Realistically there are an infinite number of Muay Thai Techniques that can't possibly be explained just in writing. Although reading about certain kickboxing techniques and how to do them will be beneficial and help you with your game, there is no substitute for practice at the gym, hitting the pads or kicking the bag.
So when reading through these basic muay thai techniques just keep in mind that you must practice these techniques and not just read about them to become competent and efficient in each and every move.
And you can't brag to your friends that you know muay thai just from reading about it, no one will respect you if you do... just keep that in mind.
First off before getting into detail about each muay thai technique, you should understand the 8 points of attack. In muay thai you have 2 fists, 2 elbows, 2 legs and 2 knees, all which are used to punch, elbow, kick and knee respectively. Easy enough right?
What should my stance look like?
If your just beginning and your unsure about how your stance should be, here's a tip... be in athletic fighting position (knees bent, hands up near your chin) and have your weaker leg slightly in front of your stronger leg about shoulder width apart.
For instance, if your a righty (orthodox stance) you should have your left leg forward... and vice versa if your a lefty.
Make sure your on the balls of your feet so your able to move freely without stumbling and expanding too much energy.
Punches
There are 4 basic punches when it comes to muay thai kick boxing... you have the jab, cross, hook and uppercut.
The Jab - is performed with your lead hand, or the one closest to your opponent. If your a righty, your jab will be with your left hand. The jab has many purposes are gauging distance, setting up a combination and frustrating your opponent, so its important to have a decent jab.
To jab you snap your arm out and keep it straight so its quick and decisive.
The Cross - is a power punch and it will be thrown with your stronger hand so naturally it will have more power behind it. A common combination to throw is a 1-2, or a jab-cross.
To throw a cross you snap your hips while extending your arm straight out towards your opponent. It's important to use your body and not just your arm when throwing your punches.
The Hook - is also a power punch and comes from the side to hopefully break your opponents guard. A common combination is the 1-2-3, or jab-cross-hook.
The hook can be thrown with your left or right, but in a fluent combination such as the 1-2-3, you usually will be alternating hands. For instance if your a righty you will jab with your left, cross with your right and then hook with your left.
When you hook your elbow is parallel to the floor so your punch is coming from a side angle and is aimed at the ear or chin of your opponent. Make sure to use your hips!
The Uppercut - is usually used when in closer range or when moving forward. It's key not to just use your arm when throwing any punch because otherwise it will lack power and not harm your opponent.
To throw an uppercut you punch vertically upwards and try to hit underneath the chin or solar plexus. It's an effective punch because it comes at a different angle from other punches and is hard to see.
Elbows
Elbows are a unique and dangerous form of attack and are one of the most essential kickboxing techniques to learn. It can be used as a glancing blow to cut your opponent or used as a power move to break your opponents nose or clock him on the chin.
Elbows are thrown in a hook, uppercut and overhand motion. So the hip movements are just like punching but your leading with your elbows rather than your fists.
Knees
Knees are great for attacking the body and doing damage while in the clinch. Just like any other punch/kick/elbow make sure your using your hips and thrusting your body into the movement.
It's important to stand up on your toes and step forward into the attack with your hands up. As you throw your knee make sure your head is back to stay away from counter punches.
Kicks
Muay Thai kicks are essential to becoming efficient at muay thai kick boxing. When you kick your power comes from your hips. Your toes are your pivot point, so make sure your up on your toes when throwing muay thai kicks. You want to land kicks with your shin not your foot.
Roundhouse - The roundhouse has 3 targets, the legs (inner and outer), the ribs, and the head. To throw kicks takes practice, especially with the weaker leg... for you have to switch your stance for a second to throw with your weak leg.
You swing your leg against the target while your hips and torso are twisted in the same direction.
Push Kick - The push kick is used almost like a jab. It keeps your opponent at bay and can knock them off balance. You lift up on your toes and use your front foot (for a quicker attack) to push at your opponents sternum.
Clinches/Throws
Unlike western boxing the clinch is one of the most important muay thai techniques to know because it is often where most of the damage is done throughout the context of a fight. While in a clinch your trying to keep your head up to stay away from knees, and at the same time trying to knee your opponent in his side of stomach.
Your able to throw your opponent to the ground as well, but not allowed to use hip throws or sweeps.
The key is to stay relaxed!
Like I said before muay thai techniques can't be learned by just reading about them, they must be learned by performing them. To become proficient at kickboxing techniques you must practice all the 8 points of attack with 100% effort 100% of the time.
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