my right hand more than my left, so for all intents and purposes I'm right handed and I prefer the southpaw stance. I tend to switch stances a lot though, mostly changing as I strike to open up combos that most people are not used to seeing. You have to be careful switching stances though because if they catch on to what you're doing and time a strike well they will catch you walking right into it as you switch.

[Noblet10]

I'm guessing you are left footed and at least kind of right handed. In an orthodox stance there are still many advantages from having your strong leg in the front. You can get your kicks off quicker and still with power which is difficult if it's your weak leg. Now, there are different theories about which is better for your hands. Bruce Lee said you should have your strong leg and foot in the front, because you throw much punches and kicks with these limbs. Most westernized styles do the opposite with your strong hand and leg in the back. My recommendation is to do whichever one feels more comfortable to you.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to both stances in actual fights, so it is somewhat beneficial to know both. I think being able to change it up can be effective. The only problem is you really have to dedicate to practicing both stances. You don't want to be switching to one that is far weaker, or just being average in both.


Last thought, nothing against your mother, but forcing you to use your right hand wasn't very smart. There are some problems like scissors are designed for right handed people, but left handed athletes often excel more than right handed athletes. For many sports, if I was given a choice between to equal players, 1 right handed and 1 left handed, I would choose the left handed person every time. If anything, I'd force my kid to be left handed before doing the opposite. Maybe teaching with both at a young age would be even better, so they are genuinely ambidextrous.