Lester’s Logic 1 – Muay Thai – Shoulder Stop Long and Short

This is the first installment in our instructional series designed to help martial artists of all levels improve their skills. In this video, Lester Griffin demonstrates two essential Muay Thai defensive drills: Shoulder Stop Long and Shoulder Stop Short.

Video Demonstration

Watch the full technique demonstration here:

Understanding the Shoulder Stop Technique

The Shoulder Stop is a defensive technique used in Muay Thai to deflect an opponent’s jab while simultaneously creating an opening for counter attacks. This video covers two variations:

1. Shoulder Stop Long

The Shoulder Stop Long involves:

• Raising your lead shoulder to deflect the incoming jab
• Maintaining distance with a long-range counter
• Following up with a sequence of strikes from outside

2. Shoulder Stop Short

The Shoulder Stop Short involves:

• The same initial shoulder deflection
• Closing distance for close-range counters
• Following up with a more compact combination

Benefits of These Drills

Regular practice of these techniques will help you:

1. Improve Defensive Reflexes - Develop instinctive defensive movements
2. Create Counter Opportunities - Turn defense immediately into offense
3. Develop Timing - Learn the proper moment to execute the shoulder deflection
4. Enhance Distance Management - Practice both maintaining and closing distance
5. Build Combination Fluidity - Create smooth transitions from defense to offense

Training Applications

These drills can be practiced:

• Solo as shadow boxing exercises
• With a partner throwing controlled jabs
• On focus mitts or Thai pads
• As part of your regular defensive practice

Practice Recommendations

For best results:

• Start slowly, focusing on proper form
• Gradually increase speed as your timing improves
• Practice both variations equally
• Work from both orthodox and southpaw stances
• Incorporate into light technical sparring

The Shoulder Stop techniques are fundamental defensive skills in Muay Thai that create immediate counter-attacking opportunities. Master these drills to add effective defensive tools to your martial arts arsenal.