How to Muay Thai Box

Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is a boxing and martial arts technique, that has been the national sport of Thailand for centuries. Even if you don't make Muay Thai your primary fighting style, integrating these boxing techniques into your training can make you a stronger, more versatile opponent.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Assume your stance. Place your left foot forward if you're right-handed fighter (and vice versa for left handers). Keep your back foot a pace behind you and shoulder-width from your front foot. Face the toes of your front foot forward. Angle your back foot slightly away from your body and raise up onto the toe so you can spring into a punch or kick. Raise your hands to chin level.

2. Employ all Muay Thai punches from the straight punch to the hook and spinning back fist. Twist your hips into the punch so you can pivot your shoulders and get maximum range and power into each strike.

3. Practice using your elbow in a lateral (horizontal) and diagonal strikes or for upper cuts. Step into your elbows so you don't lean your torso forward during an elbow strike. Strike with blade of your elbow to deliver damage without hurting your arm.

4. Toughen your shins and feet so you can throw low, medium and high kicks. You should be able to control kicks so you can use defensive push kicks or offensive damaging kicks. Focus on beating your opponent's thighs and shins with your kicks to wear him down. Then you can finish him with devastating attacks.

5. Master the clinch, the position in which you grab and pin an opponent by the nape of the neck or arms. Learn to attack from various clinches and escape when an opponent clinches you.