Muay Thai Elbow Strike Techniques

Elbow strikes are very unique weapons that make Muay Thai different from other martial arts sports. Elbows in Muay Thai can give very severe injuries to the opponent as it will be used to attack when opponent is closer distance and the major targets of elbows are generally head facial areas including jaw, temple, neck and so on. Using elbows is very flexible, you can move or swing elbow in any direction to attack, both vertically and horizontally but different method will give different impact to the attack. There are eight main moves of Muay Thai elbow strikes:

1. Sok Ti (Slashing Elbow)
2. Sok Tad (Horizontal Elbow)
3. Sok Ngad (Uppercut Elbow)
4. Sok Chieng (Diagonal Elbow)
5. Sok Sab (Chopping Elbow)
6. Sok Tong (Smash Downward Elbow)
7. Sok Ku (Double Elbows)
8. Sok Klab (Spinning Elbow)

Elbow Strikes 1: Sok Ti (Slashing Elbow)

The Elbow slash generally be used when we want to attack the upper part of facial area such as forehead, eye and nose. It can be done by swing the elbow diagonally downward, normally in 45 degree angle (like a "slash" sign) to attack the target. Unlike We normally can not use the elbow slash to attack alone as we need to get close to opponent enough to attack. The elbow slash will be used effectively when we want to response to opponent's knee-kick.

To practice the elbow slash, you have to bend the elbow closely against the arm, as if they are together. Then, twist the shoulder, send your body into the opposite direction, aiming to strike the elbow against the upper targets. In case the opponent counters with a punch, you should parry that punch away with your fist, and swing the elbow against the desired target. Do not use this techniques often or else the opponent will prepare for it.

Elbow Strikes 2: Sok Tad (Horizontal Elbow)

It is quite similar to the elbow slash technique. The diffrent is only wee have to swing the elbow horizontally, paralel to the ground. However, you need to make sure that you must stand firmly when attack, because attacking with full power, you may need to twist to shoulder and hip along with the elbow swing and this will make you losing balance easily.
Sok Tad is done by raising the arm at 90 degree angle to armpit, and the hand at 30 degree to the elbow. The elbow must be parallel to the floor at all time, even during the swinging movement. The targets of Sok Tad lie in the jaws, ching, or even the ribs, if you lower your body to launch the strike.

To train Sok Tad, the boxers should practice on the punch bag to get used to the manourve. Step one foot forward, putting pressure on the tip of the foot to get a good hoid. Follow by the back leg, touching the floor manually with the tip of the foot, ready to twist the heel to add to the momentum of the elbow, as well as the hip and the shoulder in complete synchronization to swing with the most force against the target.

Elbow Strikes 3: Sok Ngad (Uppercut Elbow)

The uppercut elbow can be done by swing the elbow diagonally upwards to attack target especially chin. This technique requires speed when using it, which means you have to do it as quickly as you can. However, in the competition, some boxers avoide to use it, but use horizontal elbow or elbow slash instead.

The expertise in this techniques, the boxers should train frequently with the punch bag. Uppecut Elbow is done by step your foot forward so that the tip of the foot is below the punch bag, and and launch an uppercut. Your fist should go pass the target, allowing your elbow to make the impact instead. Do not forget to bend both your front and back knees so that you could straighten the body when you swing your elbow upward against the opponent.

Elbow Strikes 4: Sok Chieng (Diagonal Elbow)

Diagonal Elbow is one of the elbow strikes which can open up a cut easily. To practice diagonal elbow, Muay Thai boxers should raise the arm that you wish to launch diagonal elbow, either the right of left arm. The arm points forward, making the 90 degree angle with the arm pit. Bend the elbow, making the 45 degree angle with the face, namely, the fist will be at one eyebrow.
For example, if you want to use right diangonal elbow, your right fist should be at the levelof the left eyebrow. This should help to block any punches to the face. If you want to use the right diagonal elbow, step the left foot forward wiht the right leg at the back. Step the left to get close to the opponent, twist the shoulder to send Sok Chieng diagonally upward. The speed and the rough edge of the elbow tip will open up a cut quickly if diangonal elbow is well practiced.

Elbow Strikes 5: Sok Sab (Chopping Elbow)

Chopping Elbow Strikes is closely related to Sok Chieng (Diagonal Elbow). In case Diagonal Elbow misses and going in its upward flight, pull the elbow back downward in the chopping movement when the opponent is careless, believing that Diagonal Elbow has missed, therefore exposing the gap for him to exploit. When he comes in to attack, he will find himself chopped by Sok Sab.
The basic movement of Chopping Elbow is very similar to Diagonal Elbow. It is simply a matter of reversing of the direction, namely, from up to down, rather than from down to up.
Certain boxers adopt a very high guard. This should facilitate the use of Chopping Elbow to the area around the face. Move close to the opponent and swing the elbow downward from the forehead down to the chin.

Elbow Strikes 6: Sok Tong (Smash Downward Elbow)

Smash Downward Elbow is a very useful elbow strike that could knock the opponent unconcious if he meets the full impact. This Smash Downward Elbow could be practiced by stepping the foot of the flank to use Smash Downward Elbow underneath the punch bag. In real life situation, the foot must be stepped in between the opponent's feet.

The execution of Sok Tong is from up to down. Use the sharp edge of the elbow to hit against the target. This Smash Downward Elbow must be applied quickly, since if it is done slowly, you might be harmed by a counter-attack. When smashing Sok Tong downward, one arm has to guard the area around the chin and down to the solar plexus. You must keep wach on the opponent all the time. The nose bridge should be aimed for, because if you could smash the elbow down at that point, you could stop the opponent immediately, as the nose bridge produces tears easily and could be broken wiht strong impact.

Elbow Strikes 7: Sok Ku (Double Elbow)

Double Elbow is anther weapon for self-defence in Thai Boxing when speedy action required in dire circumstances. In the past, Sodsal Naruepai was a Thai boxer who was so skillful with Double Elbow so he was called "The Sok Ku General". You should swing the bag, step your foot close, and raise both your elbows to smash the bag. This will build up speed, agility, and expertise.

Elbow Strikes 8: Sok Klab (Spinning Elbow)

The spinning elbow technique is quite different from other elbow technique. As you have to turn the body around to generate the elbow strike. To do the spinning elbow, we generally use the rear elbow to attack and make sure that you will always look at you opponent while turning the body around and making the elbow strike.

Spinning Elbow is considered to be a deadly trick in Muay Thai Boxing. It could knock down the opponent with so sudden a force and venom. It could easily draw blood from the opponent, it has not been recorded in the history of Thai boxing when Spinning Elbow was invented but one could say with certainty that is a result of continuous evolution. Man has learned to imitate various movements of animals to use in self-defence.

To use Spinning Elbow, Muay Thai boxers should sway your body slightly sideway. If you do not twist your body, you could not swing Spinning Elbow smoothly against the target. Any awkward movement could be exploited by the opponent who could launch an all powerful punch to the body or prompt your action with other weapons.

Muay Thai Knee Strike Techniques

Muay Thai is an ancient martial art from Thailand. It is a striking art that has been around for hundreds of years. One of the most damaging Muay Thai moves is the Muay Thai knee strike. This article will give instructions to perform this move.

Steps

1. Set up in the Muay Thai stance by placing your feet shoulder-width apart. Take one step back with the foot on the same side as your dominant hand. Lift the heel of your back foot. Lean forward slightly on your forward leg but keep your torso upright.2. Raise both your hands up to the sides of your temples, palms open towards your opponent, ready to block your opponents strikes by hitting his hands and legs with your palms.

2. Close the distance with your opponent and clinch on his shoulders or around his neck. Place your lead foot deep into your opponent's stance so he can't kick you.

3. Bring your rear knee up as you pull down on your opponent's torso so you can get his torso parallel to the ground. Drive your hips forward as you leverage your opponent into your knee. Twist your hips into your opponent to generate more power and to close off your body from counterattack.

4. Continue to strike if your knee strike was successful. Hit your opponent's back with an overhead elbow. If your opponent falls to the ground, follow the knee strike with kicks. If your opponent manages to block or avoid the knee strike, push him back and return to your Muay Thai stance so you block any counterattack or launch a new attack.

Tips

Practice this move on artificial dummies or professional training partners, without making contact with your knee.

Breath deeply while performing this move, exhaling deeply when you strike.

Find a Muay Thai trainer near you and receive further instructions on this subject.

Must be in great physical shape to attempt to perform this move.

Warnings

This is an extremely dangerous move, causing serious injury and possible death and should only be used in self-defense.

Muay Thai kick techniques

Muay Thai kick techniques is one of the important techniques in Thai Boxing because kicks are violent and powerful weapons. The official word for kicks in Thai is “Tae”. There are many variations and tricks for Thaiboxing kick techniques depend on the application in each part of Thailand.

Muay Thai kicks commonly use in competition, due to its power that may give the opponent knock out in one shot. Normally, we use only some part of lower leg from shin to foot to kick. However, use shin to kick is much more powerful than using foot, but its disadvantage is opponent can grab your leg easier and attack.

The Techniques in Thai Boxing Kicks

Five kinds of popular kicks in Muay Thai KickBoxing :

Tae Tad (Side Kick or Round Kick)
Tae Chiang (Diagonal Kick)
Tae Kod (Hook kick or Down round kick)
Tae Pub Nok (Kick to the outside of the knee joint)
Tae Pub Nai (Kick to the inside of the knee joint)

Muay Thai Kick Technique 1. Tae Tad (Side kick or Round kick)

Tae Tad are commonly used in Muay Thai as they are very easy to control and we can maintain the balance after the kick to defend opponent's strike back. Tae Tad can be done by swing the leg to attack the target, and in the same time, your hip should also be twisted in the same direction of the swing
The correct movement for this kind of Thai Boxing kick is that the boxer must bend his legs a little and sing the kick to the area around the knee-joint or the back of the knee joint. The kicking leg, to be really powerful, should be straightened. One should move forward to kick with the hand guard up securely. Do not drop the guard, or you might suffer from the counter-punch.

Muay Thai Kick Technique 2. Tae Chiang (Diagonal Kick)

The main target of the diagonal kick is to attack lower rib-cage and we normally use shin to attack. The kick can be done by swing leg diagonally upwards to attack against the target.
Generally, a proper kick must be Tae Chiang or Diagonal kick to attain maximum efficiency, the kick should make an angle of 45 degree against the floor. This kick is quite straight forward. You should kick by letting the instep or the back of foot hit the target. Incline the body a little in the opposite direction to that of the kick. Swing your leg upwards in the appropriate angle. Before the point of impact, twist the foot so that the arch faces downwards, and the instep would hit the back of the neck.

Hook kicks are also commonly used due to its full of power, which more than side kick or diagonal kick. This is because when you kick, your hip and body will fully twisted in the same direction of the swing, which will increase the power of the kick. The hook kick can be used to attack opponent when he is ducking down or in the lower position. However, the major disadvantage of the hook kick is if you miss the target, you may totally lost the balance and give a chance to opponent to strike back.

Muay Thai Kick Technique 3. Tae Kod (Down round kick )

Hook kicks are also commonly used due to its full of power, which more than side kick or diagonal kick. This is because when you kick, your hip and body will fully twisted in the same direction of the swing, which will increase the power of the kick. The hook kick can be used to attack opponent when he is ducking down or in the lower position. However, the major disadvantage of the hook kick is if you miss the target, you may totally lost the balance and give a chance to opponent to strike back.

Muay Thai Kick Technique 4. Tae Pub Nok

Tae Pub Nok is the kick that kicks to the outside of the knee joints. For a proper kick, the boxer must sway his body a little away from the opponent, then move right up to the opponent with this of kick as a greeting (althougn unwelcomed) gesture.

Muay Thai Kick Technique 5. Tae Pub Nai

Tae Pub Nok is the kick that kicks to the inside of the knee joints by stepping closer to the opponent by swinging the kick to the inside. When the foot hits the target, the opponent's leg will be blasted sideways, thus making him lose balance. At this moment, one has many options for doing damage.

Muay Thai History

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is a form of hard martial art practiced in large parts of the world, including Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. The art is similar to others in Southeast Asia such as: pradal serey in Cambodia, lethwei in Myanmar, tomoi in Malaysia, and Lao boxing in Laos. Muay Thai has a long history in Thailand and is the country's national sport. Traditional Muay Thai practiced today varies significantly from the ancient art muay boran and uses kicks and punches in a ring with gloves similar to those used in Western boxing.Muay Thai is referred to as "The Art of Eight Limbs", as the hands, shins, elbows, and knees are all used extensively in this art. A practitioner of Muay Thai ("nak muay") thus has the ability to execute strikes using eight "points of contact," as opposed to "two points" (fists) in Western boxing and "four points" (fists, feet) used in the primarily sport-oriented forms of martial arts.

History Various forms of kickboxing have long been practiced throughout Southeast Asia. As with the most countries in the region, Thai culture is highly influenced by ancient civilizations within Southeast Asia. The origins of Muay Thai is unclear. One theory is that it was with the Tai people before the Tai immigration to Southeast Asia from China. Another is that it was adopted and modified off of Khmer martial arts when Thai culture was influenced by Khmer culture. A third theory is that a little bit of both the first and second theory occurred. Muay Thai evolved from its ancestor Muay Boran ("ancient boxing"), an unarmed combat used by Siamese soldiers in conjunction with Krabi Krabong, the weapon-based style. Eventually Muay Boran was divided to:

Muay Korat (Northeast) emphasized strength. A technique like "Throwing Buffalo Punch" was used. It could supposedly defeat a buffalo in one blow.
Muay Lopburi (Center region) emphasized movements. Its strong points were straight and counter punches.
Muay Chaiya (South) emphasized posture and defense, as well as elbows and knees.
Muay Ta Sao (North) emphasized speed, particularly in kicking. Because of its faster speed, it was called also called "Ling Lom" (windy monkey or Loris).

There is a phrase about Muay Boran that states, "Punch Korat, Wit Lopburi, Posture Chaiya, Faster Thasao.

As well as continuing to function as a practical fighting technique for use in actual warfare, Muay Thai became a sport in which the opponents fought in front of spectators who went to watch for entertainment. This kind of muay contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples. It was even used as entertainment to kings.Eventually, the previously bare-fisted fighters started wearing lengths of rope wrapped around their hands and forearms. This type of match was called muay kaad chuek.

1.Royal Muay

Muay gradually became a possible means of personal advancement as the nobility increasingly esteemed skillful practitioners of the art and invited selected fighters to come to live in the Royal palace to teach muay to the staff of the royal household, soldiers, princes or the king's personal guards.[citation needed] This "royal muay" was called muay luang.Some time during the Ayutthaya Period, a platoon of royal guards was established, whose duty was to protect king and the country. They were known as Grom Nak Muay (Muay Fighters' Regiment). This royal patronage of muay continued through the reigns of King Rama V and RamaVII.

2.Muay Renaissance

The ascension of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to the throne in 1868 ushered in a Golden Age not only for muay but for the whole country of Thailand. Muay progressed greatly during the reign of Rama V as a direct result of the king's personal interest in the art. The country was at peace and muay functioned as a means of physical exercise, self-defense, recreation, and personal advancement.[citation needed] Masters of the art such as former fighters or soldiers began teaching muay in training camps where students were provided with food and shelter. Trainees would be treated as one family and it was customary for students to adopt the camp's name as their own surname.After the occurrence of a death in the ring, King Rama the VII pushed for codified rules for Muay Thai, and they were put into place. These included the rules that the fighters should wear modern gloves and cotton coverlets over the feet and ankles. It was also around this time in the 1920s that the term Muay Thai became commonly used while the older form of the style was referred to as Muay Boran.

3.Legendary heroes

At the time of the fall of the ancient Siam capital of Ayutthaya in 1763, the invading Burmese troops rounded up a group of Thai residents and took them as prisoners. Among them were a large number of Thai boxers, who were taken by the Burmese to the city of Ungwa.In 1774, in the Burmese city of Rangoon, the king of the Burmese, Hsinbyushin (known in Thai as "King Mangra"), decided to organize a seven-day, seven-night religious festival in honor of Buddha's relics. The festivities included many forms of entertainment, such as the costume plays called likay, comedies and farces, and sword-fighting matches. At one point, King Hsinbyushin wanted to see how Muay Boran would compare to the Burmese art Lethwei. Nai Khanom Tom was selected to fight against the Burmese champion. The boxing ring was set up in front of the throne and Nai Khanom Tom did a traditional Wai Kru pre-fight dance, to pay his respects to the Burmese king, as well as for all the spectators, dancing around his opponent, which amazed and perplexed all the Burmese people. When the fight began, he charged out, using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, pummeling his opponent until he collapsed.The referee however stated that the Burmese opponent was too distracted by the Wai Kru, and the knockout was invalid. The King then asked if Nai Khanom Tom would fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself. He agreed and fought them all, one after the other with no rest periods in between. His last opponent was a great boxing teacher from Ya Kai City. Nai Khanom Tom mangled him by his kicks and no one else dared to challenge him any further.King Mangra was so impressed that he remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents. But his Lord was incompetent and lost the country to the enemy. If he would have been any good, there was no way the City of Ayutthaya would ever have fallen."King Mangra granted Nai Khanom Tom freedom along with either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives. Nai Khanom Tom chose the wives as he said that money was easier to find. He then departed with his wives for Siam. Other variations of this story had him also winning the release of his fellow Thai prisoners. His feat is celebrated every March 17 as "Boxer's Day" or "National Muay Thai Day" in his honor and that of Muay Thai's.Today, some have wrongly attributed the legend of "Nai Khanom Tom" to King Naresuan, who was once taken by the Burmese. However, Nai Khanom Tom and King Naresuan were almost two centuries apart.

4.Present-day

Muay ThaiAt an ASEAN meeting in 1995, Thailand wanted to rename Southeast Asian kickboxing as Muay Thai or Thai Boxing. The Cambodians proposed to rename the sport as "Suwannaphum" boxing or "SEA Boxing", which represented Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Suwannaphum means "golden land" in both the Khmer and Thai which came from the language of Pali and refers to mainland Southeast Asia. "SEA" is a popular acronym referring to Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, Thailand would not compromise.

Muay Thai Traditional and ceremonies

Muay Thai ceremonies

For anyone wishing to learn Muay Thai boxing some knowledge at least of the art’s unique and rich traditions is essential. For those intent on becoming professional fighters or trainers the precepts and ethics involved must become an integral part of their daily lives. These traditions are devout but independent of any specific religion and so they are accessible to all. The precise details of the ceremonies differ according to the traditions of the Muay Thai training camp or teacher involved. In whatever form, these ceremonies are very powerful and moving. They are designed to make a permanent impression on the minds of participants, helping to stiffen their resolve.

Wai Kru (respect to teachers)

Thais always hold their teachers to very high esteem, no matter what discipline they have embarked on. Parents are believed to be everyone’s original teachers and a special bond is believed to exist between those who study under the same teacher, which is regarded as being parallel to kinship. Wai Kru is an ancient Thai custom. It is a demonstration of respect and gratitude. There are a number of forms of the Wai Kru ceremony in Muay Thai.
Initiation as a trainee fighter

A boxer’s Muay Thai training and his relationship with his trainer are highly ritualised. When students seek knowledge from their teacher they first offer symbols of respect such as candles, incense and flowers. During the ritual Muay Thai fighters raise their hands in a Wai (as you would in the West to pray). Students pledge in front of their teacher that they will be diligent, hardworking and will respect and obey their teacher. The teacher officially accepts the student and promises to instruct them to the best of his abilities.

A Muay Thai boxers oath

I will ensure that I am clean, strong and behave with honesty and integrity.I will not bully those weaker than myself. I will undertake good deeds to the benefit of others and be loyal to the nationI will avoid causing trouble of any kind.We will be united and help one another whenever possible.

Homage Paying Ceremony

This ceremony is held annually throughout Thailand in schools, universities and other places of learning. Teachers and students gather together inviting past teachers to attend. The ceremony involves all the usual symbols of honour and respect. For Muay Thai the ceremony, which requires trainee fighters to show their respect and gratitude for their trainers is usually held on Muay Thai day (17th March).

Fighters get a new name

When a Muay Thai boxer is considered ready for the ring, he is given a new name, usually with the name of his Muay Thai training camp as his surname.

Approaching the ring

Thai people traditionally believe that unseen spirits inhabit everywhere. For this reason it is necessary to perform special rites before entering a Muay Thai boxing ring asking the spirits permission to do so, propitiating them and destroying any evil that may be lurking their. The ritual is thought to protect the fighter and lead him to victory. During this ritual a fighter will determine through which nostril the breath is flowing more freely. He will take his first step (avoiding the bottom stair) with the foot of that side, for good luck.

The Ram Muay ritual dance

The special relationship between a Muay Thai boxer and his trainer are gracefully expressed during the Ram Muay (a Muay Thai boxing dance) that precedes every Muay Thai match. This tradition goes back to ancient times and is a further demonstration of the fighter’s respect and gratitude. Official Muay Thai regulations specify that both fighters must perform the Ram Muay before every bout. The Ram Muay is an aesthetic, dance-like ritual, which usually lasts about five minutes and is done through a series of gestures and movements performed in rhythm to ringside musical accompaniment. The Ram Muay developed differently in various regions under different teachers. Two fighters performing identical Ram Muay rituals would know they studied under the same teacher or came from the same school, and so would not fight together. There are no rigid rules regarding the performance of the Ram Muay. You should stick to your teacher’s guidelines. taken from the Ramakien ( a Thai epic closely based on the Hindu Ramayana). Wearing the traditional Mongkon haedbands created from written monk's prayers that are wrapped in silk thread, the boxer move gracefully in the center of the ring, bowing in all directions. The dance is a mark of respect for the boxer's trainer and parents. As Niamh explains, "It also serves to calm a fighter so she can take possession of the ring and feel safe there." Supposedly in the past you could tell which gym a fighter came from on the basis of the style of the dance. Nowadays this is no longer true.

The Muay Thai contest begins

At the end of the Ram Muay, Muay Thai fighters return to their own corners. They go to the centre of the ring to be briefed by the referee regarding the rules and then return to their own corners for removal of the head circlet (mongkon). On completion of this ritual the Muay Thai contest can begin.

Muay Thai fight music

The sarama or musical accompaniment to Muay Thai matches is a sound recognised as a symbol of deference and respect. This rhythmic music accompanies the Ram Muay as well as the contest itself. The music is performed by four musicians each playing either one of two kinds of oboe, a pair of Thai drums or symbols. The tempo of the music varies. During the Ram Muay it is slow and stately to match the mood of the smooth and flowing ritual. When the fight commences the tempo is increased. At moments of excitement during a match it becomes frenetic. The music increases the atmosphere of the event and urges fighters to try even harder.

Muay Thai amulets

Amulets are sacred and highly respected items believed to bestow blessings and protection. All Muay Thai fighters must use the mongkon, a head circlet, which is worn until completion of the Ram Muay ritual dance, and the prajed, a woven armband. The prajed contains a small Buddha image and is worn throughout the match.