If you want to learn Muay Thai boxing, then you need to remember that the training here will be quite intensive. In fact, some people even say that its a lot more intensive than boxing or any other martial arts.
Also known as the art of eight limbs, you will learn how to use the eight natural weapons to fight with, which are the fists, feet, elbows, and knees. Muay Thai is extremely efficient when it comes to destroying the opponent. Besides, it was developed in Thailand as a self defense martial art and it is designed to kill or incapacitate the opponent.
Today, Muay Thai boxing is no longer mainly used as a weapon but it is now a sporting event where willing fighters test their Muay Thai boxing skills and see who the stronger and better fighter is.
In fact, Muay Thai techniques are so efficient when it comes to knocking down the opponent that MMA or mixed martial arts fighters are now incorporating Muay Thai techniques as part of their training and specialization.
So, here are the different hitting techniques that you will learn in Muay Thai.
The first is the kicking technique. In Muay Thai, you will find that there are 3 levels of kicks. The low level targets the calf, back of the knee, and thigh; the medium level will target the ribs and torso; and the high level targets the temple, neck, and chin.
The basic kicking techniques are the sweeping kick, front kick, pecking kick, kick outside the knee joint, and the reverse back kick. Unlike in other contact sport where kicks are allowed, Muay Thai emphasizes a lot on power rather than speed. This is why the kicks in Muay Thai are delivered with a full swing of the trunk and hips. Doing so will maximize the power of the kick and eventually maximize the damage.
Also, the shin is the one that hits the target instead of the foot. For the untrained individual, this can be quite painful but if you are already an advanced Muay Thai fighter, you will be able to strengthen your shin and pain will no longer be felt.
The elbows are also used in Muay Thai. The elbow is basically meant to cut the opponent skin much like using a sharp razor. You will learn 8 different elbow strikes in Muay Thai, which are the striking elbow, the levering elbow, the cutting elbow, the diagonal elbow, the chopping elbow, the pull down elbow, the double elbow, and the reverse elbow.
You will also learn how to punch in Muay Thai. Its really no different from boxing except the punching technique called Nak Muay where you will learn to twist the wrist a moment before the impact.
Knee strikes will also be taught in Muay Thai. This is considered to be the most important weapon in Muay Thai and is used often by fighters. Together with the elbow strikes, knee strikes are lethal weapons where it can really demolish your opponent inside the ring.
You will also learn the Nep, which is basically a nasty push kick used for defense, attack or to keep the opponent at distance. The targets for this technique are the sternum and the abdomen. This kick is also used to disturb the opponents concentration but it doesnt really do a lot of damage.
These are just some of the techniques that you will learn in Muay Thai. Even if you are not planning on becoming a professional Muay Thai or MMA fighter, you will find that the training for this martial art is not something that you should take lightly. The training will be intense whether or not you plan on becoming a professional fighter. And, it will really serve as a good workout and also teach you how to defend yourself in the real world.