What part of Muay Thai punches to hit the target?
The proper Muay Thai Punch techniques, the fighter should use the knuckles to hit the target. Muay Thai does not specify a part that makes the contact but it is acknowledged that punching with knuckles is the most effective way.
Where is the target?
Generally, what targets on the opponent’s body that should be aims depends on the circumstances. Usually, the Muay Thai fighter should aims the area from the body upward towards the face.
Whatever part of the opponent’s body becomes the receiving end of your punches, you should pull the fist back immediately. In no circumstances, should you ever leave your fist on the target, as you would expose yourself to counter-punching. Remember that while you are throwing your punch, such action should serve to unnerve the opponent.
A good punch is a result of harmony and perfect synchronization, namely, the twist of the heels to add momentum to the hips movement, the move of the hips to strengthen the shoulder movement, and the turn of the shoulder to add to the power of the punch. Everything must be in synchronization to make the punch effective. The powerful punch will come if you combine forces of shoulder, hip and foot to put additional power of punch.
Twisting the Wrists Techniques
Twisting the wrists just before the contact is the most useful technique for an effective punching. If you do not have enough technique to throw a punch, your punch will often end up against the opponent’s arm guarding. By twisting and pushing its way through the protecting guard, The power and the accuracy of the punch will increase significantly.
There are 5 Categories of Muay Thai Punches:
- The Jab
- The Straight Punch
- The Swing
- The Uppercut
- The Hook
1.The Jab
The jab is used to irritate the opponent or to find the range. Accurate and skilful jabbing will cause a lot of anxiety for the opponent. To throw this kind of punch accurately, one has to practice on the punching bag. The jab could be used in the attack, defence, or retreat.
2.The Straight Punch
In Muay Thai, we use straight punch mainly to attack opponent's facial area such as chin, nose and mouth. To increase the effectiveness of the punch, use the knuckle to attack the opponent as well as twisting the shoulders.
This kind of punch always use after the jab. Normally, the jab is punch thrown to find the range, so it would be followed by the straight punch which is widely known as the one-two punch.
3.The Swing
Generally, the swing is thrown at a futher distance than the one covered by the hook. The favourite targets of the swing are around the jaw line or as low as the ribs. This punch could be thrown when there is a gap on the opponent's body or face. When the punch hits the target, make sure that the knuckles bear the brunt of the impact.
4. The Uppercut
The uppercut punches mainly target to attack chin and stomach. When do the uppercut you should bend the knee and the elbow a bit, then make a punch vertically to attack opponent. Uppercut will be used effectively when opponent is very close or when they are stooping, but sometimes, it is also possible to attack by knee kick instead of uppercut.
5.The Hook
Hook mainly used to attack side facial area such temple nose and ear. To do the hook you need to bending elbow a bit, then using the back of the knuckle to attack. To increase the effectiveness of the hook, use the same technique as do the straight punch by twisting the shoulders.
