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Get Your Foundation Right Or Get Knocked Down - Learning The Muay Thai Stance

Every Muay Thai technique comes from the Muay Thai stance.

The stance is designed for good mobility but stability is the major factor. In a Muay Thai contest you gain points if you knock your opponent off his feet so preventing this from happening to you is critical.

If you're right handed then stand with your left foot forward slightly in front of the right. Both hands at eyebrow level a bit higher and wider than other martial arts and boxing guards.

Keep your elbows away from your body about a fist width each. This gives you maximum protection from fists, elbows, and feet.

A lot of people wonder why the muay thai kickboxing guard is wider and higher than kickboxing or boxing. Just have a fight where elbows are allowed against someone who knows how to use them and you'll find out.

The hands are held high with palms facing outwards because elbows come in fast and hard. If you don't already have your hands there it's all over red rover. If your palms are facing you the elbow will smash right through, holding palms out gives you greater strength.

Keeping your elbows away from your body also increases the strength of your guard and makes it easier to grab kicks or reach out for the clinch.

Keep your chin down and look upwards to your opponent. Your body should be completely straight up and down. Don't slouch or crouch like in western boxing, keep upright. Your torso should face your opponent and is quite open.

Your hands are further away from your body during kicking range, they get closer at punching range, then really close in during elbow and knee range. But then go out again to meet your opponent in the clinch.