Muay Thai has its own unique techniques. But unlike other martial arts such as Wushu and Arnis, Muay Thai doesn't use any weapons such as swords or sticks. Instead, this combat sport treats the body as a weapon itself. In the earlier times, Muay thai consists of weapons namely the head, fists, elbow, knee and the feet. These weapons are collectively known as Na-wa-arud. These days however, Muay Thai no longer allows the use of head in competitions, but Muay Thai enthusiasts can still learn how to attack using the head for self defense.

What sets Muay Thai apart from other martial arts is that it involves a variety of methods to attack and defend. Martial arts such as Karate and Taekwondo only focuses on the hand and feet when attacking. In Muay Thai, all the parts of the body can be used to attack as well as defend. So to better understand how Muay Thai works, let me share to you some basic Muay Thai moves.

PUNCHING TECHNIQUES (CHOK)

Punching is less used in Muay Thai because it makes the fighter vulnerable to knee and elbow strikes from the opponent. It's considered to be less effective than other techniques such as elbow and knee strikes.

Types of Punches : straight punch, hook, swing, spinning back fist, upper cut, cobra punch, overhead punch

ELBOW TECHNIQUES (DHEE SORK)

The elbow is used in various ways in Muay Thai. It's also considered as one of the most powerful part of the body that you can use to attack your opponent.

Types of Elbow Techniques : elbow slash, horizontal elbow, upper cut elbow, forward elbow thrust, reverse horizontal elbow, elbow chop, double elbow chop, mid air elbow strike

KICKING TECHNIQUES (DHE)

Muay Thai also involves a lot of kicking. It's one of the its striking similarities to other martial arts.

Types of Kicking Techniques : straight kick, nutcracker kick, round house kick, diagonal kick, half spin half knee kick, spinning hill kick, down round house kick, axe hill kick, jump kick, step up kick

KNEE TECHNIQUES (DHE KAO)

Just like elbows, knees are also used in different ways in Muay Thai. It's also considered as one of the most powerful part of the body that you can use to attack your opponent.

Types of Knee Techniques : straight knee strike, diagonal knee strike, curving knee strike, horizontal knee strike, knee slap, knee bomb, flying knee strike, step up knee strike

DEFENSIVE TECHNIQUES

There are different defensive techniques that you can use against attack. It is classified into six types namely : blocking, redirection, avoidance, evasion, disruption and anticipation.