While the West has focused primarily on boxing and wrestling over the years, Thai boxing slowly developed over time in Thailand. Similar variations also came about in neighboring countries. Increasingly, however, fighters from around the world recognize the power and utility of some of the techniques in Muay Thai. Anyone familiar with modern MMA will have noticed the central role played by these fighting techniques in the sport.
Traditionally, punches in Thai boxing are less used than in the West. That said, practitioners do make use to the strike. Typically, crosses were used to add some variation to the strikes a fighter could use. Nowadays, though, fighters increasingly use a full range of punches, including jabs and uppercuts.
The elbow is a trademark of this style, though. Fighters use this to inflict cuts and bruises on opponents. Eventually, this can slow them down over the course of a fight or impair their vision. An elbow can be thrown from any angle, really. Upward and downward strikes often inflict the most damage. An elbow in combination can result in surprise secondary attacks after an initial strike to knock an opponent off balance.
Traditionally, kicks have not taken center stage as they have in certain other martial arts. That doesn't mean that they are completely unheard of, though. Kicks can be used to push an opponent back or to strike the legs, body or even the face. Most people recognize these kicks as belonging to the tradition by the swiveling hips used to deliver them. This augments the power of the kicks. The fighter on the receiving end can block them with the shins or attempt to catch the foot before it makes contact.
Spectators often associate high-flying knees with this dynamic style of fighting. Many fighters jump up to reach the part of the body they are targeting. Without this jumping action, the knee's range would be much more restricted. You may also notice that fighters employ knees when they are in a clench. These exchanges can make or break a fight.
The clench is another essential part of the sport. Fighters are generally allowed to remain in this position, as it allows for certain blows to be exchanged. Fighters can apply clenches from many angles depending on what it happening and their body size and shape compared to the opponent. This can be used to limit the movement of a faster opponent or to slow down the match and allow a fighter to catch his breath.
As MMA has become more popular, many more people have found out about the useful skills offered by Thai boxing, if used correctly. More Western fighters are using these age-old techniques to round out their game. This hybrid form of fighting will only bring out more variations that will increase the effectiveness of fighters around the world.
Traditionally, punches in Thai boxing are less used than in the West. That said, practitioners do make use to the strike. Typically, crosses were used to add some variation to the strikes a fighter could use. Nowadays, though, fighters increasingly use a full range of punches, including jabs and uppercuts.
The elbow is a trademark of this style, though. Fighters use this to inflict cuts and bruises on opponents. Eventually, this can slow them down over the course of a fight or impair their vision. An elbow can be thrown from any angle, really. Upward and downward strikes often inflict the most damage. An elbow in combination can result in surprise secondary attacks after an initial strike to knock an opponent off balance.
Traditionally, kicks have not taken center stage as they have in certain other martial arts. That doesn't mean that they are completely unheard of, though. Kicks can be used to push an opponent back or to strike the legs, body or even the face. Most people recognize these kicks as belonging to the tradition by the swiveling hips used to deliver them. This augments the power of the kicks. The fighter on the receiving end can block them with the shins or attempt to catch the foot before it makes contact.
Spectators often associate high-flying knees with this dynamic style of fighting. Many fighters jump up to reach the part of the body they are targeting. Without this jumping action, the knee's range would be much more restricted. You may also notice that fighters employ knees when they are in a clench. These exchanges can make or break a fight.
The clench is another essential part of the sport. Fighters are generally allowed to remain in this position, as it allows for certain blows to be exchanged. Fighters can apply clenches from many angles depending on what it happening and their body size and shape compared to the opponent. This can be used to limit the movement of a faster opponent or to slow down the match and allow a fighter to catch his breath.
As MMA has become more popular, many more people have found out about the useful skills offered by Thai boxing, if used correctly. More Western fighters are using these age-old techniques to round out their game. This hybrid form of fighting will only bring out more variations that will increase the effectiveness of fighters around the world.
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