DEFENSIVE DRILLS TO BOOST YOUR SKILLS

When I first started competing, one of the biggest lessons I learned was that good defense wins fights.

In Muay Thai, it’s not just about throwing punches or kicks but knowing how to avoid taking damage in the first place. I’ve fought some of the best in Thailand, and what separated the elite fighters from the rest wasn’t just their offensive skills, but their defensive mastery.

Let’s dig into the key components of defensive techniques and drills that can make you harder to hit—and more dangerous to your opponents.

Mastering the Guard

A solid guard is the foundation of your defense. The Muay Thai guard is about more than just covering your face—it’s about positioning your body to react to incoming strikes. Keep your hands high, with your elbows tucked in to protect your ribs. Your stance should be balanced so you can move quickly if you need to avoid a strike.

Key Tips:

• Keep your hands up and close to your head; this prevents you from bein
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DEFINING HEAD MOVEMENT FOR MUAY THAI

By Matilda Chiu

Muay Thai does not typically emphasize head movement. It is not commonly drilled as it is in boxing. This is due to the diversification of attacks from punching. Defending the head becomes de-emphasized when your opponent mixes in kicks to the body and leg. However, when faced with a volume puncher, a fighter without head movement could be at a disadvantage.

How To Define “Moving the Head”:

What do you do when someone asks you to move your head? Moving the head involves flexion and contraction of the neck muscles. The resulting head positions are up and down (nodding), left and right (shaking the head), and tilted (ear to shoulder).

“Head Movement” From The Fighter’s Perspective:

In a fighting context, the applic...