In Thailand, Muay Thai evolved from muay boran (ancient boxing), an unarmed combat method which would probably have been used by Siamese soldiers after losing their weapons in battle. Some believe that the ancient Siamese military created Muay Boran from the weapon-based art of krabi krabong, but others contend that the two were merely developed alongside each other. Krabi krabong nevertheless was an important influence on Muay Boran and so Muay Thai as can be seen in several kicks, holds and the movements in the Wai khru, which have their origins in armed combat.
Formal Muay Thai techniques are divided into two groups: mae mai (major techniques) and luk mai (minor techniques). Muay Thai is often a fighting art of attrition, where opponents exchange blows with one another. This is certainly the case with traditional stylists in Thailand, but is a less popular form of fighting in the contemporary world fighting circuit where the Thai style of exchanging blow for blow is no longer favorable. Almost all techniques in Muay Thai use the entire body movement, rotating the hip with each kick, punch, elbow and block.
Ti Sok Klab (Spinning Elbow)
The user turns their whole body to the right with their right elbow extended, striking the opponent at head level with an elbow blow. This technique is useful for counters, and is the most lethal technique in the art of Muay Thai.
Ti Sok Ngat (Elbow Uppercut)
The user steps his right foot forward forward and brings his right elbow diagonally upwards at the opponent's chin, sending him into the air. This elbow attack requires speed, and makes an impact with the elbow.
Khao Loi (Flying Knee)
The user leaps up off the ground while driving their knee forward at the opponent's midsection, relying on the explosive power of their legs. This knee attack combines the spear point of the knee and the force of gravity.
Sam Te Chiang (Triple Spin Kick)
The user slams their right shin on the opponent's head, then drives their left heel onto the same target, then does a repetition of the first kick. This triple spin combo requires balance, and can be enough to drive a thousand times triple force onto the opponent's head.
Formal Muay Thai techniques are divided into two groups: mae mai (major techniques) and luk mai (minor techniques). Muay Thai is often a fighting art of attrition, where opponents exchange blows with one another. This is certainly the case with traditional stylists in Thailand, but is a less popular form of fighting in the contemporary world fighting circuit where the Thai style of exchanging blow for blow is no longer favorable. Almost all techniques in Muay Thai use the entire body movement, rotating the hip with each kick, punch, elbow and block.
Ti Sok Klab (Spinning Elbow)
The user turns their whole body to the right with their right elbow extended, striking the opponent at head level with an elbow blow. This technique is useful for counters, and is the most lethal technique in the art of Muay Thai.
Ti Sok Ngat (Elbow Uppercut)
The user steps his right foot forward forward and brings his right elbow diagonally upwards at the opponent's chin, sending him into the air. This elbow attack requires speed, and makes an impact with the elbow.
Khao Loi (Flying Knee)
The user leaps up off the ground while driving their knee forward at the opponent's midsection, relying on the explosive power of their legs. This knee attack combines the spear point of the knee and the force of gravity.
Sam Te Chiang (Triple Spin Kick)
The user slams their right shin on the opponent's head, then drives their left heel onto the same target, then does a repetition of the first kick. This triple spin combo requires balance, and can be enough to drive a thousand times triple force onto the opponent's head.
