How to Do a Round Low Kick in Muay Thai

The round low kick is the signature attack in muay thai, and is different from round kicks in other martial arts. It is a devastating kick that drives completely through the target. It does not chamber the knee or recover the leg after the kick; it attempts to swing through the target. Since this move requires total commitment, it can be very dangerous if you miss. You strike with the shin bone, which also makes the muay thai round low kick unique among martial-arts kicks.

Instructions

1. Stand in a muay thai ready stance: feet shoulder-width apart, with one leg a step forward. Bounce lightly on the balls of your feet. Muay thai is all about speed, so stay light on your feet. Your hands are held high in muay thai. Your fists should be at eye level, with your elbows flared slightly outward. The arms are held wider than in traditional western boxing.

2. Choose your target. The muay thai round low kick is used against the sides of an opponent's legs. You can strike the sides of the shin, the sides of the thigh or the knee. All are incredibly painful for the person on the receiving end of the kick.

3. Pivot on the ball of your front foot as you thrust your rear hip toward your target. Leading with your hip launches the full force of your spinning momentum and carries the force of your entire body.

4. Snap your entire leg around in a sweeping arc. Your kicking leg should be nearly straight. A devastating amount of force is generated as your leg and torso catch up to your leading hip. All three should be in a line when you hit the target.

5. Hit your target at a downward angle. This is a unique characteristic of the muay thai round low kick. Gravity gives the kick a little bit more power. Strike with the sharp edge of your lower shin bone. When it digs into the soft, fleshy outside of the leg, it inflicts a ridiculous amount of pain.

6. Kick through the target. The muay thai round low kick is an attack of total commitment. Swing through as if you plan to spin all the way around. This puts all your energy into the kick. If you plan to stop at the target, you will be thinking of pulling back as you throw the kick. The muay thai round low kick is an all-or-nothing move.