The long knee is a strike that is most effective when thrown from long range, rather than short or mid-range. The building of momentum allows for a more explosive impact, making it a potential showstopper, too. Even if your opponent sees the strike coming and has their guard in place, this may not be enough to stop you from breaking through their defense and causing them trouble. As the most direct knee strike in Muay Thai, the straight knee is likely the first that you will learn. Usually targeted at the opponent’s torso, the straight knee can be landed from inside or outside the clinch and directed at the chest area beneath the breastbone. Make no mistake, if you land this strike, it will not go unrecognized by your opponent.
The lead front teep is generally the fastest kick in the arsenal of a Nak Muay (Thai boxer). As the lead leg is closest to the opponent, it is not hard to see why. There is no switch involved in the lead front teep, meaning that it can be thrown from almost any position and with lightning speed. An opponent will find it hard to predict this strike, too, especially if they move into range too quickly or it is disguised behind a feint.
Without expert knowledge, you could end up failing to keep up with a group of experts, or struggling to learn ineffective techniques from a con artist at a McDojo. Everyone was a beginner once, so remember what it was like when you started. Once they get the hang of things, they’ll become a valuable training partner.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most common push kicks used by Muay Thai fighters. Of course, as a beginner, you should concern yourself more with the technique and execution of the kick than aiming to take your opponent’s head off. You should also familiarise yourself with the various types of teep and the specific uses for each one. Given that it has various uses, such as pushing your opponent back, finding range, or even setting up attacks, a seasoned Nak Muay (Thai boxer) will rely on the teep heavily. This punch is a little more difficult to master but is certainly not something that should cause anyone who is dedicated to their technique much trouble.
Blocking is a critical element in https://www.persianleague.com/17693-the-saga-of-sports-betting-s-dark-horses-and-their-sway-on-modern-wagering and compounds the level of conditioning a successful practitioner must possess. Low and mid body roundhouse kicks are normally blocked with the upper portion of a raised shin (this block is known as a “check”). High body strikes are blocked ideally with the forearms and shoulder together, or if enough time is allowed for a parry, the glove (elusively), elbow, or shin will be used.
If you run onto the mats five minutes after the start of class, you’ll disrupt the lesson and will waste everyone’s time while they wait for you to catch up on what you’ve missed. To break through a door, imagine the approach of a Muay Tae as a battering ram, and a Muay Mat as an explosive device. A Muay Femur, on the other hand, would swiftly and tactfully remove the screws and bolts that hold the door together.
Firstly, make sure your hands are properly and snugly wrapped, using gloves that provide adequate wrist support, and punch with a closed fist. I sometimes try to offer tips to beginners when I see them having trouble especially with their kicks. Many people start out over-enthusiastically with their fists of fury and football kicks only to end up with injuries. Wrist injuries are common among Muay Thai and boxing beginners because the soft bones and tendons of the hands take time to be conditioned. Bear in mind that such a strenuous training program belongs in the realm of pro fighters.
- The fighting style they were taught, gradually evolved into the Muay Thai fighting style we see in the ring today.
- One 2-hour session can burn 1000 calories, making it a great and fun way to lose weight.
- Muay Thai is now predominantly a combat sport which is trained all over the world, but it is most popular in Thailand, where it is considered the national sport.
- Fighters practice the same technique thousands of times until they master it.
While this type of knee is unlikely to hurt your opponent as much as other knees, it can be very effective at wearing them down and taking a little out of their gas tank. For many combat sports enthusiasts around the world, Muay Thai is synonymous with knee strikes. This fearsome video game boss was also likely based on Muay Thai legend Sagat Petchyindee. While a difficult strike to perfect, the side push kick can be honed over time with the right amount of practice and drilling. As with most strikes, improvement in balance, posture, muscle memory, and technique comes with time. In order to generate enough power, a fighter must quickly shuffle, step, or jolt forward with their rear foot while extending the lead leg, while pushing into the strike.
You share a common interest and you are all working towards a common goal of improving your fitness or Muay Thai skills. Since I started Muay Thai, I have made friends of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom I have forged deep friendships with, due to our common love for Muay Thai. Instead of feeding you with supposed claims of miraculous benefits, I would like to share with you the benefits that I have personally experienced in this time since I started training Muay Thai. Since then, foreigners have flocked enthusiastically to Thailand to train and fight competitively in the sport. Today, Muay Thai is practised all around the world for competition, and also for self-defense or fitness purposes.
You can use a heavy bag to perfect your technique, along with regular bouts of shadow boxing and mitt work with teammates or your coach. Boxers only have to concern themselves with punches, whereas, in Muay Thai, a fighter has to protect themselves from kicks, knees, and also from being clinched. If you tuck your chin in, your head is down and pointing forward, which can leave you open to being grabbed and clinched.
