Traditional Muay Thai

The origins and history of Muay Thai are unknown; the historical documents deal very little with Thai boxing, only when it is mentioned in ancient Thai laws, in chronicles (especially with reference to military events or festive affairs), or in literature. Many later books on Muay Thai conclude that it has been a unique national martial art in the Thai nation since the distant past.

The earliest beginnings of the arts of self-defence should be similar, especially amongst Asian countries, which emphasize fighting with all parts of the body such as throwing, thumping, breaking, punching, beating, knocking, thrusting and kicking, and so on. It is believed that Muay Thai started by using all parts of the body for self-defence and for settling arguments, as well as for defending the country during the various wars. Muay Thai was practised by the soldiers of the army in battle with neighbouring countries, in order to keep enemies from reaching them with weapons, such as swords, in combat at close-quarters. The Thais used the arts of Muay Thai, especially dtae and teep, to keep their opponents at a distance, as well as to keep them off balance so that they would surrender more easily.

HAG KOR ARAWAN

NA KA BID HANG

HAG NGOUNG I YARA

TEN KWAD LARN

VI ROON HOG KLAB

KWANG LEOW LANG

HI RAN MOUN PAN DIN

1.1.1 Kon Salap Fan Pla
(Zig-Zag Technique)

This Kon Muay is the basic Mai Kru (Teacher's technique) for escaping into the outer circle in order to move on to other techniques.

The attacker approaches using a left straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender steps with his right foot forwards diagonally to the outer circle, throwing his body's weight on the right foot, while using his left arm to push away the punch from his face, and counters by using a right punch at the attacker's eye.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure as above but opposite hand. Practise both left and right until skilful, fast, and instinctive, for this technique is the basic principle in employing Ma Yong [lit: "Horse walking stealthily"] movement to synchronise with the Mai Muay Thai in order to advance to the higher techniques.

1.1.2 Kon Paksa Waek Rang
(The Bird Breaking Through the Nest
Technique)

This Kon Muay is the teacher's technique for moving into the inner circle in order to move on to other techniques.

The attacker approaches using a right straight punch at the defender's face, while guarding with his left hand, ready to throw a punch.

The defender steps with his right foot diagonally to the right, forwards and backwards in order to be at close quarters, throwing his body's weight on the right foot; while using his left arm to push away the opponent's punch from his face, he simultaneously counters at the attacker's face with his right punch.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure as above but opposite hand.

1.1.3 Kon Chawa Sat Hok
(The Javanese Throwing the Spear
Technique)

This Kon Muay is the main technique for avoiding a straight punch by moving into the outer circle and countering with the elbow.

The attacker approaches with a left straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender swiftly moves his right foot diagonally into the outer circle, throwing his body's weight onto his right foot by moving quickly towards the attacker, lifting up his left arm to push the attacker's punch away, his bent right elbow hitting the attacker's ribs.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand. In training, the defender is forbidden to use his elbow to really hit the attacker, but to use the arm to touch the ribs instead. Practise slowly at first, for quick movements could cause injury to the sparring partner.

1.1.4 Kon Inao Thaeng Krit
(Inao Stabbing with Kris Technique)

This Kon Muay is the main technique for blocking straight punches with the elbow at close quarters.

The attacker approaches with a left straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender swiftly moves his left foot diagonally into the inner circle, throwing his body's weight on his left foot, lifting his right arm up to push the attacker's punch away, his bent left elbow parallell to the floor, hitting the attacker's ribs.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.5 Kon Yo Khao Phrasumen
(Lifting Mt. Sumen [Mt. Meru] Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter a straight punch by ducking to let the punch pass over the head, then returning with a punch to the joint of the attacker's chin.

The attacker approaches with a left straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender swiftly ducks down so that the punch swings slantwise over his head, simultaneously moves his right foot a little bit forwards enough for the timing of the punch, and then immediately throws a left punch to the point of the attacker's chin.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.6 Kon Ta Ten Kham Fak
(The Elder Holding Up Pods Technique)

This Kon Muay is the basic technique in countering a punch by using the arm to deflect the punch upwards.

The attacker approaches with a left straight punch aiming at the defender's face.

The defender swiftly changes his left foot to move forwards into the attacker's inner circle, throwing his body's weight on his left foot, simultaneously bending his right arm to the front and lifting it high to push sharply up so that the attacker's punch is above the head. He then throws a left punch to the point of the attacker's chin.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender
follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

MON YAN LAK

1.1.7 Kon Mon Yan Lak (The Mon Pressing Against the Pillar Technique)

This Kon Muay is the main technique used in countering a punch by thrusting with a foot to push against the opponent's chest or upper part of abdominal region.

The attacker approaches with a left straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender swiftly holds both arms up to protect
his face, and simultaneously thrusts his left foot at the upper part of attacker's chest or abdomen so that he is thrown off.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.8 Kon Khun Suk Ti Thuan
(The Warlord Fighting with the Lance Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter the opponent's punches with both hands at the outer circle, by kicking at the middle of the body, either abdomen or ribs. This technique is a powerful one.

The attacker approaches with left straight punch aiming at the defender's face.

The defender swiftly moves his right foot diagonally in order to be in the outer circle, throwing his body's weight on his right foot, so that the attacker's left punch will miss his shoulder. His right foot simultaneously touches the floor, whilst his left foot makes riposte with a swift kick to the attacker's ribs in order to counter or block.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

DAP CHA WA LA

1.1.9 Kon Dap Chawala (Extinguish the Lamp Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter a straight punch by riposting a punch at the attacker's face.

The attacker approaches throwing a left straight punch at the defender's face, while holding his right had up to guard his chin.

The defender steps his right foot diagonally to the outer circle in order to be at the correct distance of a straight punch, throwing his weight on his right foot and using his right arm to push the opponent's left arm away and press it downward to the level that the opponent's chin becomes an open target. He then throws a straight left punch swiftly at the opponent's face synchronising with the timing of his right hand pressing the punch down.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.10 Kon Nu Tai Rao
(The Mouse Climbing the Line Technique)

This Kon Muay is the Mae Mai for reducing the opponent's punch force by slowing it and opening an opportunity to return a kick, knee or punch as wished.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender uses his right hand to grasp the opponent's wrist, whilst his left hand grasps the elbow simultaneously. He then bends his body backwards in order to reduce the forceful effect from the punch, and counters with his right knee or kicks at the opponent's ribs swiftly.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.11 Kon Erawan Soei Nga
(The Divine Elephant Pushing the Tusks
Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter a punch by rotating the body to swipe away the punch and riposting an uppercut at the same time.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch aimed at the defender's face, while guarding with the right fist.

The defender fends the punch off with the right arm as well as stepping the right foot diagonally out rightward to make the correct distance for an upward punch, then delivers a left uppercut punch to the point of the attacker's chin.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.12 Kon Hanuman Thawai Waen
(Hanuman Presenting the Ring Technique)

This Kon Muay is use to counter the opponent's punch or foot by rotating into the inner circle and throwing both fists upwards to the point of the chin.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender bends his body to escape the punch, and at the same time approaches with his right foot to close quarters swiftly, then rotates leftward and throwing uppercut punches with both hands at the tip of the opponent's chin. (Mat Soy Daw Ku)

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.13 Kon Hong Pik Hak (The Swan with Broken Wing Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter a punch by moving into the inner circle and striking the attacker's shoulder socket with an elbow in order to break or twist it.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender steps with his left foot toward the attacker, using his left arm to swipe the punch away, and strikes with the right elbow at the socket of his opponent's right shoulder.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.14 Kon Sak Phuang Malai 9 (Tattooing a Garland Technique)
This Kon Muay is used at close quarters by throwing an uppercut at the opponent's ribs or at the end of the sternum.

The attacker approaches throwing a left straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender steps with his right foot close to the attacker and swipes away the left punch with his right arm. He then strikes the left elbow uppercut at his attacker's chest or ribs.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.15 Kon Fan Luk Buap (Slicing the Gourd Technique)

This Kon Muay is used for a quick approach towards the attacker to strike an elbow at the middle of his forehead.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face.
The defender steps with his right foot diagonally into the inner circle, using his left arm to swipe the opponent's punch away, immediately placing his left foot close to the opponent and throwing a right elbow at the middle of his attacker's forehead.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.16 Kon Pit Pok Chok Duai Sok
(Blocking, Covering and Elbow Striking Technique)

This Kon Muay is one of the Mae Mai in blocking the opponent's punch by using the arm to guard one's head, then swaying the body slightly in order to let the punch past the side of the neck..

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender approaches with his right foot, guarding his head with his hand so that the attacker's punch is deflected by his arm. He then again steps his right foot quickly and throws an elbow upward towards the middle of his opponent's forehead.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.17 Kon Suan Thuan (Riposting With Lance Technique)

This Kon Muay is the Mae Mai or Teacher's technique for the training in punch blocking by alternating the weight bearing foot and pushing the arm forwards in order that the opponent's punch misses the shoulder and the fighter will have a clear view of targets for attacking as he wishes. This technique is the same as Kon Paksa Waek Rang.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face, while holding his left had on guard.

The defender steps his right foot forwards slightly towards the punch, without blinking his eyes, putting his weight on his right foot and throwing his left straight punch with a swinging shoulder, moving the upper arm inwards in the upward direction so that the opponent's punch will narrowly miss his head. In this position, the fighter will be able to see clearly the unprotected areas where he can attack either with a right punch or a right elbow or a left kick at the ribs or a knee.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.18 Kon Khlun Krathop Fang
(The Waves Hitting the Shore Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter a punch by rotating the body close to the opponent and pounding a reverse elbow at his chest or ribs.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face.

The defender steps his left foot slantwise leftward of the opponent, then uses his left foot as the pivot, turning the body to throw a reverse elbow to the opponent's chest or ribs.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.19 Kon Batha Lup Pak (The Foot Touching the Face Technique)

This Kon Muay uses a hand to swipe a straight punch away and riposts with a straight kick aimed at the attacker's chin.

The attacker approaches throwing a left straight punch at the point of the defender's face.
The defender uses his right hand to swipe the punch away, and simultaneously throws a right kick at the opponent's chin.

If the attacker throws a right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.20 Kon Khun Yak Pha Nang
(The Giant Lord Abducting the Lady Technique)

This Kon Muay is the Mae Mai for reducing the opponent's punch force by slowing it and opening an opportunity to return a knee kick or punch as wished.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight
punch at the defender's face.

The defender steps right with his right foot diagonally to the outer circle to escape the punch. He then steps his left foot to be at close quarters, using his left arm to enfold the opponent's trunk and throws him down with his hip.

If the attacker throws the right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.21 Kon Phraram Chong Thanon (Rama Building the Road Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter a punch by riposting with a punch and a kick at the same time.

The attacker approaches throwing a right punch aiming at the defender's shoulder, while guarding with his left hand.

The defender steps his left foot diagonally to the outer circle in order to throw a punch and a kick to the guard. He then throws a right punch to the opponent's face and a right kick to his ribs at the same time.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

NA RAI BAN SEAN

1.1.22 Kon Na Rai Ban Sean (Narai Chopping the Head Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter a punch by employing a swinging punch over the arm to the head or temple which could kill the opponent.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch aiming at the defender's face, while guarding with his left arm.

The defender steps his right foot diagonally to the right, the weight on the right foot, he then throws a swinging left punch aiming at the opponent's temple, and prepares to following with a right punch.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.23 Kon Luk Khang Chap Mat (The Chin Trapping the Fist Technique)

This effectiveness o Kon Muay depends on the accuracy of the diversion of the head and the alteration of the body movement as in Ma Yong steps (lit: Horse Walking).

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch aimed at the defender's face.

The defender steps with his right foot diagonally and bends his body slightly in order to be at close quarters so that the opponent's punch narrowly misses the left side of his neck. He then swiftly turns his head to press the opponent's arm with the chin, and at the same time strikes the left hand to the opponent's elbow to strain the arm, or follows by twisting the elbow, using the Kon Hiran Muan Paen Din technique.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.24 Kon Rakrae Hak Khaen (The Armpit Breaking the Arm Technique)
This Kon Muay is used to counter a straight punch at the face by swinging the arm to swipe away the punch, then trapping the opponent's wrist with the armpit, and striking with the palm at his elbow in order to break his arm.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face, whilst guarding with the left hand.

The defender steps a little bit forwards diagonally, bending his body slightly, the body weight on the right foot, whilst his left arm stretches to block the punch and hits the opponent's arm at close quarters. He then traps the opponent's wrist under his armpit, using his left palm to strike upward at the opponent's elbow in order to break his arm.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.25 Kon Sok Taitoi (The Elbow at the Nape of the neck Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to counter a punch by ducking under it, then pushing the body backwards and throwing an elbow aimed at the attacker's nape.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face, while guarding with his left hand.

The defender changes his foot to the left one to step leftward, and simultaneously ducks down under the attacker's arm. He then brings his right foot swiftly to the back of his attacker, jumps up and throws the right elbow at the deep spot of the opponent's nape. This action could make the opponent dumb or injure his nervous system.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.26 Kon Narai Khwang Chak (Narai Throwing the Disc Technique)

This Kon Muay is used to return a punch by throwing a powerful swinging punch which might break the opponent's ribs.

The attacker approaches throwing a right straight punch at the defender's face, while guarding with his left hand.

The defender steps with his left foot diagonally into the outer circle, the weight on his left foot, and using his left foot as a pivot, he then holds his right fist tightly, bending the fist for a swinging punch, turns his body and throws his arm as if hitting by a swinging a piece of wood. This action could break the opponent's ribs or jaw.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.27 Kon Lom Khun Thuan (Falling the War Lord Technique)

This Kon Muay is a technique for countering a punch by kicking with the back of a foot.

The attacker approaches throwing the left straight punch at the defender's face, while holding his right arm up to guard his chin.

The defender steps with his left foot leftward, throwing his weight on his right foot and using his left foot as the main bearing. He pushes the opponent's punch away with his right hand. He simultaneously throws a right kick with the back of the foot aimed at the left side of the opponent's chin, and a let punch is ready to followed.

If the attacker throws the right punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.28 Kon Hanuman Hak Dan (Hanuman Destroying the Frontier Technique)

This Kon Muay uses both elbow and knee at the same time. It is the Mai Muay for infighting or countering a punch or elbow, then moving into close quarters. This technique can be used both at arm's length and at close quarters.

The attacker approaches throwing a right punch or swinging an elbow aimed at the defender's chest.

The defender steps with his left foot in order to be in the outer circle, then swiftly pushes himself close to the opponent , and simultaneously throws his knee to the end of the opponent's stenum, and his elbow to the chin at the same time.

If the attacker throws a left punch or a left elbow, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

1.1.29 Kon Chorakhe Fat Hang (The Crocodile Lashing its Tail Technique)

This Kon Muay uses the heel to hit the opponent's back when he is throwing a powerful punch, but losing his balance. His back is not covered, thus the fighter will turn his body to throw a swinging heel kick to the kidney. This could damage the kidney.

The attacker approaches throwing a powerful right straight punch, but his body leans forwards and he loses his balance.

The defender steps with his right foot diagonally to the outer circle to escape the punch, and letting it pass over his right shoulder about one keub (equivalent to the span between the ends of the thumb and middle finger). He then uses his left foot as a pivot to turn his heel to strike the opponent's kidney at the back. This action could damage the opponent's kidney.

If the attacker throws a left punch, the defender follows the same procedure but opposite hand.

Kon Muay Thai

1.1.1 Kon Salap Fan Pla (Zig-Zag Technique)
1.1.2 Kon Paksa Waek Rang (The Bird Breaking Through the Nest Technique)
1.1.3 Kon Chawa Sat Hok (The Javanese Throwing the Spear Technique)
1.1.4 Kon Inao Taeng Krit (Inao Stabbing with Kris Technique)
1.1.5 Kon Yo Khao Phrasumen (Lifting Mt. Sumen [Mt. Meru] Technique)
1.1.6 Kon Ta Then Kam Fak
(The Elder Holding Up Pods Technique)
1.1.7 Kon Mon Yan Lak
(The Mon Pressing Against the Pillar
Technique)
1.1.8 Kon Khun Suk Ti Thuan
(The Warlord Fighting with the Lance Technique)
1.1.9 Kon Dap Chawala (Extinguish the Lamp Technique)
1.1.10 Kon Nu Tai Rao
(The Mouse Climbing the Line Technique)
1.1.11 Kon Erawan Soei Nga
(The Divine Elephant Pushing the Tusks
Technique)
1.1.12 Kon Hanuman Thawai Waen
(Hanuman Presenting the Ring Technique)
1.1.13 Kon Hong Pik Hak (The Swan with Broken Wing Technique)
1.1.14 Kon Sak Phuang Malai
(Tattooing a Garland Technique)

1.1.15 Kon Fan Luk Buap (Slicing the Gourd Technique)
1.1.16 Kon Pit Pok Chok Duai Sok
(Blocking, Covering and Elbow Striking Technique)
1.1.17 Kon Suan Thuan (Riposting With Lance Technique)
1.1.18 Kon Khlun Krathop Fang
(The Waves Hitting the Shore Technique)
1.1.19 Kon Batha Lup Phak (The Foot Touching the Face Technique)
1.1.20 Kon Khun Yak Pha Nang
(The Giant Lord Abducting the Lady
Technique)
1.1.21 Kon Phraram Chong Thanon
(Rama Building the Road Technique)
1.1.22 Kon Narai Ban Sean
(Narai Chopping the Head Technique)
1.1.23 Kon Luk Khang Chap Mat
(The Chin Trapping the Punch Technique)
1.1.24 Kon Rakrae Hak Khaen
(The Armpit Breaking the Arm Technique) 1.1.25 Kon Sok Taitoi
(The Elbow at the Nape of the neck Technique)
1.1.26 Kon Narai Khwang Chak
(Narai Throwing the Disc Technique)
1.1.27 Kon Lom Khun Thuan (Falling the War Lord Technique)
1.1.28 Kon Hanuman Hak Dan
(Hanuman Destroying the Frontier
Technique)
1.1.29 Kon Chorakhe Fat Hang
(The Crocodile Lashing its Tail Technique)