Teaching Kickboxing Article

The Most Common Kick In Muay Thai Is The Round Kick - Cripple Your Opponents Legs Or Body And Go for That Spectacular Knockout

You have probably seen many round kick knockouts in Muay Thai or in other events like the UFC. This style of round kick from Thai boxing has been adopted by many other different styles because of it's effectiveness and simplicity. It is by far the most common kick thrown in a Thai boxing match for these very reasons.

The kick can be used to attack the entire body from head to foot literally. The main difference between Muay Thai round kick and round kicks from other styles is that the shin is used as the striking area instead of the foot. It is also not chambered like other styles or snapped in and out.

It is usually thrown with the back leg and even if thrown by the front you will usually switch legs first so now your front leg is now your rear. Begin by moving forward with a front foot step. Turn your hip and torso anti-clockwise if kicking with your right foot.

Keep the kicking leg relatively straight and snap the kicking hip. Drive downward on contact and spin all the way around in practice only. Spinning around makes you drive with the hips and makes you technically better but don't do it in the ring as turning your back if you miss makes you an open target.

When kicking the bags, pads or opponent; visualise penetrating the target as this gives you extra power. Pivot on the ball of your support foot with your heel off the floor. You can drop your right hand when kicking high or "putting your hand in your back pocket". This gives you added balance.

With middle or low round kicks both hands stay up or push into your opponents face. Your left hand always protects your face whether kicking high or low.

You can also push forward off the ball of your foot for extra power on impact. The whole action is similar to a baseball bat swing where follow through is very important.