Muay Thai Knee Strikes

Muay Thai uses a different set of striking methods compared to other martial arts. Most of the martial arts use punches and kicks as offensive moves against an opponent. Techniques like elbow strikes and knee strikes are exclusively unique to Muay Thai fighting. A Muay Thai fighter should be familiar with the “eight points of contact” offensive and defensive techniques. Though striking with the shin requires a good knee movement, there are also unique methods to strike an opponent with the knee.

Knee Strikes

Knee strikes are considered to be one of the devastating moves in Muay Thai. Moreover, knees are the most destructive weapons in Muay Thai. Knee strikes should be practiced many times before executing it. Knee strikes can be used to attack different parts including abdomen, hips, legs, ribs, chest and head. Balance is the key in most of the knee strikes. Most of the knee techniques used in Muay Thai is executed within a short distance by clinching the opponent’s shoulder. Powerful execution of knee strikes can be done by thrusting the knee upwards straightly.

Types of Knee Strikes

There are different types of knee techniques for striking the opponent. Some of the popular knee strikes are straight knee, flying knee, small knee, lower knee, jumping knee and farewell knee etc. Straight knee strike is the commonly used move while clinching the opponent. It involves striking the opponent with a powerful thrust from the knee. Jumping knee is a move in which the fighter thrusts his knee towards the target when his opponent springs up.

Flying knee is one of the most powerful techniques in Muay Thai. It should be practiced well before taking the shot. When executing the flying knee technique, a fighter would jump up and strike the opponent by using the full force of his body. Lower knee strike is used when a fighter missed his target while executing the straight knee strike. Other knee techniques can be effective, if executed well, in defeating the opponent.

Execution Methods

Before trying to hit the opponent with a knee strike, a Muay Thai fighter should raise his hands up to the sides to prevent the counter attack from the opponent. During knee strikes, power should be generated from the butt area by rotating the hips opposite to the striking area. Good knowledge about the possible vulnerable body parts is the most important lesson in knee strikes. If executed well, knee strikes are the most powerful offensive moves in Muay Thai.