In Muay Thai kickboxing, and this is pronounced “moo-ay tai”, is a form of fighting that includes eight limbs. The fists, shins/feet, elbows, and knees are used in combat. Of course, by accounting for both sides of the body, we can conclude the eight points used for striking. Unlike traditional kickboxing, in Muay Thai, practitioners train to sweep and throw opponents off their feet and also practice clinching, which is a form of grappling from a standing position. The clinch can be seen in other sports such as boxing and tae kwon do. Kickboxing used to have limited clinching allowed but no longer. Let’s break down the move-sets of the art of eight limbs.
Fists:
Punching! Punching is an important part of the art of eight limbs. When a punch is thrown in succession or with power and intent, it can demoralize opponents. The punch can be used to bash and overwhelm the opponent. And when executed properly, it can be quite damaging resulting in many knockouts within the combat arenas. The punch is an effective weapon and can be used defensively and offensively.
Shins and Feet:
The shins and feet are used when kicking. The kick can be devastating. The roundhouse kick is capable of bone-shattering strikes. The kick has impressive reach, and many fighters have used it well, creating shocking and intense moments within the ring. Buakaw Banchamek specifically that a decisive left kick. And standing in an orthodox stance, this was his lead leg. Other fighters like Superbon have used the kick effectively by following it up after a punch targeting the head.
Elbows:
Elbows is the short-range attack but very devastating. When face to face, the elbow can sneak its way past the guard to its target. The elbow has the capability to cut and gash. Because of the shorter range, the elbow is complemented by footwork, defense, and hand traps. With many variations to the elbow strikes, fighters can find their mark while closing in to their targets.
Knees:
Knees are also dangerous. And it is required to close the distance to use effectively. Though seemingly simply to execute the knee has a few nuances such as range control or distance management. Proper ranger control is good so that the point of the knee has enough room to be used optimally. And the surprising amounts of angle of attack can be used effectively by the fighters. Knees instead of coming straight up the middle can be woven around to come from the side and even high enough to target an opponent’s head.