Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, but it is popular in mixed martial arts competitions. Muay Thai fighting uses kickboxing techniques to attack opponents standing up. It is different from jiu-jitsu and other ground fighting martial arts. Beginners learn basic attacks to practice in the air, on pads or with a heavy bag that later can be used for fighting.
The Thai Round Kick
Muay Thai kicks instantly distinguish Thai boxing from Western boxing. Western boxers use only their hands to punch. Muay Thai uses elbows, feet and knees. The Thai round kick is a basic strike unique to muay Thai fighting. To perform this kick, stand with your left foot forward. Step at a 45-degree angle to the left and forward with your left foot and bring your right knee up to waist level. Then, pivot on the ball of your left foot so the toes point outward and swing your right leg forward as you twist your hips right to kick at leg height with your shin. The knee stays bent slightly. The right leg comes downward at an angle when you kick. Higher kicks require more flexibility and balance. Repeat on the other side.
Jab
The jab is the most basic punching technique. It's a lot simpler than the straight punch that requires a whole-body movement instead of just an extension of the elbow that you need to jab. Using a jab lets beginners figure out their range for a punching attack. Jabs also keep your opponent back as a defensive maneuver. To do a jab, begin with your hands up in front of your face in a boxing stance with your left foot forward. Your left fist is near your left cheek with the elbow bent. Then, extend your left arm straight forward to either punch a point in the air at face height or a focus pad if you have a partner to hold pads for you. Pull the arm back immediately to the starting position. Repeat with the right hand with your right foot forward.
Upward Elbow Strike
Elbows are a powerful strike with knockout potential. Not all forms of sport martial arts allow elbow strikes, but muay Thai encourages even beginners to learn to use elbows. A basic elbow strike involves bringing the elbow straight up toward an opponent's chin. Beginners should practice on a heavy bag so they do not accidentally hurt their training partner. Stand in front of a heavy bag with your right arm bent against your side and your fist against the front of your shoulder. Then, raise your right elbow toward the ceiling and lightly graze the bag at chin height. Repeat with the left arm.
Knees
Knee strikes are common in muay Thai, especially to the abdomen. To throw a knee strike, stand with your left foot forward and quickly bring your right knee straight upward, tucking your tailbone to thrust your hips and knee forward. Bend the knee as much as possible, keeping it close to your body. This is a close-in attack. You also pivot your left foot outward like you do with a round kick when you throw a knee strike in muay Thai. You can use a heavy bag for target practice, working both knees.
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