How to Deliver a Proper Muay Thai Kick
The deadly martial art of Muay Thai is more popular than ever. This centuries-old tradition has found a new home in Mixed Martial Arts and professional competitions. For thousands of novice students, Muay Thai is the foundation of their martial arts experience. It is known for its eight points of striking -- hands, elbows, knees and kicks. The Muay Thai side kick is an essential tool in a student's training. Here is how you execute a proper Muay Thai kick.
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Instructions
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Facing your opponent, step your lead foot forward at an angle. Switch your balance onto your lead foot with your head going in the same direction as your foot. Swing your jab, or lead hand and arm, by your hip in a downward motion. At the same time, swing your opposite hand and arm upward toward your temple.
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Keeping your lead leg bent, pivot your lead foot away from your opponent. Arch your back leg as your hips swing toward your lead leg. Let your back leg continue to arch as it follows up toward your opponent's waist or rib section. Your head and lead knee are now off-center, letting the waist do the work and bringing the back leg through.
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Relax your leg on contact and like a whip cracking, straighten the leg on impact. Your hands and arms have now reversed course with the lead arm coming up to the temple upon impact. Exhale on impact as this will release your power fully through the whipping motion of your leg. Your shin is the point of contact with your opponent. Cut through with your shin and release your breath and energy to complete your Muay Thai kick. Bring your shin and leg back for a balanced stance once again.
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