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Muay Thai Coaching program: 5 Main Tips To Remember When Mastering the Thai Kick

Muay Thai is known for its hard kick, and it's a good idea to have this technique in your martial arts toolbox. But the best way to have a good kick, you need proper technique.

These are 5 things to remember when throwing your Muay Thai kick:

Tip #1 Correct Distance - The correct distance for this kick is when your opponent is JUST BEYOND punching range. You should be able to lean out and touch your opponent with your hand. When you are at the distance to do this, you are in the best range for this kick.

Tip #2 "The Step In" - For optimum power, step into the Muay Thai kick at a 45 degree angle with your base leg. Stepping at an angle like this builds a lot more power than does stepping directly forwards. Avoid stepping flat-footed, step with the balls of your feet instead.

Tip #3 Rotation - Pivot on your supporting foot. Turn your hips and shoulders together into the Thai kick. Don't allow any twisting in your body. You MUST TURN YOUR HIPS into the kick! Think of it this way, when the Thai kick lands your body should be sideways to your opponent when the kick lands. Don't snap the kick, keep the leg loose and swing the whole leg. Your leg should stay relaxed and only slightly bent during the kick. As you rotate and kick, counterbalance yourself by leaning away a little from the kicking leg.

Tip #4 Impact - Hit with the shinbone! Also, the follow through is VERY Essential. THE THAI KICK DOES NOT STOP AT IMPACT! MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW THROUGH! The follow through is probably the most important facet of this kick. Make sure you "follow through" and try to kick deep into the target - like swinging a baseball bat, trying to break through everything in its path. Turn your torso into the target (if you were to miss, the kick would literally spin you around!)

Tip #5 Hand Placement - Two things here: Be sure your rear hand is up and covering your face. Swing the lead arm back to generate additional power and to help keep your balance. Here the lead arm may drop, but the shoulder does NOT! So remember, rear hand up for protection, lead hand swings back for balance.

The target for this kick can be the inner or outer thigh, body, or head. After impact, bounce back and return to your stance.

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