Learn · techniques · sources read 2 Nov 2026
Muay Thai techniques: the basics, with Thai names
Under IFMA rules a punch, kick, knee or elbow that lands with force and isn't blocked scores; here are eight basics (stance, punches, roundhouse kick, teep, knee, elbow, clinch, check), each with its source.
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The basics
- Stance and guardThai: No allowed source gave a Thai term for the stance.
Stance and movement is the first of the basic skill groups athletes must show in IFMA's Mai Muay competition. Wikipedia (last resort) describes fighters using either a Thai or Western-style stance that keeps the guard up while allowing long- or short-range attacks.
IFMA Muaythai Rules & Regulations v3.057 (revised 11 May 2026) · Wikipedia - Muay Thai (last resort) · read 2 Nov 2026 - Punches (jab and cross)Thai: Mat (e.g. mat trong, straight punch) (Wikipedia)
A punch is one of the four scoring skills in IFMA rules, along with the kick, knee and elbow. Wikipedia (last resort) says traditional Muay Thai used mainly straight punches and a looping strike, with hooks and uppercuts added later from Western boxing.
IFMA - Scoring 101 · Wikipedia - Muay Thai (last resort) · read 2 Nov 2026 - Roundhouse kickThai: Te tat (te = kick) (Wikipedia)
The roundhouse kick swings the leg round from the hip and strikes with the shin. A 2017 study found expert Muay Thai fighters finished the kick faster than taekwondo athletes and moved their body up and down more. Wikipedia (last resort) says its power comes mainly from turning the hips.
Gavagan & Sayers (2017), PLoS One - roundhouse kick biomechanics (PubMed abstract) · Wikipedia - Muay Thai (last resort) · read 2 Nov 2026 - Teep (push kick)Thai: Teep / thip (Wikipedia)
The push kick is listed as one of the weapons in IFMA's Mai Muay technique groups. Wikipedia (last resort) describes it as a quick, strong foot-thrust used mainly to control distance, stop attacks and knock an opponent off balance.
IFMA Muaythai Rules & Regulations v3.057 (revised 11 May 2026) · Wikipedia - Muay Thai (last resort) · read 2 Nov 2026 - Knee strikeThai: Ti khao (e.g. khao trong, straight knee; khao loi, flying knee) (Wikipedia)
A knee is a scoring skill under IFMA rules, though IFMA bans knee and elbow strikes to the head for its Masters 35+ age group. Wikipedia (last resort) lists straight, diagonal and flying knees.
IFMA Muaythai Rules & Regulations v3.057 (revised 11 May 2026) · Wikipedia - Muay Thai (last resort) · read 2 Nov 2026 - Elbow strikeThai: Sok (e.g. sok tat, horizontal elbow) (Wikipedia)
An elbow is a scoring skill under IFMA rules. Wikipedia (last resort) says elbows can be thrown across, upwards, downwards, spinning or in the air, and calls them the most dangerous strike in the sport.
IFMA Muaythai Rules & Regulations v3.057 (revised 11 May 2026) · Wikipedia - Muay Thai (last resort) · read 2 Nov 2026 - ClinchThai: Chap kho (Wikipedia)
In the clinch fighters hold each other at close range. Under IFMA rules the referee calls the Thai word yaek (break) to separate a clinch. Wikipedia (last resort) says that, unlike Western boxing, clinching fighters are not split up straight away and often strike with knees and elbows. No allowed source we read used the word plum.
IFMA Muaythai Rules & Regulations v3.057 (revised 11 May 2026) · Wikipedia - Muay Thai (last resort) · read 2 Nov 2026 - Check and blockThai: No allowed source gave a Thai term.
Under IFMA scoring, a strike that is blocked by the opponent's forearms, gloves, shins or feet does not score. Wikipedia (last resort) says fighters check kicks by lifting the shin and guard high strikes with the forearms and shoulders.
IFMA Muaythai Rules & Regulations v3.057 (revised 11 May 2026) · Wikipedia - Muay Thai (last resort) · read 2 Nov 2026
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Questions
What scores in amateur Muay Thai?
Under IFMA rules, a punch, kick, knee or elbow thrown with force that lands on a target without being blocked scores. The groin and the back of the neck are not targets.
What does the referee shout to break a clinch?
Yaek, the Thai word for break. Fighters then step back and wait for the command to continue.
What is a teep?
A push kick (foot-thrust) used mainly to control distance and stop attacks. IFMA lists the push kick among its core technique groups.
Do blocked kicks score?
No. Under IFMA rules, a strike blocked by forearms, gloves, shins or feet does not score, unless it is strong enough to knock the opponent off balance.
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