Friday, July 8, 2011

The Strikes From Thai Boxing That Influence Combat Sports Worldwide

By Doug "The Fight Store Guy"


While the West has focused primarily on boxing and wrestling over the years, Thai boxing slowly developed over time in Thailand. Similar variations also came about in neighboring countries. Increasingly, however, fighters from around the world recognize the power and utility of some of the techniques in Muay Thai. Anyone familiar with modern MMA will have noticed the central role played by these fighting techniques in the sport.

Punching has traditionally not been as central to the world of Thai boxing as it has in popular Western combat sports. However, it does exist. Punches across the chest often helps fighters keep their opponent on his toes. Now, though, fighters integrate jabs and uppercuts, among other punches, in their repertoires.

Elbows, though, are maybe one of the most unique aspects of Muay Thai. These are often used together with other types of blows. Combinations can help increase the element of surprise as the opponent is often off balance after the first strike. Also, while elbows may come from anywhere, elbows sweeping upward and downward really damage opponents the most.

Kicks definitely play a role in this style, but it is not a kick-based sport, as such. Roundabout kicks and kicks to push opponents away are often employed. These can target basically any area of the body. Most people notice the way a fighter's hips twist when properly executing a Muay Thai kick. The person on the other side may block it with a shin or a hand.

Along with the elbow, the knee is one of the characteristic blows that practitioners perfect through training. Knees to the body soften up the opponent. Some are delivered after jumping. This gives the knee a greater range. Knees can also do damage from the clench position. Many matches are won and lost in the clench after a brutal series of knee exchanges.

The clench is another essential part of the sport. Fighters are generally allowed to remain in this position, as it allows for certain blows to be exchanged. Fighters can apply clenches from many angles depending on what it happening and their body size and shape compared to the opponent. This can be used to limit the movement of a faster opponent or to slow down the match and allow a fighter to catch his breath.

As MMA has become more popular, many more people have found out about the useful skills offered by Thai boxing, if used correctly. More Western fighters are using these age-old techniques to round out their game. This hybrid form of fighting will only bring out more variations that will increase the effectiveness of fighters around the world.




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