Last week, I introduced the students to what I call the “Power Stance,” which is a strong-side forward stance. For right-handed individuals, this means adopting what is commonly known as the southpaw stance.
Fighting from a southpaw stance gives Jiu-Jitsu practitioners a significant advantage in both striking and takedowns, which I will explain shortly. While students will eventually learn to strike effectively with their left hand and leg, they will initially rely on their strongest and most coordinated side from the very first day of training.
I am right-handed, but I learned to fight from the southpaw stance years ago and fully understand the advantages it offers, especially for a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner whose primary strategy is to take the fight to the ground in one-on-one altercations.
When a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner fights from a southpaw stance (right leg forward) against an opponent in an orthodox stance (left leg forward), they gain several advantages, particularly in striking and takedown opportunities. Here’s how:
1. Open Stance Advantage in Striking
Lead-Hand and Lead-Leg Dominance
Since most fighters are used to facing mirror-image (orthodox) opponents, they may struggle against the open stance of a southpaw.
The southpaw's lead hand and lead leg are in a direct line to attack the opponent’s open side, making jabs and front kicks harder to counter.
Rear-Hand Power Shot Opportunities
The rear hand (left cross) of the southpaw lines up perfectly with the opponent’s centerline.
This makes it easier to land straight punches without much interference from the opponent’s guard.
Outside Foot Positioning for Angles
By stepping outside the opponent’s lead foot, a southpaw can create better angles for strikes, avoiding the opponent’s power shots while landing their own.
2. Kicking and Leg Strike Advantages
Rear Leg Power Kicks to the Body and Head
Since the opponent’s open side is exposed, a southpaw can land devastating rear-leg roundhouse kicks to the liver and head.
Orthodox fighters often struggle to block or counter these effectively.
Lead Leg Attacks to the Inside
The southpaw's lead leg (right leg) is in a great position to land inside leg kicks to disrupt the opponent’s stance and mobility.
3. Takedown and Clinch Advantages
Easier Access to Single-Leg and Body Lock Takedowns
A Jiu-Jitsu practitioner in a southpaw stance has a clear angle for a single-leg takedown on the opponent’s lead (left) leg.
This stance also sets up body locks and trips with less resistance.
Outside Angle for Double-Leg Entries
By maintaining an outside foot position, the southpaw can shoot in for a double-leg takedown while staying out of the opponent’s power shots.
Disrupting the Orthodox Fighter’s Base
Orthodox fighters are used to defending against other orthodox fighters. When a southpaw suddenly attacks their lead side, it forces them to adjust their defense, opening up more takedown opportunities.
4. Defensive and Counterattacking Benefits
Easier to Avoid the Opponent’s Power Punches
The southpaw can stay outside of the orthodox fighter’s power hand (right hand), making it harder for the opponent to land clean shots.
By keeping the lead hand active, a southpaw can jam the opponent’s jab and set up counters.
Counterattacks Are More Effective
The southpaw left cross naturally lands between the opponent’s guard after slipping their jab.
Check hooks and lead hand parries work effectively to deflect attacks while setting up counterstrikes.
Conclusion
A Jiu-Jitsu practitioner fighting from a southpaw stance against an orthodox opponent gains key advantages in striking, takedown setups, and defensive positioning. By using outside foot positioning, lead-hand dominance, and smart counters, they can control range, disrupt the opponent’s rhythm, and set up takedowns more effectively.
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