What is Muay Thai?

Coach Jeff competing in Kickboxing.

What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai is a martial art focused on striking, clinching and throwing. It is a form of kickboxing from Thailand closely related to Muay Boran. It is also known as Thai Boxing or the "Science of 8 Limbs" because boxers learn to strike with the hands, legs, elbows and knees.

Thai Boxing is the dominant form of striking seen in the UFC and other MMA competitions. Almost every fighter in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (along with Bellator and World Series of Fighting) practice this deadly striking art. Muay Thai became widespread internationally in the twentieth century, when practitioners defeated notable practitioners of other martial arts including American Kickboxing, Karate and other styles.

The effectiveness of Muay Thai comes from it's complete striking skill set. Practitioners learn to punch, kick, knee and elbow from all ranges. The strength of this fighting style though is that students are taught to keep striking from the clinch position (when someone is holding on to you). Most competitions (like boxing and kickboxing) don't allow fighting from the clinch (or they severely limit it). In a real fight, such as MMA or self defense, it is important to learn how to keep fighting while your opponent is grabbing on to you. (If you'd like to study Muay Thai in Port Jefferson Station then check out our 6 week trial program for just $69).

Muay Thai Kickboxers are famous for a few signature techniques such as the Thai style low kick and Plum Clinch. The Thai style kick uses your shin to strike an opponents thigh. It is a devastating blow that gradually wears down your opponent, limiting their ability to move around the ring or cage. Once your attacker is slowed down, you can strike with vicious head kicks to end the fight! The Thai Plum (also Thai Clinch) is an effective striking position to throw knees, hooks and elbows. Grab your attackers head with both hands and pull down into your own chest, this forces them to lean over allowing you to throw strong knees to the body and head!

Fusion MMA & Kickboxing of Port Jefferson Station, NY offers a complete Muay Thai program for beginners and advanced martial artists. Our students train for fitness, self defense and competition.

If you'd like more information on our Muay Thai and MMA Academy, please visit http://FusionKickboxing.com or call 631-219-8965.

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