Muay Thai is known as the science of eight limbs: two hands, two shins, two knees, two elbows. Up to this point I have talked about warming up, cooling down, stances, and footwork. Now it is time to start the fun stuff: attacks! Note: all attacks will be described from the perspective of a left lead leg standard stance.
There are four things that make an attack truly effective: 1) power, 2) sense of distance, 3) timing, 4) accuracy.
The first type of attack I will be discussing is the kick. Kicks are easily the trademark of muay Thai. There are seven key points to remember when executing a kick:
- Spin on the ball of your foot when executing round kicks
- Follow through- throw kicks through your target
- Stay balanced
- For round kicks, spin your hips
- Keep your body erect, do not lean forward or backward
- Unless you’re moving into another technique that requires you to step forward, immediately return your leg back to its original position
- Stay relaxed
The first kind of kick I will talk about is the most basic and useful, the rear leg Thai kick to lead leg. This kick is devastating when executed properly. The target of this kick is the nerve that runs down the outside of your opponent’s thigh— about 3-4 inches above the knee. Personally, I like to continually aim at this spot until my opponent can’t stand. This kick always works well to counter a straight advancing opponent. Begin by pushing off the ball of your right leg, while at the same time snapping your hip in a counterclockwise direction. To help your hips rotate quicker, throw your left shoulder back. Stay balanced on the ball of your left foot as the rotation of your hips whips your leg around and into the target. Make sure your left hand is still up protecting your face. Some people like to throw out their right hand to keep their opponent from closing the gap. I do not do this, but if it feels comfortable to you I say try it. The right shoulder should be pushed up to protect your chin.
The next kick is a front leg Thai kick to inside leg. This kick is less powerful than the rear leg kick to lead leg, but it is effective in throwing your opponent off balance. More times than not; this kick should be followed by another attack. Snap your hips in a clockwise direction while pulling your right shoulder back to help the rotation. The rotation of your hips will whip your lead leg into the inner thigh of your opponent’s lead leg. Your shin should make contact with the soft tissue just above your target’s knee. After your strike lands immediately retract your leg and return to your original stance. Again, as with all kicks, your hands should be up protecting your face.
Another useful and very powerful kick is the rear leg Thai kick to midsection. The primary target for this kick is the ribs. Again, as with all kicks, your power comes from your hips. Push off your right foot and turn your hips in a counterclockwise direction to whip your rear leg off the ground. Rotate on the ball of your left foot to cast your straightened right leg into the unprotected organs located directly below your opponent’s ribs. A fun combo to use with this kick is to begin with the midsection kick, bring your leg back, take a step forward, and throw another kick so that this time your shin connects with your opponent’s stomach. Practice this until both kicks occur as if in one fluid motion. This combo is devastating when used effectively.
Head kicks are not recommended because they take longer to connect simply due to your leg having to travel a further distance. I tend to stick with low and mid kicks. That being said, if the opportunity presents itself, goes for it! Anyone who has seen a Cro Cop fight knows how overwhelming a head kick can be. If you want to perform a head kick the same criteria apply as for other kicks. Rotate your hips to whip your rear leg forward and connect with your shin. Then immediately return to your original stance.
The lead leg push kick is mostly used as a defensive move. Think of this kick as the equivalent to a boxer’s jab. It is mostly used to judge distance, set up other techniques, or to stop an advancing opponent. This kick is powerful enough to stun your opponent and disrupt his breathing. The target here is your opponent’s sternum, or if you are flexible enough you can aim for the face. Begin by lifting your front knee toward your chest to generate power. Thrust your leg out using your hips and make contact with the ball of your foot. Be careful not to fall into the kick and as always immediately return to your original stance. Simply plant your foot back down to its original lead position to accomplish this. A push kick can also be performed with the rear leg. A push kick from the rear leg is going to create more power but will take longer to connect. If your opponent sees it coming he can simply deflect it (I assume you are fighting someone with fighting experience). A push kick from the rear leg is most useful when you are close enough to your opponent where a lead push kick will not generate much power.
That’s all for this week. Next week: knee strikes! |
