List of Muay Thai Techniques (Beginner & Advanced)

This section explores a wide variety of Muay Thai techniques (i.e. kicks and knee strikes). Each Muay Thai technique includes video and/or written instructions. Given the success and power of many Muay Thai strikes, most MMA fighters incorporate Muay Thai techniques into their training.

The information on these pages and videos are meant to reinforce and supplement the instruction given at your Muay Thai classes. To properly understand these techniques, you need to learn them from a Muay Thai instructor who can provide you with an in-depth explanation of the technique, help correct your mistakes, answer your questions and detail how the technique should be utilized.

All 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 should be used safely and responsibly.

Instructional BooksMuay Thai Books

Muay Thai Kicks Click on the techniques below for written details and/or videos

Muay Thai Knee Strikes

FYI – You could see the word Khao written as Kao or Kow for Muay Thai knee techniques.

Muay Thai Punches

Muay Thai Elbow Strikes

FYI – You could see the word Sok written as Sawk for Muay Thai elbow techniques.

Muay Thai Blocks

Muay Thai Clinching Techniques

Muay Thai Questions

What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai is a kick boxing-type martial arts from Thailand. It is renown for powerful striking techniques such as elbow strikes and knee strikes. Given the success of Muay Thai techniques, many MMA fighters utilize Muay Thai training in order to maximize their striking expertise. Muay Thai is known as the “Art of Eight Limbs” because it uses 8 potential points of contact in its strikes (2 fists, 2 feet, 2 knees and 2 elbows). Many other traditional martial arts mainly use either 2 points of contact (2 fists) or 4 points of contact (2 fists and 2 feet).

What does Muay Thai mean in English?

Muay Thai is a term based on words from Thailand.  Thai stands for the country of Thailand. Muay is the Thai word for boxing. Therefore, Muay Thai in English means roughly “Thai Boxing”. However, Muay Thai is much more than “regular” western-style boxing because Muay Thai practitioners utilize their fists, elbows, feet/shins and knees as striking points of contact. In contrast, western-style boxers can only use their fists in sparring matches.

Where can I find more information on Muay Thai techniques?

The best solution would be to join a Muay Thai school. Martial arts instructors will teach you the techniques, correct your flaws, show you how & when to use the technique effectively, etc. At a Muay Thai school, you will also be able to practice these techniques against active opponents (your fellow students). For something a little cheaper, you can look at some of the great books on our Best Muay Thai Books section.

Muay Thai Techniques

Muay Thai Techniques

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons via its Creative Commons license

References

  1. United World Muay Thai Association, History of Muay Thai, http://www.uwmta.org/history.html