Muay Thai Kicks

Muay Thai, a combat sport that was originated in Thailand, involves various moves like punches, kicks, and other blocking techniques. The history of Muay Thai states that the sport uses the “art of eight limbs” technique, in which different body parts function as different weapons. Muay Thai involves the usage of eight body parts including fists, feet, knees and elbows for its offensive moves. In some Muay Thai sporting events head butting was also allowed. Muay Thai uses a combination of different kicks that has the ability to knock out the opponent in a single move.

Kicks

Kicks play a vital role in determining the outcome of a fight. Muay Thai kicks are considered as one of the most powerful kicks in martial arts. Unlike many other marital arts, Muay Thai kicks involves the usage of shins to execute the offense. Most of the kicks in Muay Thai use the rotation of hip region to perfect the strike. There are different types of kicks included in Muay Thai.

Types of Kicks

Though there are many kicking techniques associated with Muay Thai, two most commonly used kicks are the roundhouse kicks and the diagonal kick. Roundhouse kick, or side kick, can be executed in a well controlled manner and it has the ability to strike the opponent with full force. In professional Muay Thai competitions, side kicks are blocked with the help of shins. The diagonal kick is used to target the opponent’s rib cage. A perfect diagonal kick can be executed by swinging the leg at an angle of 45 degrees.

Other popular kicking techniques in Muay Thai includes the Down round kick, half spin half knee kick, spinning hill kick, axe heel kick and jumping kick. Some of these kicks can be more powerful than side kick or diagonal kick, if executed perfectly. Most of these kicks are executed with the help of shins. Though it is sensitive for an unconditioned fighter, shins are the strongest part for an experienced Muay Thai fighter.

Knee Kicks

Muay Thai is the martial art that involves the unique usage of knees. Normally, knees are used for hitting the abdomen area and it the crucial part of Muay Thai fighting. Jumping knee techniques were used for striking the head area. Experienced Muay Thai fighters have the ability to use their knees in an effective way to hit their opponent. Other knee techniques including horizontal knee strike, flying knee strike, curving knee strike and lower knee strike can also be used as effective offensive techniques.