Basic Techniques

In Earlier times Muay Thai consisted of an Arsenal of nine weapons – The Head, Fists, Elbows, Knees and Feet – collectively known as Na-wa-arud.

Modern Muay Thai no longer permits the use of the head in competition. However, there is still a formidable fighting force, capable of devastating an opponent, at the boxers' disposal.

Muay Thai is unique in that it uses all parts of the body, including the elbows and knees, for both training and competition.

The following covers basic Muay techniques and terminology. It is intended to supplement, not replace training.

Head – Slightly inclined, with the chin tucked protectively inside the shoulder line.

Eyes – Focused on the area of the opponents' navel or chest in order to assess their body and general movements.

Forearms – Both Used to protect the upper part of the trunk.

Shoulders – Slightly raised for protection.

Elbows - Not too far from the body, and not raised too high: Used to protect the body.

Body – Not stooped or stiff. Positioned sideways on to the opponent, presenting the smallest possible potential target. All vulnerable points securely protected.

Hands – Rounded into loosely clenched fists, and raised to protect the face.

Lead Fist (Mat Naa) – Less dextrous hand is raised to eyebrow level, the arm extended slightly to the front in the same direction as the foot.

Rear Fist ( Mat Lang) – More dextrous hand is raised to the level of the cheek, the palm is turned towards the cheek.

Lead Foot (Tao Naa) – Less dextrous foot, left foot if right handed, right foot if left handed – is positioned in front, and toes are pointed towards the opponent.

Rear Foot (Tao lang) – The most dextrous foot, right foot if right handed, left foot if left handed, is positioned at the rear,with the toes pointed to the side at an angle of 45°.

Do Not plant the feet flat on the ground: - raise the heels slightly, and constantly shift body weight between the balls of the feet, following a natural sense of balance – and the rhythm of the fight music (Dontree Muay) if provided.

Legs – Both Bent a little at the Knees: Rather than being held completely straight.

Your guard should be 'alive', by this I mean it should be flexible so that if your opponent closes in with punches you can quickly adapt a close guard and extend your guard when defending kicks. Additionally, you should be relaxed and not tense. From your Stance and guard, you should be able to respond defensively and when the opportunity presents itself explode your attack like a coiled spring.