After mastering the technique of elbows in Muay Thai, the next set of lethal weapons to focus on is the knees. With the right technique and form, knee strikes can deliver a crushing blow to the opponent.  

Getting Into Position

It’s important to learn the right way to brace your knee in order to deliver maximum impact in these strikes. From the fighting stance, bend the knee and raise it in-line with the hip. Ensure the lower leg is bound firmly with the upper limb, seamlessly transforming into a single weapon. 

This gives greater control and a firm grip to the knee while striking. Once your form is corrected, proceed to learn the first set of knee strikes. 

Straight Knee

This is used to damage the midsection of the opponent. Raise the knee above the waistline while standing on the ball of the foot, and thrust your hip forward. This releases the knee in a straight thrusting motion, causing much damage to your target. 

Side Angled Knee

If you’re looking to weaken the opponent and drain his reserves of energy during a fight, aim for his side just above the pelvic girdle. This 45-degree angled knee can cause significant damage and seriously hinder the opposing fighter’s mobility.  

Uppercut Knee

Uppercuts are usually associated with crushing force and this knee is no different. Before performing the strike, clinch your opponent as close as possible to ensure minimal distance between the two of you. Then raise your knee inside upwards, aiming for the chin and possibly causing a knockout due to the forceful impact. 

Cross Knee

This is a slightly different technique compared to the three that you just read about. The cross knee is used to target the midsection of the opponent’s body in a cross-angled position. Because of the outward motion, it can even reach and connect with the opposite side of the opponent’s body. 

That covers the first set of knee strikes in Muay Thai. In the next post, we’ll look at the side knee, half knee half shin, slap knee, and flying knee.