Muay Thai martial art has its own unique techniques. It consists of the use of nine weapons. The head, fists, elbow, knee, and feet are collectively known as Na-wa arwud. But today the use of the head is no longer allowed in muay thai fights. In Muay Thai a small amount of grip (The Clinch) is used to both defend and attack. Muay Thai techniques are divided into two groups: Mae Mai or Major techniques and Luk mai or Minor techniques. All Muay Thai techniques use full body movement, rotating the hip partially or fully with each punch, kick and block. This is the reason that distinguishes Muay Thai from other forms of martial art.

Punching Techniques: (Chok)

Direct hit = Mud Dhrong

Hook = Mud Wjang San

Swing = Mud Wjang Yao

Spinning Fist = Mud Wjang Glab

Upper cut = Mud Seub

Cobra Punch = Kra-Dod Chok

Overhead blow = Mud Khouk

Judges in Muay Thai fights give fighters less credit for punching techniques, as they are generally less effective and powerful than kicks or knee strikes. Body punches are also used less in Muay Thai, as they expose the fighter’s head to the opponent’s knee or elbow strikes.

Elbow Techniques: (Dhee Sork)

Elbow Cut = Sork Dhee

Horizontal elbow = Sork Dhad

Upper Cut Elbow = Sork Ngad

Forward Elbow Thrust = Sork Poonk

Reverse Horizontal Elbow = Sork wjang Glab

Swivel Elbow = Sork Glab

Elbow Chop = Sap of Sork

Double Elbow Chop = Sork Glab Koo

Elbow strike in the air = Gra-Dode Sork

The elbow is used in seven ways in Muay Thai, horizontally, diagonally up, diagonally down, uppercut, down, spinning back, and flying. The elbow is also used from the sides as a finishing move or to cut the opponent’s eyebrow for blood. Bleeding blocks vision and also affects the fighter’s performance.

Kicking techniques: (Dhe)

Straight kick = Dhe Dhrong

Nutcracker kick = Dhe Paa Maak

Round kick = Dhe Dhad

Diagonal kick = Dhe Chivang

Half twist, half knee kick = Dhe Krueng Kheng Krueng Kao

Spinning Kick = Dhe Glab Lang

Roundhouse Kick Down = Dhe Kod

Ax Hill Kick = Dhe Khouk

Jump kick = Gra-Dode Dhe

Up kick = Yiep Dhe

The most common kicks in Muay Thai are the Foot Jab (Theep) and the Kick (Tae), upwards in the shape of a triangle aiming at the ribs and arms (Chieng). This angle kick in Muay Thai has been adopted by many other forms of martial arts as it is very effective. The roundhouse kick is almost similar to kicks used in karate or taekwondo. Many Muay Thai fighters also use counter rotation of their arms to enhance the power of their kick. A muay thai fighter is always taught to strike with the shin. Although the shin is very sensitive to an untrained person, it is the stronger part of the leg than the foot, as it contains fine bone and is much weaker.

Knee Techniques: (Dhe kao)

Straight Knee Strike = Kao Dhrong

Diagonal knee strike = Kao Chijang

Curved Knee Strike = Kao Kouwng

Horizontal knee strike = Kao Dhad

Knee strike = Kao Dhob

Knee Pump = Kao Youwn

Flying Knee Strike = Kao Loi

Intensify Knee Strike = Kao Yiep

Other Knee Techniques: – Kao Dode: (Jumping Knee Strike) Jump on one leg and strike with the knee of that leg. – Kao Loi: (Flying Knee Strike) Take step(s), jump forward and with one leg and strike with the knee of that leg. – Tono Kao: (Straight knee strike) Push forward. Not upwards unless the fighter is holding the opponents head down in a clinch and intends to deliver an upward knee to the face. -Kao Noi: (Small knee strike) Strike the upper inner thigh (above the knee) of the opponent while he is holding on.

Foot thrust techniques: (Theep)

Straight Foot Thrust = Teep Dhrong

Lateral foot push = Teep Kang

Reverse Foot Thrust = Teep Glab Lang

Foot Thrust Strike = Teep Dhob

Jumping Foot Thrust = Gra-Dode Teep

It is also known as ‘Push Kicks’ and is commonly used in Muay Thai. It is mainly used to attack the opponents attack and unbalance the opponent.

Wrestlers in arm grappling position:

There is a difference in Muay Thai from Western Boxing. During the arm grappling position, the fighters are separated in western boxing; however, they are not in Muay Thai. There are various grappling techniques in Muay Thai, including:

– Clinch Arm

– Side closure

– Clinch low and

– Swan neck.

Defensive techniques against attack:

It is classified into six groups:

1. Block – Defenders block hard to stop a blow in its path, thus preventing it from reaching its target.

2. Redirection: Soft parries by defenders to change the direction of a blow so it misses its target.

3. Avoidance: Moving a body part quickly out of the way or range of a blow, putting the opponent in position for a counterpunch.

4. Evasion: Moving the body out of the way or range of a blow.

5. Interrupt: Pre-aim an attack.

6. Anticipation: Defender catching a punch or countering it before it hits.