Muay Thai is a combat sport originating from Thailand that involves the use of various striking techniques. Kicking is a vital part of the game because it allows you to keep your opponent at bay and deliver blows. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fighter, mastering the art of kicking in Muay Thai is essential. In this article, we will discuss how to kick correctly in Muay Thai, so you can improve your skills.
Proper Form
Before you start kicking in Muay Thai, you need to ensure that your form is perfect. Your stance should be shoulder-width apart, and your feet should be pointing forward. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your body should be leaning forward. When you kick, you have to pivot on the foot opposite to the one you are kicking with. This rotation creates power and generates force behind your strikes. Proper form also involves keeping your arms up to protect your face and body from counterattacks.
Pick Your Targets
In Muay Thai, there are several targets you can aim for when kicking. These include the legs, body, and head. Your aim should be to hit the target with maximum force, so it’s always better to start with leg kicks. To deliver a good leg kick, you need to aim for the outside of your opponent’s thigh, making sure to twist your foot on impact. This technique is called the low-leg roundhouse kick, and it’s one of the most effective kicks in Muay Thai.
Balancing Your Weight
In Muay Thai, your kicking technique should be fast, but you need to ensure that your balance is not compromised. You should transfer your weight from your standing leg to your kicking leg, generating maximum power as you kick. When you kick, you need to ensure that you don’t lose your balance by leaning too much on your kicking leg. Keep your core engaged and maintain a stable posture throughout the motion.
Practice and Partner Drills
Practice makes perfect, and that’s particularly true when it comes to mastering the art of kicking in Muay Thai. You need to train your muscle memory and footwork, so your kicks become second nature. Additionally, working on partner drills can help you perfect your timing and accuracy when striking. It’s wise to work with a partner with pads so you can practice delivering kicks in a safe and controlled environment.
Conditioning Exercises
Kicking in Muay Thai can be challenging, and it requires strong leg muscles, balance, and flexibility. To improve your kicking power and body control, you need to supplement your training with conditioning exercises such as squats, lunges, and calf raises. Yoga is also very beneficial for flexibility, balance, and body control.
Muay Thai is a martial art that requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. Kicking is one of the most important techniques in Muay Thai, and by mastering it, you can become a powerful and effective fighter. Remember to keep your form, pick your targets, balance your weight, practice and work on partner drills, and supplement your training with conditioning exercises. With time and patience, you can take your kicking skills to the next level and dominate your opponents in the ring. Why not check out some of the fantastic Muay Thai Shorts Musclebound has to offer, with brands such as Fairtex, Topking, Venum and Tuff. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Musclebound team we are more than happy to help and assist.
