This is a guide to five different Muay Thai fighting styles. Muay Thai is one of the most exciting forms of martial arts to get into. As a beginner, you may be confused with the different styles used and unsure which one to utilize for yourself. You may be just a casual fan that wants to get a bit more context when following a championship match. Here, you will learn what each Muay Thai style is like, the main differences between them, and why famous fighters choose their preferred style to specialize in. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Muay Thai?
Muay Thai, known all around the world as ‘Thai Boxing’ is the national sport of Thailand. Its roots go back to a traditional form of martial arts called Muay Boran, which was practiced in the 16th century by the soldiers of the Sukhothai dynasty of Thailand for use in both armed and unarmed combat. With the influence of British boxing in the 20th century, these traditional styles were fused with formal rules to form Muay Thai as we know it today.
Just like in boxing, Muay Thai combatants fight in a ring wearing boxing gloves and shorts. However, Muay Thai fighters also use their elbows, knees, and feet, in addition to their fists, to fight. The sport is often called ‘The Art of 8 Limbs’, since there are 8 points of contact during combat. In addition to punches and kicks, fighters can also use sweeps and throws during a match.
With so many parts of the human body used in Muay Thai to fight, different styles of fighting have evolved over the years, with each style focusing on different points of contact. Star fighters have figured out which style is best suited to make use of their strongest physical assets. If you wish to be a Muay Thai fighting champion, then you must find out which style works best for you!
Muay Sok Style: The Elbow Fighter
In Muay Thai, elbows are lovingly referred to as the ‘blades of Muay Thai’. The bones that make up the elbow are some of the hardest and sharpest in the human body. At close to medium range, elbows can be very damaging to your opponent. Examples of hits that can be made using elbows are sideways blows to the head, a hit from the top down, a reverse elbow strike to the chin, a spinning back elbow and more. An experienced fighter in Muay Sok can quickly slash, causing deep cuts or even knocking out their enemy. Matches that include a Muay Sok fighter often turn bloody real fast.
Muay Sok style users are particularly effective against the fist-wielding Muay Mat fighters. They can quickly capitalize on an opening created when a Muay Mat fighter goes for a punch. This counterattack can be delivered in the form of a jutting or rising elbow against the opponent. Muangthai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym also known as the ‘Elbow Zombie’ is famous for using the Muay Sok technique, with a record of 14 knockouts using elbow strikes.
Muay Dtae Style: The Kicker
In Muay Thai, kicks deliver the most powerful blows that you could ever make. The exact point of contact here is the shin. A standard roundhouse sidekick is the most popular kind of kick and can be struck from the outside with the graceful rotation of the hips and the arms to deliver maximum impact. You could target any part of the body with low kicks going for the opponent’s legs and higher kicks dealt to the body, arms, or even head.
There could be many variations of kicks, including jumping kicks and spinning back kicks, depending on the situation. Some fighters can make their own signature kicks to add a bit of originality and flair to the match. Muay Dtae fighters usually tend to hang back with the longer range of their feet, keeping their opponents from moving in too close, and are particularly effective against fist fighters. Petchdam ‘The Baby Shark’ Gaiyanghadao is famous for using the Muay Dtae technique to great effect.
Muay Mat Style: The Puncher
Punches are the most commonly used form of attack in Muay Thai, and any fighter needs to know the basics. Muay Mat fighters specialize in various types of punches, including jabs, which are straight lead punches; crosses, which are straight rear punches; as well as uppercuts and hooks. There are also spinning back fists and overhead punches. While the contact point is on the fists, Muay Mat fighters need excellent legwork as well, since the shifting of the body weight and generating the power for massive punches are done from the feet.
For Muay Mat fighters, their fists are their main weapon used to knock out their opponent, but they also use elbows and kicks to supplement and set up for their fist attacks. A punch may not have the range of a kick, but it is the fastest form of attack in Muay Thai. It is a force to be reckoned with when the fighter can deliver tremendous knockout power. ‘Iron Man’ Rodtang Jitmuangnon is a champion fighter who is well known for his Muay Mat technique.
Muay Khao Style: The Clinch and Knees Fighter
Muay Khao fighters specialize in knee attacks combined with clinching, the close-quarters grapple move that is used to neutralize an aggressive opponent. Unlike in some other forms of martial arts, Muay Thai fighters are allowed to hit during a clinch, and successful hits during the grapple are a good way to score high points. A clinch is where Muay Khao fighters typically shine. The idea is to keep the opponent trapped within striking distance by using the clinch and dealing damage with the knees.
A knee strike is done with the rear leg to deliver maximum impact. Knee shots can be very effective and can be used to target the opponent’s thighs, ribcage, or even head using straight and diagonal strikes. Some experienced fighters even go for jumping knee strikes, which can deal massive damage and knock out their opponents. Petchmorakot Petchyindee is well known for using his talented knees to great effect.
Muay Femur Style: The All-Rounder
Muay Femur fighters don’t restrict themselves to one style of fighting. They may not excel in one style over another, but will use their superior wit and strategy to outmaneuver stronger opponents and switch to an effective style on the fly. They work hard to improve their footwork and evasive moves, but have the ability to instantly take the offensive when they see an opening. Their timing, patience, and adaptability are what give them an edge.
Remember that in a Muay Thai match, if there is no knockout, the fighter with the most points will win. Playing aggressively does not mean you will score more. Femur fighters that play it smart will often beat their opponents who rush into the match. Samart Payakaroon and Saenchai are famous examples of all-rounder Muay Femur fighters.
Finding the Muay Thai Style That Works for You
Are you good at grappling with your opponent, or can you deliver graceful roundhouse kicks? Are you good with a fast jab? Maybe you prefer to be an all-rounder that can instantly switch between the different styles? The best fighters have picked a style that works for them based on their body type and how aggressive they are.
Therefore, the fighting style you pick will depend on how close you’re willing to get to your opponent and which weapons you’re good at wielding, whether they be fists, elbows, knees, or feet. These five styles are simply a guide to understanding the different techniques at play, and there is no need to restrict yourself to one. Get in the ring, learn all the styles, and figure out which one you prefer. You won’t know until you throw a few punches and kicks!
FAQs
Muay Thai is also known as ‘The Art of Eight Limbs’ because it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knees – all of which are considered legal striking points in the sport.
The five most popular styles of Muay Thai are Muay Femur (Technical All-rounder), Muay Mat (Puncher), Muay Sok (Elbow Fighter), Muay Khao (Clinch and Knees Fighter), and Muay Dtae (Kicker).
Muay Thai is a form of Thai boxing that uses stand-up striking along with various clinching techniques. Muay Boran, on the other hand, is the ancient form of Thai boxing that was in use before the introduction of modern rules and equipment. While Muay Thai has become more sport-oriented, Muay Boran is still practiced as a traditional martial art.
