This section provides details on a wide variety of martial arts knee strikes. These techniques are utilized by martial artists in many close range situations. While knee strikes are not allowed in some martial arts sparring matches for safety reasons, they are used extensively in sparring by many other martial arts such as Muay Thai. If you are looking for information on kicking techniques (i.e. spinning hook kicks), please visit Black Belt Wiki’s main section on Martial Arts Kicking Techniques.
Given the shorter range of knee strikes (versus kicks and punches), this technique is often combined with clinching or holding the attacker so he can not escape and move outside the limited range of the knee strike. Self-defense targets for a knee strike include the attacker’s head/chin, ribs, groin, quad muscles, etc.
Martial arts knee strikes and all other martial arts techniques should only be practiced under the supervision of a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.
Knee Strikes – Training Equipment
Knee Strikes – Click on a specific knee strike for video and/or written instructions
- Diagonal Knee Strike
- Flying Knee Strike
- Front Knee Strike – The front knee strike is also known as a vertical knee strike.
- Jumping Knee Strike
- Knee Bomb – The knee bomb is a well known Muay Thai technique.
- Knee Drop
- Knee Thrust
- Round Knee Strike – A round knee strike is also known as a lateral knee strike, horizontal knee strike, etc.
Knee Strike Related-Techniques
- Defense Against Knee Strikes – Krav Maga Technique
Knee Strike to Ribs
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons via its Creative Commons license