The cross is the most powerful punch you can throw, as it leverages the momentum/torque built from a windup, as well as the energy produced while pivoting your torso and hip. Gabriel breaks down this complex punch step-by-step to make the process easy to digest and memorable. Take a look here.

Similar to the jab, you should be focused on creating a direct path from your jaw to the target while throwing a cross. Aiming for the chin or forehead is a solid strategy as they both have knockback values behind them.

Technique overview

Hands up
Knees bent
Pivot rear foot
Fully extend arm
Turn your hand
Shoulder protects jaw
Back hip extends to the front
Bring your hand back

About the series:

Missed the first video in the series? Learn to throw a jab here.

The Striking Basics series is all about the fundamentals. Gabriel Varga and Hayabusa developed this series to provide value to all fitness combat practitioners. Whether you have aspirations to compete or not, this series is for you. We cover a range of techniques, such as the Jab, Cross, Hook, Breathing, kicks, and more. If you're a coach who wants to inspire students to have a stronger grasp on the fundamentals, consider sharing this series.

About Gabriel:

Gabriel Varga is an impressive martial artist, but we’ll get to that in a moment. We had the opportunity to know him better, and our respect simply quadrupled. His knowledge, demeanor, and overall approach to life are inspiring. If you haven’t already, start following him and his journey, even if you’re not into kickboxing we guarantee you’ll learn something and admire him as much as we do.

Gabriel Varga has been training in Martial Arts since he was 8-years-old, and in 2014 was awarded his 4th-degree black belt in Karate. Gabriel is now a full-time competitive kickboxer and a part-time instructor specializing in seminars abroad, and martial arts classes for children in Victoria, B.C, Canada.

6X PRO WORLD CHAMPION

2x GLORY Featherweight Champion
Bellator Featherweight Champion
GLORY Contender Tournament Champion
Hero Legends Champion
WKN World Lightweight Oriental Champion
WKF World Light Welterweight K-1 Champion
2x ISKA Amateur World Champion

About the Gear:

Gabriel Varga is wearing 14oz Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves in white, Lightweight Shorts and a Hayabusa T-Shirt.

Abdel is wearing: 16oz Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves in Blue, Short Sleeve OdorResist Compression Rashguard, and Chikara 4 Fight Shorts.